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Cox Arboretum MetroPark
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,453 Google reviews · Running trail in Dayton, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cox Arboretum MetroPark'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.
Scenic retreat with gardens & a butterfly habitat, plus walking trails & classes for all ages.
What runners say about Cox Arboretum MetroPark
“The restrooms are clean and inside the Barbara Cox center, which also houses a significant amount of botanical literature.”
“A beautiful place with shorter and longer walks, so many trees, and a beautiful tower to climb!”
“The trails, of which there are many, are well marked and walk through some wooded areas that are refreshing on a hot day.”
“🌿 The park offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful plants, vibrant flowers, and serene lakes and ponds.”
“This place is great for people of all ages.”
Cox Arboretum MetroPark is a truly stunning gem of nature. 🌿 The park offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful plants, vibrant flowers, and serene lakes and ponds. The winding paths invite you to explore and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Beautiful place to enjoy nature walk on paved trails or longer walks on dirt trails. Neat playground, observation tower, beautiful grounds and wildflower woodland. Trails were clearly marked, check map for length of trails. Lovely spot to enjoy peaceful time observing beauty of nature.
Superbly maintained, large park. Has a nice mix of paved and unpaved walking trails, including some through forests and tall grass prairies. Nice views from the tower. Visitor's Center could use more displays about local wildlife, especially birds.
A beautiful place with shorter and longer walks, so many trees, and a beautiful tower to climb! We got lucky with late fall foliage.
Trail conditions & character
“If you have the energy and desire, they have a large tree tower with panoramic views of the grounds.”
“🌿 The park offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful plants, vibrant flowers, and serene lakes and ponds.”
“A beautiful place with shorter and longer walks, so many trees, and a beautiful tower to climb!”
“Has a nice mix of paved and unpaved walking trails, including some through forests and tall grass prairies.”
“The restrooms are clean and inside the Barbara Cox center, which also houses a significant amount of botanical literature.”
“This park is one of the few places where nature truly shines, making it a perfect spot for dog walks and relaxing picnics.”
Plan your run at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
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
- Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Websitemetroparks.org
- Phone(937) 275-7275
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
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