HomeOhioGalion › Heckert Nature Preserve

Heckert Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Running trail in Galion, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Heckert 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.

Natural surfaceScenicTrailhead parking

Walking trails and woodland views at this park with vernal ponds and bridges.

What runners say about Heckert Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (85 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Nice quick trail, well maintained and good for young children and pets to run off energy.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“I have been here a couple times and they’re usually isn’t many people and it is very beautiful and peaceful.”

There are plenty of parking spaces there are two different paths, short track.. long track is soo beautiful! There are to Vernal ponds, and the foliage is just unheard of beautiful. The sun rise and sunset are extraordinarily amazing! Just perfect for picture taking and or unwinding, while stretching your legs!

★★★★★ — Jeff , Apr 2021

Nice area to walk for relaxation and exercise. Prepare to get a little muddy if it has been raining in the past week or so. Definitely wear bug spray! Have seen used condoms in the parking area and hope they got rid of the pile of rocks at the entrance as it could be a safety issue for kiddos.

★★★★★ — Hannah , Jan 2020

Quick trail. Well maintained. Minimal elevation changes. There are a couple loops/side trails, but I followed the main loop off of the trailhead and then did the ridge trail - this totalled just over 1 mile. Was a beautiful area, but wasn't mind blowing. Wouldn't recommend driving more than 20 minutes for.

★★★★☆ — Nick , Aug 2024

I have been here a couple times and they’re usually isn’t many people and it is very beautiful and peaceful. Next favorite to Mohican trails. Do you want to come to when you don’t feel like walking too long. 20/30 hike...

★★★★★ — John , Apr 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 85 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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“There are a couple loops/side trails, but I followed the main loop off of the trailhead and then did the ridge trail - this totalled just over 1 mile.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“I have been here a couple times and they’re usually isn’t many people and it is very beautiful and peaceful.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 4 mentions

“Prepare to get a little muddy if it has been raining in the past week or so.”

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Plan your run at Heckert Nature Preserve

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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitecrawfordparkdistrict.org

Hours

Monday 8 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
Friday 8 AM–4 PM
Saturday 12–4 PM
Sunday 12–4 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Heckert Nature Preserve

1601 OH-19, Galion, OH 44833

Get directions

Running trails near Galion

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

Levant-Dawson Trail

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Paved

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Amman's Park Cross Country Course

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Scenic

Wooded park featuring a lake, hiking trails, picnic areas and disc golf.

4.7 miles away

Lowe-Volk Nature Center @ Crawford Park District

4.8 ★★★★★ 464 reviews

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MixedScenic

5.1 miles away

Cobey Park, llc

4 ★★★★☆ 96 reviews

Galion, OH

Dog-friendly

Park with picnic tables and opportunities for fishing.

5.6 miles away

Carpenter's Bottom

4.9 ★★★★★ 8 reviews

Bucyrus, OH

6.0 miles away

Bucyrus Schine's Art Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 81 reviews

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Scenic

6.0 miles away

All running trails in Galion, 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.