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Desonier State Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Coolville, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Desonier State Nature Preserve'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.
Park with streams, wildflowers, and caves offering 2.5 miles of hiking trails.
What runners say about Desonier State Nature Preserve
“It doesn't seem to be that busy, the trail is well maintained, and it is just right for a decent hike at 2 miles.”
“UPDATE: The old trail with all the picturesque bridges crossing streams is no longer open.”
“It’s almost completely shady and easy to follow trails, which are well marked.”
The bridges of Athens county. UPDATE: The old trail with all the picturesque bridges crossing streams is no longer open. I assume this is a permanent change as they took out the first bridge and put up signs on the parts of the trail that cross the new trail. This is a shame as that is what made it unique.
So many beautiful little streams, and tons of mushrooms, including baby chanterelles. We also saw an owl that flew away before any photos could be taken. Somewhat muddy, and somewhat buggy. For a Minnesota hiker it was no big deal.
This is a state nature preserve, and it has excellent trails that are well maintained. There are rock formations, a creek, and scenic views along both of the trails. The parking area is large and there aren't any restrooms.
Great trail system and decently maintained. Several widow makers were obvious while hiking, making the trail a hazard in some spots. Several trees are on the brink of falling off water fall and unto trail.
Trail conditions & character
“UPDATE: The old trail with all the picturesque bridges crossing streams is no longer open.”
“I’ve seen more mosquitoes in the first five yards of hikes at Father Hennepin state park than I did in this entire five mile loop.”
“There is some walking at the lower level, but the full loop includes a climb to the ridge top.”
“It’s almost completely shady and easy to follow trails, which are well marked.”
“I will grant them that a lot of the trail was low lying and could be muddy, but if they shut it down for that reason it seems like there would be better alternatives.”
“There is some walking at the lower level, but the full loop includes a climb to the ridge top.”
“Nice place to walk around spring flowers blooming, I see no restrooms or picnic tables.”
Plan your run at Desonier State Nature Preserve
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 distance2.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenaturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
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