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French Run Trail
3.9 ★★★★☆ 11 Google reviews · Running trail in Lebanon, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from French Run Trail'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 French Run Trail
“7 mile loop with lots of beautiful trees and various spots to enjoy the river.”
“The trail is not always well marked with signs, but the trail is worn enough to find your way with little effort.”
“It is peaceful and secluded, except for the areas that lead to the Colonial Park fields.”
This trail is a totally hidden gem in Lebanon. Several months ago, I learned about the bridge on this trail from a spread in Cincinnati Magazine—the trail was not even on Google Maps! There’s no marker for the beginning of the trail, so it may look a little “shady”. The trail entrance is behind the post office.
I'm local and the City has made massive efforts to cleanup and make new trails. Even creating large stone paths across creeks. I didn't even recognize those woods anymore! Access from multiple parks around town. Dirt Paths clearly marked throughout the whole trail. 2.8 miles of winding paths throughout the woods.
We’ve always visited the swinging bridge in Lebanon, Ohio, but this was our first time actually hiking the French Run Trail—and it really impressed us. The trail is pretty long, which I liked. It feels like you're getting a full experience. Most of the path is shaded, which made it a lot more comfortable to walk.
A nice surprisingly long trail in an otherwise town setting. My only issue was the shocking amount of broken glass/ceramic throughout the entirety of the trail. I picked up as much as I could manage.
Trail conditions & character
“We found a big rock, sat down, and put our feet in the water near a small waterfall.”
“It is peaceful and secluded, except for the areas that lead to the Colonial Park fields.”
“There’s no marker for the beginning of the trail, so it may look a little “shady”.”
“In a few places, you will get your shoes wet and muddy as you cross.”
Plan your run at French Run Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitelebanonohio.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Lebanon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Miller Ecological Park
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Lebanon MTB Park
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Keever Trails
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