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Alley Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 816 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Alley 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.
Public park featuring picnic areas and a covered bridge, plus trails, a pond, and canoeing.
What runners say about Alley Park
“Plenty of parking, dogs permitted, well maintained trails, lots of picnic tables, two shelters and the event center can be reserved and rented.”
“The gorgeous covered bridge, the event center combined with Lake Loretta and the surrounding trees provide excellent photography in countless directions!”
“Pretty lights and such an easy walk!”
Great park in Lancaster. There are many things to do. All in a beautiful setting. The trails are well maintained and range from mild to difficult. Along the trails you can see fascinating rock formations. For fishing there is Lake Loretta and the smaller Twin Lakes.
This place has lots of short trails, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours here. There are two small lakes, a nature center, a covered bridge, and most of it is a wooded landscape. There are plenty of birds and other wildlife to see here.
Wow what a gem so close to Lancaster! This place has great scenery, nice trails, and a beautiful pavilion that can be rented for events. It was not too crowded when we went either; a welcome break from the fall crowds at Hocking Hills.
Such a wonderful park. The story trail around the lake is a great addition for young kids to enjoy. Beautiful park!
Trail conditions & character
“The gorgeous covered bridge, the event center combined with Lake Loretta and the surrounding trees provide excellent photography in countless directions!”
“Alley Park is part of the Lancaster park system, located just off Route 33 on the way to the Hocking Hills.”
“There are also shelter houses, a cabin, covered bridge, a lodge that you can rent out, nature center, plenty of parking, lots of open green space and permanent restrooms.”
“There’s also are also walking & hiking trails, including a mostly level trail around the lake, along with more challenging trails above.”
“There are also shelter houses, a cabin, covered bridge, a lodge that you can rent out, nature center, plenty of parking, lots of open green space and permanent restrooms.”
“There is a sample "eagle's nest", a station for strollers or wheelchairs where kids can run their hands through forest treasures at their height!”
Plan your run at Alley Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitelancasterparks.com
- Phone+1 740-687-6651
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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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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