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Char-Mar Ridge Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 369 Google reviews · Running trail in Westerville, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Char-Mar Ridge 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.
What runners say about Char-Mar Ridge Park
“Beautiful, well maintained park with a natural playground area, walking trail and wildlife viewing blind.”
“Beautiful, well maintained park with a natural playground area, walking trail and wildlife viewing blind.”
“This park, to me, is the epitome of a moderate physical workout and a peaceful "head" workout.”
“It is an all gravel trail, maintained great, and is an easy trail.”
We live super close to this park and finally went to check it out. Great little hiking loop with stream access and plenty of parking. We will have to come back once we get rain again. The kids enjoyed the bird watching area and had a good time. I think I will have to come back and use it as a trail running spot.
Can I give it 10 stars? Would if I could! This park, to me, is the epitome of a moderate physical workout and a peaceful "head" workout. The trail is (approx) 1.8 miles around a center pond.
This was a very fun hike and beautiful park. A lot of ample parking. There is a public restroom. The trail is a 1.5 mile loop. There are exercise signs all throughout the trail as it's a Flex Fit trail.
This is a great place! The trail is a little short but is beautiful and well maintained. They have good restrooms and a nice nature viewing area. We hopped on the Ohio to Erie trail and took it all the way up the road and then turned around and finished our circle. It made a great 4.2 miles.
Trail conditions & character
“Along the way are strength break signs to prompt the users to pump up their workout with walking lunges, flutter kicks, etc, and an observation deck to view the pond and wildlife.”
“5 mile loop walking trail with areas to explore along the way, including a nature observation area that looks out on a lake.”
“Didn't check out the restrooms, but I hope they were clean.”
“This park, to me, is the epitome of a moderate physical workout and a peaceful "head" workout.”
“The trails are wide and has enough elevation changes to get a good hike in.”
“Great little hiking loop with stream access and plenty of parking.”
“The trail is not paved but is flat enough you could absolutely take a stroller if needed.”
“The trail is not paved but is flat enough you could absolutely take a stroller if needed.”
“The trail is not paved but is flat enough you could absolutely take a stroller if needed.”
“It is an all gravel trail, maintained great, and is an easy trail.”
Plan your run at Char-Mar Ridge Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitepreservationparks.com
- Phone(740) 524-8600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
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