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Black River Reservation

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Elyria, Ohio · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
4.5 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Black River Reservation'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.

Paved4.5 miScenicDog-friendly

What runners say about Black River Reservation

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (43 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Dog park is a wonderful addition and seems to be well maintained.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Fantastic trail with beautiful views!”

Nice place to walk with pet or kids. My little one love this place. Enjoy!

★★★★☆ — Kim , Nov 2022

Fantastic trail with beautiful views! It connects to other nearby trails, making it easy to stretch your run into a half marathon or more. I love running here—it’s never too crowded and leads to great spots like playgrounds and scenic areas to sit and take in the view. Definitely worth checking out!

★★★★★ — Jake , Mar 2025

Great place to walk and plenty of sightseeing, and if you wish to walk in the shade it is very comfortable any time of the day.

★★★★★ — Michael , Jul 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 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

“Fantastic trail with beautiful views!”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Dog park is a wonderful addition and seems to be well maintained.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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Plan your run at Black River Reservation

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • Distance4.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • 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.
  • Websiteloraincountymetroparks.com
  • Phone(800) 526-7275
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Black River Reservation

1495 Gulf Rd, Elyria, OH 44035

Get directions

Running trails near Elyria

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

Hilltop Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Elyria, OH

under a mile away

Finwood Forest Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 95 reviews

Elyria, OH

Scenic

Park with walking trails and a waterfall, plus opportunities for photography and remote-control truck use.

under a mile away

Black River Reservation Bur Oak

4.7 ★★★★★ 353 reviews

Elyria, OH

4.5 miPavedScenic

Park featuring a paved trail and multiple short secondary trails, plus picnic facilities.

under a mile away

Bur Oak

4.5 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

Elyria, OH

Scenic

under a mile away

Black River Reservation High Meadows

4.6 ★★★★★ 403 reviews

Elyria, OH

4.5 miPavedScenic

Two paved multipurpose trails follow the Black River in this community park with 3 picnic areas.

under a mile away

Lorain County Metro Parks High Meadows Shelter #1

4.7 ★★★★★ 191 reviews

Elyria, OH

10 miScenic

Popular outdoor area featuring a playground, picnic sites and a 10-mile trail popular for walking and running.

1.0 miles away

All running trails in Elyria, OH →

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.