HomeOhioVan Wert › Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve

Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Running trail in Van Wert, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Hiestand Woods Park and 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.

BoardwalkLit at nightDog-friendlyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

What runners say about Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (37 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

The paths are newly refurbished with numerous informational signage installed. This provides a suitable environment for a 20 minute walk with the family discussing what a vole is and why not to eat stinging nettles.

★★★★★ — Logan , Feb 2023

What an amazing place for roaming around... It has stone paths and wooden bridges.. There are lots of critter opportunities for pictures.. Right beside the Reservoir and a Park.. I will definitely be there again..

★★★★★ — Christopher , Sep 2023

Love this place from the trail in the woods they just redid and it looks really good! Our dog loves to go walk out there To the playground, we miss the Halloween festival that was held there.

★★★★★ — Dream , Sep 2023

Has some neat trails and amenities but really could use some TLC especially the parking area and water fountain. Do be careful when parking to not hit the curb and watch out for the large potholes at the entrance. Probably an amazing spot to walk in the cooler months

★★★★☆ — Tony , Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 37 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 4 mentions

“Has some neat trails and amenities but really could use some TLC especially the parking area and water fountain.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Our dog loves to go walk out there To the playground, we miss the Halloween festival that was held there.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“No restrooms but there are portions in the parking lot.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Has some neat trails and amenities but really could use some TLC especially the parking area and water fountain.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

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💡 Lit for night running

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Plan your run at Hiestand Woods Park and 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.
  • 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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitevanwertcountyfoundation.org
  • Phone+1 419-238-1743
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–9 pm
Tuesday 6 am–9 pm
Wednesday 6 am–9 pm
Thursday 6 am–9 pm
Friday 6 am–9 pm
Saturday 6 am–9 pm
Sunday 6 am–9 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 Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve

1510 Hospital Dr, Van Wert, OH 45891

Get directions

Running trails near Van Wert

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

Franklin Park

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Smiley Park

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LitScenic

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St Mary's Nature Preserve/River Greenway Trailhead

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Paved

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American Legion Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 231 reviews

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Shaded

Grassy area offering slides, swings and other equipment for kids, plus a volleyball court.

18.4 miles away

All running trails in Van Wert, 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.