Home › Ohio › Mentor › Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,192 Google reviews · Running trail in Mentor, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Headlands Beach State Park'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.
Enormous, year-round sandy beach, the largest in Ohio, popular with picnickers & swimmers.
What runners say about Headlands Beach State Park
“They keep it super clean there's beautiful sand dunes, wildlife, plenty of shaded areas with picnic tables.”
“The park also has trails, paved walking paths, restrooms, shelter houses, playground equipment, plenty of parking and of course the beach and scenic views of Lake Erie.”
“The beach area is wide open and peaceful, perfect for just hanging out or doing a little exploring.”
This is a great state park that is home to Ohio's largest beach. It is also a natural beach. The park also has trails, paved walking paths, restrooms, shelter houses, playground equipment, plenty of parking and of course the beach and scenic views of Lake Erie.
Headlands Beach State Park is a relaxing place to spend some time by the water. The walk to the beach is long but super easy, and the views along the way are worth it. While walking near the lakeshore, I found all kinds of interesting patterned rocks and even a bit of lake glass, which was a fun surprise.
We had a great beach day here. We live near Presque isle but we like to check out all the beaches up and down the coast of Lake Erie. This was about 1.5hrs from Presque Isle. It’s very similar, with picnic areas, beaches and bathhouses/bathrooms.
We hiked out to the lighthouse with our toddlers. There's were lots of spots to take a break in the shade and it was absolutely beautiful! Then we walked back and enjoyed looking for rocks on the beach! It wasn't very crowded even though we visited on a Saturday.
Trail conditions & character
“The park also has trails, paved walking paths, restrooms, shelter houses, playground equipment, plenty of parking and of course the beach and scenic views of Lake Erie.”
“The park also has trails, paved walking paths, restrooms, shelter houses, playground equipment, plenty of parking and of course the beach and scenic views of Lake Erie.”
“The park also has trails, paved walking paths, restrooms, shelter houses, playground equipment, plenty of parking and of course the beach and scenic views of Lake Erie.”
“The beach area is wide open and peaceful, perfect for just hanging out or doing a little exploring.”
“Sand was very hot and the rocky shore for the first 10’ into water is rough on the feet.”
“The park also has trails, paved walking paths, restrooms, shelter houses, playground equipment, plenty of parking and of course the beach and scenic views of Lake Erie.”
Plan your run at Headlands Beach State Park
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
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(440) 466-8400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Mentor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 435 reviews
Spacious beach with walkways through dunes and picnic tables, as well as a lighthouse.
Carol H Sweet Nature Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 254 reviews
Interpretive center for Mentor Marsh, offering weekly guided family hikes & summer camps.
Wake Robin Boardwalk Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
Hiking area known for its birding opportunities and a boardwalk, plus turtles.
Painesville Township Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 593 reviews
Park with a playground and picnic facilities, a pier, and a rentable hall, plus baseball fields.
