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Black Swamp Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 127 Google reviews · Running trail in Bowling Green, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Black Swamp Preserve'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.

PavedScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsWater

What runners say about Black Swamp Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (127 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 8 mentions

“It's always really clean, there are a bunch of restrooms and water fountains along the park.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful trail, tons of scenery, a few parks along the way and plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains”

What a great trail. Paved the whole way with beautiful sights and sounds. We felt very safe, and a police officer was driving in the trail saying hi to everyone. The trail was of sufficient length to get a good workout in. I will be visiting again!

★★★★★ — Chackie , Oct 2025

Been living in BG for 27 years, been driving my new Ebike around because my car is kaput. This is a very nice trail, clean, pretty, quiet, and safe. 10/10.

★★★★★ — Jackybs , Oct 2022

It was very beautiful. 4 stars just because the online advertising makes it seem as though there is more to the park. There is only a trail to walk/ ride bikes on. Very beautiful! My son and I came across a doe and 3 fawn crossing the path 10 feet in front of us. She was calm. Used to people. I managed pics and video.

★★★★☆ — Kennetha , Jul 2021

Not the most exciting path, but if you go in the winter, there’s lots of fun ice.

★★★★☆ — Hope , Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 127 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.

🚻 Restrooms 7 mentions

“Beautiful trail, tons of scenery, a few parks along the way and plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains”

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🛣️ Paved surface 6 mentions

“The opening and closing times on Google Maps don’t match up with the trail sign but it’s a lovely paved path through a large meadow leading to a bike path.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Beautiful trail, tons of scenery, a few parks along the way and plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“As soon as you get home strip and put all your clothes and dogs leash and harness in the dryer.”

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🚰 Water fountains 2 mentions

“Beautiful trail, tons of scenery, a few parks along the way and plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains”

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Plan your run at Black Swamp Preserve

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 trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitewcparks.org
  • Phone(419) 353-1897
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday 8 AM–8 PM
Friday 8 AM–8 PM
Saturday 8 AM–8 PM
Sunday 8 AM–8 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 Swamp Preserve

1014 S Maple St, Bowling Green, OH 43402

Get directions

Running trails near Bowling Green

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

Slippery Elm Trail: North Terminus

4.7 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Bowling Green, OH

PavedShadedScenic

Open-air setting with asphalt, pavement and woods trails for hiking and cycling, plus restrooms.

under a mile away

Wintergarden

4.8 ★★★★★ 372 reviews

Bowling Green, OH

ScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Bowling Green City Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 232 reviews

Bowling Green, OH

LitScenic

1.4 miles away

Simpson Garden Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 511 reviews

Bowling Green, OH

ScenicDog-friendly

1.6 miles away

Fuller Preserve

4.1 ★★★★☆ 26 reviews

Bowling Green, OH

0.4 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

5.4 miles away

Farnsworth Metropark

4.8 ★★★★★ 696 reviews

Waterville, OH

8 miScenic

Narrow stretch of green space on the Maumee River with a trail, playground & boat/kayak launch.

9.5 miles away

All running trails in Bowling Green, 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.