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Howard Collier State Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Running trail in Tiffin, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Howard Collier 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.
Nature reserve featuring forested trails for hiking and river access, plus boardwalks for strolling.
What runners say about Howard Collier State Nature Preserve
“The beginning has wood stairs (not handicap accessible) that are beautiful, and a good workout but can be slippery if wet.”
“There was a lot of coverage from shade during our walk which was nice.”
“The Sandusky river which you get to walk along is a peaceful feature of the trail.”
“My absolute favorite place to go on an easy hike.”
Great place to hike! A lot of tree coverage on a sunny day. The beginning has wood stairs (not handicap accessible) that are beautiful, and a good workout but can be slippery if wet. Bug presence is high. Take some repellent. Beautiful place for pictures too!
Decent place to take a hike in the woods. Well maintenance boardwalk, but be advised there are many steps to maneuver. The parking lots is paved and has spots for up to 12 vehicles. Not sure if they have a porta potty during the super months, but those are always nice just in case the need arises.
Quite a system of stairs to move you from the parking lot to the river basin 100 feet below. The trails are pleasant with some magnificent 200+ year old trees (ash, poplar, oak) sprinkled throughout the woods. The Sandusky river which you get to walk along is a peaceful feature of the trail.
A beautiful spot that is unique. Even though this nature preserve is in NW Ohio it's not flat. The Sandusky river flows through about 100' below the surrounding area and the steps along the trail make that descent possible. The eternal spring wildflowers are excellent here, but I love to visit anytime of the year.
Trail conditions & character
“The beginning has wood stairs (not handicap accessible) that are beautiful, and a good workout but can be slippery if wet.”
“The Sandusky river which you get to walk along is a peaceful feature of the trail.”
“There was a lot of coverage from shade during our walk which was nice.”
“Being from Utah it is great to see little bits from home instead of just rolling hills and corn fields!”
“Quite a system of stairs to move you from the parking lot to the river basin 100 feet below.”
“Relaxing loop trail and nice views of the Sandusky River from the bridge.”
“Not a trek for people with bad knees or balance issues, but there is a flat walking path that skirts the trail.”
“Well maintenance boardwalk, but be advised there are many steps to maneuver.”
Plan your run at Howard Collier State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Tiffin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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