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Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 217 Google reviews · Running trail in Hillsboro, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fort Hill Earthworks & 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.
What runners say about Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
“Beautiful hiking trails with different trails and different degrees of difficulty.”
“The trails are also well marked with signs at the intersections, making it impossible to lose your way here.”
Great place to hike! The preserve has about 11 miles of trails. Mostly weaving through old growth hardwood forest and along Ohio Brush Creek. There is a large trail map on a sign at the trail head near the parking area. The trails are all nicely maintained and generally in good condition.
I've been wanting to go to Fort Hill for awhile. I've read reviews of the trails and they all had good reviews. I took the Gorge Trail. It was about 3/4 of a mile before you see anything that looks like a gorge trail and then it is there. I didn't expect it to be as beautiful as it is. The rock formations are stunning.
This very remote spot, which is really not in Hillsboro (it's 15 minutes outside of town), is very special. You warned the museum is not always open and this location is not good for people with mobility issues. Also note: your cell phone may not work so write down directions on how to get there and how to get home.
This is a great place to stroll through some southern Ohio woods. Many pawpaw trees as well as oak and other native plants and animals are present in the park. My brother and I visited on a Friday morning and were the only visitors.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hiking trails with different trails and different degrees of difficulty.”
“Great hiking just north of Peebles with some good hills, outcroppings, archaeological history - and a couple creek crossings if you follow the Mountain Lovers trail 😊”
“There is a large trail map on a sign at the trail head near the parking area.”
“The trails are also well marked with signs at the intersections, making it impossible to lose your way here.”
Plan your run at Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteohiohistory.org
- Phone+1 800-283-8905
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Hillsboro
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Miller Nature Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
Secluded preserve with hiking trails, waterfalls and other rock formations.
Arc of Appalachia
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
This nature preserve featuring marked trails through lush greenery, with towering trees, wildflowers and caves.
Harmony Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 87 reviews
Hiking area with a playground, picnic tables, and public restroom.
