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Denison Biological Reserve / Polly Anderson Field Station
4.8 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · Running trail in Granville, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Denison Biological Reserve / Polly Anderson Field Station'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.
Woodland preserve spanning 350 acres and offering easy trails for hiking and trail running, along with bird-watching.
What runners say about Denison Biological Reserve / Polly Anderson Field Station
“Well maintained trails that are for the most part easy.”
“A beautiful expansive preserve that is great for a hike or spotting nature.”
“Quiet and peaceful even on a sunny December Saturday with temps in the 50s.”
The perfect place to hike, exercise, explore, and get lost in your thoughts... 🍃 Denison Biological Reserve spans a huge 350 acres including forest, orchards (pine, spruce, sugar maple and yellow poplar), old plantations, ponds, and agricultural fields.
The bio reserve is my go to for trail running. If you want low elevation change the south side trails are best. The north side trails provide more elevation change. The nature is always abundant. Pileated woodpecker in the picture. Deer and squirrels everywhere.
Great place to hike and bird with many different micro habitats. Good for a trail run as well. The best part is they have great maps to mark the trails.
Thank you Denison University for this priceless gem in our community. My 18 month old and my family really loved every minute of hiking in this 350 acre woods preserve. You can get lost in the forest and forget about the world. Many varieties of trails. It took us almost two hours to hike most of the trails.
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful expansive preserve that is great for a hike or spotting nature.”
“Sometimes the parking lot is stuffed full but I usually don’t see another person more than once or twice once we hit the tr-8@z”
“Trail was very muddy & wet on parts, but that was expected due to the recent rains.”
“Hiked a couple of trails for an hour a few weekends ago and my dogs were nice and tired so I could watch the Buckeyes in peace.”
“Quiet and peaceful even on a sunny December Saturday with temps in the 50s.”
Plan your run at Denison Biological Reserve / Polly Anderson Field Station
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
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedenison.edu
- Phone(740) 587-0810
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Granville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Granville Recreation District
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Park along the TJ Evans bike path featuring a picnic shelter, a play structure & a soccer field.
Raccoon Trail
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Spring Valley Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 275 reviews
Wooded preserve on 45 acres featuring marked nature trails, an open field & a picnic shelter.
Licking Park District
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Park featuring trails and a playground, plus equestrian facilities and a lake for fishing and boating.