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Forest Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 715 Google reviews · Running trail in Ottawa, Kansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest 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.
Relaxed park, with basketball courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, a disc golf course, a skateboard area, dog parks and a swimming pool.
What runners say about Forest Park
“It has beautiful open spaces under huge trees as well as too many amenities to list.”
“Lots of shady trees and green grass for stretching out and having a picnic, but if you like there's plenty of tables, too.”
I love this place! I've been coming to this beautiful park for well over 50 years, and still after all these many years every time I come I find something so beautiful I just want to share it with everyone. Yesterday was no different.
We went to the ol' Marias River Run car show here. It was a blast. It is by far my favorite place for a car show. Lots of shade and stuff for the kids to play on.
Great park & play area! Had grandson, Ezekiel's 7th birthday picnic here Aug 26 at his request! It was nice to enjoy the sounds of summer with kids laughing, folks playing horseshoes & squirrels chattering & chasing each other. And lots of room for everyone!
Trail conditions & character
“And over the past few years they've even added more play equipment for children and a dog park for our furry friends too!”
“It has beautiful open spaces under huge trees as well as too many amenities to list.”
“Lots of shady trees and green grass for stretching out and having a picnic, but if you like there's plenty of tables, too.”
Plan your run at Forest 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteottawaks.gov
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Ottawa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Heritage Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
Shaded park featuring a paved, 1/4-mile loop and a playground.
Kanza Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 299 reviews
Park featuring a playground, a frisbee golf course and picnic tables.
