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Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 291 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Christmas Rocks State Nature 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.
Hike or walk along a network of trails at this forested nature preserve, which has a covered bridge.
What runners say about Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
“It's quiet, peaceful, well maintained and marked, and even on a hot summer day it was cooler in the forest than around it.”
“TL;DR this place has a great view and you should definitely check it out if you're prepared for a somewhat challenging hike.”
“Things to know: winding 2 lane road to reach preserve; walk on gravel path before reaching entrance clearly marked.”
“It's quiet, peaceful, well maintained and marked, and even on a hot summer day it was cooler in the forest than around it.”
TL;DR this place has a great view and you should definitely check it out if you're prepared for a somewhat challenging hike. Long version: Before you go here, make a couple preparations so you'll have a good experience.
I hiked the orange and blue trails. I didn't take the Jacob's Ladder trail but the second trail to where scenic views are. Definitely worth it and glad it is when the fall foliage is on full display. The blue trail has some challenging parts to it but is more winding up the hill than an abrupt steep climb.
A coworker told me about this place, and I'm very glad I went! There's a trail out with two consecutive loops as you get further into the preserve, like a double lollipop. The trail is indeed steep in some sections, a definite surprise for Ohio, and central Ohio in particular.
This is a very pretty place, and well worth a stop. Only 2 short trails, but I recommend that you download a map before you go so you know how they are connecting with each other. All Ohio state parks and nature preserves have maps on their websites that you can download to your phone.
Trail conditions & character
“TL;DR this place has a great view and you should definitely check it out if you're prepared for a somewhat challenging hike.”
“There was a good mix of up and down hill, level trails, wide, well maintained trails, and narrow muddy paths.”
“The parking area is separated from the trail head by about 30 feet, but there is adequate signage all around, so no worries about getting lost.”
“There was a good mix of up and down hill, level trails, wide, well maintained trails, and narrow muddy paths.”
“It's quiet, peaceful, well maintained and marked, and even on a hot summer day it was cooler in the forest than around it.”
“Have no fear first timers the nature preserve is well marked.”
“Things to know: winding 2 lane road to reach preserve; walk on gravel path before reaching entrance clearly marked.”
“Personally I would rather hike up the first part of the orange loop rather than come down it.”
“There was a good mix of up and down hill, level trails, wide, well maintained trails, and narrow muddy paths.”
“Other things to know: there's no restroom or drinking water here.”
Plan your run at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone+1 740-687-6651
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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