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Big Flats Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Running trail in Big Flats, New York · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Big Flats Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

Dog-friendly

What runners say about Big Flats Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (14 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Western end of the rail trail thru Sperr Park. Parking area a little smaller at this entrance. No picnic benches on this end. People are getting better about dogs. There has been issues with owners running them off lead and not cleaning up after them. No dog ban yet, but possibly in the future.

★★★★★ — Malachi , Dec 2022

We love it here. Walk/run multiple times a week. Its always quiet and well kept. Lots of animals to see which my kid loves. Very dog friendly, but they do need to be on leash and bring bags to pick up after them.

★★★★★ — Stephanie , Jun 2026

Used to haul trains, now it’s all trees, Big Flats Trail is a stroll with ease. Flat, relaxed, and tourist-approved— A perfect path that’s greatly improved!

★★★★★ — Eric , May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 14 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“Very dog friendly, but they do need to be on leash and bring bags to pick up after them.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Big Flats Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Where to find Big Flats Trail

3 Hibbard Rd, Big Flats, NY 14814

Get directions

Running trails near Big Flats

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Sperr Memorial Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 46 reviews

Elmira Heights, NY

Scenic

under a mile away

Personious Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ 34 reviews

Elmira, NY

Dog-friendly

2.8 miles away

Steege Hill Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 26 reviews

Corning, NY

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

3.1 miles away

Plymouth Woods Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 10 reviews

Pine City, NY

4.2 miles away

Thorne St Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 155 reviews

Horseheads, NY

Dog-friendly

Park with picnic, play, and athletic areas, a pool, and a walking trail.

5.3 miles away

Teal Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 81 reviews

Horseheads, NY

Small park featuring a gazebo and events like live music and picnics.

5.7 miles away

All running trails in Big Flats, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.