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Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Running trail in Ashland, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area'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.

PavedLoopScenicTrailhead parking

What runners say about Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (24 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Beautiful park, so much to see.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“I was pleasantly surprised to discover the trails to be well marked and maintained.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

I was pleasantly surprised to discover the trails to be well marked and maintained. I know this place has Hunting Area in its name but what I found was a beautiful easy trail area with benches over looking the pond and a small picnic area with a table surrounded by amazing wildflowers.

★★★★★ — Michael , Sep 2023

Black Fork Bottoms is a shared use area, so it's important to pay attention to when it's open for hunting only. A great place to walk the dog. Mowed paths, a big swamp and an overlook of the entire area. A real hidden gem right off US 42

★★★★☆ — Terri , Oct 2020

Nice trail close to home! Clearly marked and nice views. Just under 2 miles for the outer loop.

★★★★★ — Elsie , May 2023

Nice trails to walk. But the bus are out in force. Remember this is a swamp bug type area.

★★★★☆ — Denise , Jul 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“Mowed paths, a big swamp and an overlook of the entire area.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“Just under 2 miles for the outer loop.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websiteashlandcountyparks.com
  • Phone+1 419-606-4561
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–9 pm
Tuesday 6 am–9 pm
Wednesday 6 am–9 pm
Thursday 6 am–9 pm
Friday 6 am–9 pm
Saturday 6 am–9 pm
Sunday 6 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area

1457 US-42, Ashland, OH 44805

Get directions

Running trails near Ashland

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

Blackfork Wetlands

4.7 ★★★★★ 25 reviews

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BoardwalkScenic

under a mile away

Gilliom-Cherp Nature Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 46 reviews

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Natural surface

1.0 miles away

Fleming Falls Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 120 reviews

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Scenic

Forest and meadows interlace this nature area, where trails wind past waterfalls and streams.

1.6 miles away

South Fork Loop Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

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Loop

1.7 miles away

Donaldson Family Trail

4.2 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews

Mansfield, OH

1.8 miles away

Carpenter Nature Preserve

4 ★★★★☆ 29 reviews

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1.9 miles away

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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.