HomeOhioAthens › Fox Lake Wildlife Area

Fox Lake Wildlife Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews · Running trail in Athens, Ohio · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Fox Lake Wildlife Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicQuiet

Relaxing lake and wildlife area featuring boating, hiking and fishing.

What runners say about Fox Lake Wildlife Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (111 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“The upgraded ramp and dock are wonderful, making this peaceful and scenic lake an excellent choice for a relaxing day fishing 🎣.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“The upgraded ramp and dock are wonderful, making this peaceful and scenic lake an excellent choice for a relaxing day fishing 🎣.”

Scenic area and lake. Fox Lake Wildlife Area is well maintained and does have unmarked trails alongside the lake. There aren't any amenities as this is a wildlife area and not a state park.

★★★★☆ — Rjd , Jan 2023

A beautiful little lake with quick access from Athens. There's a boat ramp and dock, hiking trail, and lots of woods.

★★★★★ — Rob , Nov 2017

Another great place nearby to kayak, especially very early in the morning. It's not a very big lake, but it doesn't have as much road noise as Stroud's run and that's a bonus. I especially like the small boat assist that is attached to the dock. Makes it very easy to get in and out.

★★★★★ — Alias , Jun 2023

Lots of weeds this year near the dock but great kayaking out in the middle. Beautiful flowers and great pull offs to take hikes.

★★★★☆ — Nancy , Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 111 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“The upgraded ramp and dock are wonderful, making this peaceful and scenic lake an excellent choice for a relaxing day fishing 🎣.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“The upgraded ramp and dock are wonderful, making this peaceful and scenic lake an excellent choice for a relaxing day fishing 🎣.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Fox Lake Wildlife Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • Websitewildlife.ohiodnr.gov
  • Phone(740) 589-9930
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Fox Lake Wildlife Area

Athens, Ohio

Get directions

Running trails near Athens

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

Woodcock Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

New Marshfield, OH

1.6 miles away

4.4 miles away

Ora Anderson Trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Athens, OH

4.5 miles away

Athens West State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 250 reviews

Athens, OH

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

Venue offering a kids' playground, dog park, multiple baseball fields & access to biking trail.

4.7 miles away

Richland Avenue Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 186 reviews

Athens, OH

ShadedScenic

Leafy public green space featuring a playground & picnic shelter with tables & a grill.

5.0 miles away

Emeriti Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 137 reviews

Athens, OH

Scenic

Landscaped 2-pond, relaxing green space for walking or resting on benches.

5.4 miles away

All running trails in Athens, OH →

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.