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Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 125 Google reviews · Running trail in Springfield, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gallagher Fen 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.
Serene nature preserve with a boardwalk weaving through a fen environment, plus trails leading to a cemetery.
What runners say about Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve
“Lovely, well-maintained trails through densely wooded and swamp/meadow areas, including a boardwalk.”
“It's gorgeous, lots of birds singing, squirrels, and lots of wild flowers, that are doing an excellent job attracting butterflies and dragonflies.”
“Quiet, peaceful hike that takes you down a long set of stairs and then onto a boardwalk that takes you around the nature preserve.”
This is far nicer than nearby Buck Creek State Park. I'd come here 1000 times over before going there for a hike. It's gorgeous, lots of birds singing, squirrels, and lots of wild flowers, that are doing an excellent job attracting butterflies and dragonflies. You can easily smell the wildflowers as well.
A true hidden gem! No, really - I grew up just down the road and has no idea this was here. Lovely, well-maintained trails through densely wooded and swamp/meadow areas, including a boardwalk. Great for hiking and for wildlife, especially birding.
Very neat Nature Preserve. Overall, all three trails are 1.2 miles. Part of the Fen has a boardwalk. There is a cemetery as well. Very pretty views and trails and boardwalk were well maintained. Nice signage at beginning of trail to show length and some other park info. No restroom.
Nice hike! One path leading to two loop paths. East loop is high and dry. West goes down to a creek, but has a boardwalk.
Trail conditions & character
“Quiet, peaceful hike that takes you down a long set of stairs and then onto a boardwalk that takes you around the nature preserve.”
“Unfortunately the trail signage is limited and there are no interpretive signs once you leave the parking area.”
“It's gorgeous, lots of birds singing, squirrels, and lots of wild flowers, that are doing an excellent job attracting butterflies and dragonflies.”
“Quiet, peaceful hike that takes you down a long set of stairs and then onto a boardwalk that takes you around the nature preserve.”
“Lovely, well-maintained trails through densely wooded and swamp/meadow areas, including a boardwalk.”
“Only knocks are no restrooms and only a few trails, none of great length.”
“It's also mostly flat aside from a few places with stairs.”
Plan your run at Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenaturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov
- Phone+1 614-265-6453
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
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