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Clear Creek Metro Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 243 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Clear Creek Metro 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.
Protected area of woodland, ravines & sandstone cliffs, popular for hiking, fishing & picnics.
What runners say about Clear Creek Metro Park
“The clear is stunning that flows through the area and provides a beautiful backdrop for picnic lunches or fishing.”
“It's a great quiet spot to chill out, and enjoy nature.”
“The dog friendly trail along the river was my dogs absolute favorite.”
Went to hike the Creekside, Fern and Hemlock trails. This is a pretty strenuous 4.5 mile hike. There are two major up and down trails. Bring plenty of water and maybe a snack. Very beautiful and wooded. Hope to return in the Fall.
Awesome park! Trails galore! Beautiful scenery! Trails are easy to difficult and I would strongly recommend hiking boots along with a pair of walking sticks to keep you steady on the uneven terrain. There are fishing spots all along the creek so bring your poles and enjoy!
Been coming here once a week since the pandemic started. It's the best place to hike. Cemetery Ridge to Chestnut trail is a good 8-ish miles. Go to one end or the other for a shorter hike. There's an old barn on the ridge.
This is a gem among the Metro Parks - one of the few that has challenging unimproved trails with steep climbs. I only wish that more of the trails allowed pets at this park. Beautiful and diverse forest communities with some neat historic bits hidden away.
Trail conditions & character
“The clear is stunning that flows through the area and provides a beautiful backdrop for picnic lunches or fishing.”
“Another great hike today ran up all the inclines for a crazy workout today 🤪 no dogs aloud on this trail.”
“This is a gem among the Metro Parks - one of the few that has challenging unimproved trails with steep climbs.”
“It's a great quiet spot to chill out, and enjoy nature.”
“If youre looking for Benua Loop Trail, it isnt marked from the road.”
“The area has several trails and the parking lots/trailheads are well stocked with maps- i recommended grabbing one, as you definitely will lose service out there.”
Plan your run at Clear Creek Metro Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websitemetroparks.net
- Phone+1 740-969-8210
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Lancaster
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Clear Creek Metro Park
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Scenic park & nature preserve with forests, wildlife & extensive trails, plus canoeing & fishing.
Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
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Hike or walk along a network of trails at this forested nature preserve, which has a covered bridge.
Alley Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 816 reviews
Public park featuring picnic areas and a covered bridge, plus trails, a pond, and canoeing.