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A.W. Marion State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 828 Google reviews · Running trail in Circleville, Ohio · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from A.W. Marion State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Open parkland offering 5 miles of hiking trails, wildlife & a lake for boating & fishing.
What runners say about A.W. Marion State Park
“The park and trails are clean and well maintained with nice spaces for fishing, picnics and camping.”
“All in all its beautiful, the blue trail follows the edge of the lake plus goes along the streams/creeks that are connected.”
“There was also quiet a bit of mud, but we had had rain within 24 hrs of taking the hike.”
The most amazing campground ever there are 2 fishing lakes, swimming beach or pool, a camp store shop, safety security gates, cabins, tents , RVs, MHS, come one come all, the sites are huge they don't pile you on top of each other, it's newly renovated, ping pong, pool, beautiful, spacious, clean I have severe PTSD &…
A.W. Marion State Park Campground aka Hargus Lake by the locals. Park is close to town, but far enough away to get some peace and quiet. Hiking trails were well maintained, clear and not to strenuous. Campground is on the backside of the lake.
Nice state park with lake. The park has several picnic areas with restrooms. Restrooms weren’t clean though. Dogs are allowed on trails. Family friendly Park with multiple activity like Boating, Fishing, Hiking etc. We particularly enjoy the 5 mile loop trail that around the lake in a circle.
Walked over dam to other side let my dog swim in lake on 25ft lead. He loves it. My other guy likes to wade in the water. Nice area for picnics tables provided, fishing dock, walking trail, shaded areas. Benches to sit on bathroom next to parking lot. Nice place!
Trail conditions & character
“All in all its beautiful, the blue trail follows the edge of the lake plus goes along the streams/creeks that are connected.”
“There was also quiet a bit of mud, but we had had rain within 24 hrs of taking the hike.”
“We have visited this park a couple of times and have enjoyed our hikes on the Hargus Lake Perimeter Loop.”
“My family of 5 did the 5 mile hiking trail (4 month old and 2 year old in carriers, almost 4 yr old walked the whole thing).”
“There are a couple of tiny water crossings over logs or rocks and there are a couple of steep hill/stair spots, but they weren't too slippery or more difficult with the weather.”
“Walked over dam to other side let my dog swim in lake on 25ft lead.”
“It had been rainy during the week before our hike (and it rained pretty hard for a while during our hike too), so there were some muddy spots.”
“The dam area is undergoing renovations at this time, so the water level is down about 5 feet from normal.”
Plan your run at A.W. Marion State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(740) 467-2690
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Circleville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Wooded park with a splash pad and playgrounds, popular for family outings.
Roundtown Trail Trailhead
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