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Gorman Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 458 Google reviews · Running trail in Mansfield, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gorman Nature Center'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.
150-acre preserve with a visitor center & trails, plus naturalist-led hikes & night-sky programs.
What runners say about Gorman Nature Center
“It was a beautiful day to visit the outdoor tents with plants for sale, freebies from ODNR, the Richland County Public Library, a butterfly habitat.”
Out exploring Ohio on a road trip and stumbled across this gem. There is decent amount of parking here. Checked out the nature center for a few minutes. Some gentleman was helpful and informative in explaining the place. There are 5 miles of total trails located within the park.
Absolutely beautiful place to hike with a gorgeous opportunity for a picture around every turn. Visitors center volunteers are very friendly. The walk has several directions in varying distances to take. Along the way of all the paths there are picnic benches to rest and/or eat at.
It was a winter wonderland when we visited. A bit mucky from the snow, but we wore boots and got through it. Footpaths are easy to follow. Lots of places where they fork back together. Little signs with coloured arrows at some crossroads and marked trees all along the trails.
Its a beautiful place to walk and enjoy nature! They also have the indoor building where they have other things to learn/explore! The fire place and sitting area is perfect for a cookout with the family or friends!
Trail conditions & character
“It was a beautiful day to visit the outdoor tents with plants for sale, freebies from ODNR, the Richland County Public Library, a butterfly habitat.”
“We had fun hiking, it was muddy but it had been raining for several day before, it didn't bother the kids they had a blast”
“My only complaint would be that they have bathrooms locked for the winter already when they actually get a lot of autumn traffic.”
“Also the walk is not stroller friendly, even with a jogging stroller.”
Plan your run at Gorman Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterichlandcountyoh.gov
- Phone(419) 884-3764
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
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