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David H Shepherd Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 979 Google reviews · Running trail in Oak Park, Michigan · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from David H Shepherd 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestrooms

Relaxed family venue with playground, ball diamond & basketball court, picnic tables & events.

What runners say about David H Shepherd Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (979 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 8 mentions

“It's clean with the exception of a bit of dog poop some people neglect to pick up even though the park provides dog bags on stands located throughout.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Beautiful views and friendly neighborhood and our dogs love it here as well.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“One of the Best Park's in town, you can do a Nice pic-nic with the family and friends No Problems and a good walking trail and great place to take your Dog for a walk.”

Still the same as when I was growing up in Oak Park! Very large area for picnics. The trail could use an upgrade. Still one of my all time fav parks.

★★★★★ — Elle , Feb 2023

This had got to be one of the best parts to the city of Oak Park, MI! There is a little bit of everything to offer at this large, well maintained park. The city does a great job at keeping this a very family-oriented place to gather, especially through the more active summer months.

★★★★★ — Cstemp09 , Dec 2025

[please "like"if this is helpful] I've been visiting this park occasionally for 50 years, and it currently looks better than ever. I was surprised to see the level of care. Great place to run, walk, play, sled, etc.

★★★★★ — Jay , Aug 2020

One of the Best Park's in town, you can do a Nice pic-nic with the family and friends No Problems and a good walking trail and great place to take your Dog for a walk. You can park and chill. I grew up playing in this Park and I took my Step boy's there often when they were younger.

★★★★★ — Michael , Nov 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 979 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“All the classic iconic play structures are there: the train, truck, tractor tires, monkey bars, the hill!”

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🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Beautiful views and friendly neighborhood and our dogs love it here as well.”

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🚻 Restrooms 6 mentions

“Trail goes around to the different structures and the bathrooms were open when we went about a month ago.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“One of the Best Park's in town, you can do a Nice pic-nic with the family and friends No Problems and a good walking trail and great place to take your Dog for a walk.”

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Plan your run at David H Shepherd Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteoakparkmi.gov
  • Phone(248) 691-7555

Hours

Monday 6 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–10 PM
Thursday 6 AM–10 PM
Friday 6 AM–10 PM
Saturday 6 AM–10 PM
Sunday 6 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find David H Shepherd Park

24198 Church St, Oak Park, MI 48237

Get directions

Running trails near Oak Park

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Freeway Park

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Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve

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Best Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 65 reviews

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Schoolyard-adjacent park with swings, slides and picnic tables for relaxing or running around.

1.5 miles away

Catalpa Oaks County Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 583 reviews

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6 miScenic

Green space featuring 4 soccer fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a .6-mile walking and running path.

2.1 miles away

Meininger Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 186 reviews

Royal Oak, MI

ShadedDog-friendly

Park featuring a playground and picnic tables, as well as tennis courts and a small garden.

2.7 miles away

Hudson Park

4 ★★★★☆ 46 reviews

Royal Oak, MI

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Oak Park, MI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.