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Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 251 Google reviews · Running trail in Massillon, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Jackson Bog 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.
This protected wetlands area is a designated interpretive preserve, aimed at educating the public.
What runners say about Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve
“The walk to the boardwalk isn't amazing but the boardwalk itself is very well-kept and worth it for anyone interested in Ohio flora.”
“It is a great yet relaxing walk through some beautiful nature.”
“Since it was in the middle of a hot August day, I was hoping for a shaded area.”
“A nice quiet stroll, or jog if you prefer.”
I grew up here and now that I have a long term partner and a kid still find myself coming here. It is a great yet relaxing walk through some beautiful nature. The sounds make you relax while you get to have some daily exercise and loving happy family smiles!
Nice little trail to walk. The nature preserve part is off limit for pets. It was buggy in the wooded areas and muddy. Overall really beautiful and peaceful. Plenty of parking! Nice play ground as well if you have kids.
Imagine finding a hidden gem where the trails seem to whisper ancient secrets and the air feels like it's been freshly painted with the scent of wildflowers. That’s Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve for you—a magical place tucked away, perfect for those who love to lace up their walking shoes and dive into nature.
I was at a volleyball tournament today at Jackson High School, and I had about an hour between games, so I wanted to find a quick, nearby place to run. Since it was in the middle of a hot August day, I was hoping for a shaded area. I found the Jackson Bog.
Trail conditions & character
“The walk to the boardwalk isn't amazing but the boardwalk itself is very well-kept and worth it for anyone interested in Ohio flora.”
“It is a great yet relaxing walk through some beautiful nature.”
“Little did I know, the Bog has an entrance right off the high school parking lot (I'll show where in the pictures).”
“Since it was in the middle of a hot August day, I was hoping for a shaded area.”
“There is also a small playground and restrooms near the parking lot.”
“It descends at a good pace, covers boardwalk, bog, roots, and then requires a hike back up a pretty good hillside.”
“This is a very nice walk into an area usually not accessible.”
Plan your run at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(614) 265-6561
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
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