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Colonial Lake Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,088 Google reviews · Running trail in Charleston, South Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Colonial Lake 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.
Historic tidal pond & dog-friendly park with paved pathways, benches, fishing & open green space.
What runners say about Colonial Lake Park
“Good s energy between different trees than I usually see and very nicely maintained older homes from 18th & 19th centuries with some newer ones tossed in.”
“I think it was a wise move turning it into the beautiful park it is today.”
“The houses were nice to look at- the water was peaceful- the other people there were kind and considerate.”
“I see ppl dog walking, running, strolling, rollerskating, taking naps, doing a workout, having a picnic or enjoying just sitting on one of the many park benches relaxing.”
Such an amazing place to sit and relax for a few hours. Several people walking, fishing, and hanging out. Great location, just outside of downtown. Plenty of free parking around.
A great place to sit and relax, or walk/run around the small lake. Plenty of free parallel parking nearby. Felt like an oasis. There are a lot of bugs which made it hard to sit and enjoy the peacefulness. The sunset was really pretty.
Its very peaceful and enjoyable to walk around the lake. Very pretty views and quiet. I see ppl dog walking, running, strolling, rollerskating, taking naps, doing a workout, having a picnic or enjoying just sitting on one of the many park benches relaxing. A Charleston must do
Go here for my daily runs - probably one of the best places to go downtown. running outter laps are about half a mile. people love this area and its easy to see why. its a place to go if you just want to walk your dog, do yoga, fish, etc. one of my favorite places
Trail conditions & character
“I think it was a wise move turning it into the beautiful park it is today.”
“I see ppl dog walking, running, strolling, rollerskating, taking naps, doing a workout, having a picnic or enjoying just sitting on one of the many park benches relaxing.”
“Lots of FREE parallel parking, 🐕🐕🐶 walking, SMOKING 🚭 FREE 3 different trails.”
“The houses were nice to look at- the water was peaceful- the other people there were kind and considerate.”
“Concrete track around some water with benches all the way around.”
Plan your run at Colonial Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Charleston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Waterfront Park
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Hampton Park
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West Ashley Greenway (East Coast Greenway)
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Charleston County Parks
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