HomeOhioRichmond › Jefferson Lake State Park

Jefferson Lake State Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 290 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Jefferson Lake 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.

Natural surfaceScenicRestroomsQuiet

State-run park featuring a beach and a picnic area along with camping and fishing.

What runners say about Jefferson Lake State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (290 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“Clean and has a beautiful sunset across the water.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Natural, rugged, with rolling hills, and many water crossings it was beautiful people and if you haven't been here you have to go.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 8 mentions

“It's very quiet-there was only ever 2 other campers while we stayed here on Sunday and Monday nights.”

Jefferson Lake State Park is a 962-acre park located in Jefferson County, Ohio. The park is home to a 17-acre lake, as well as hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and camping at the park.

★★★★★ — Brian , Apr 2023

Great little park. Checked out some of the trails, and hope to get back to do some fishing soon. Some fun roads for the 🏍 in the area.

★★★★★ — Keith , May 2022

This was my first time here and i have to say its Ohio's best kept secret! The camping sites are very nice with 5 electric and 40 total. The electric usually fills up first so be prepared to primative camp just in case they are. There are high lines but you can also put up a corral, BONUS!!

★★★★★ — Michael , Aug 2018

Camp area and restrooms were super clean! The lake itself has the toxic blue-green algae and is pretty gross but there's plenty of gorgeous wooded trails to walk instead.

★★★★★ — Sage , Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 290 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Natural, rugged, with rolling hills, and many water crossings it was beautiful people and if you haven't been here you have to go.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“It's very quiet-there was only ever 2 other campers while we stayed here on Sunday and Monday nights.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“There are bathrooms but no shower house at least where we were camping.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Jefferson Lake State Park

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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • Websiteohiodnr.gov
  • Phone(330) 222-1712
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–11 PM
Thursday 6 AM–11 PM
Friday 6 AM–11 PM
Saturday 6 AM–11 PM
Sunday 6 AM–11 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 Jefferson Lake State Park

501 Township Rd 261A, Richmond, OH 43944

Get directions

Running trails near Richmond

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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Forest campground with tent spots and scenic hiking trails.

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Fernwood State Forest Deer Run Trail

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Belleview Park

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Park featuring a basketball court, tennis courts, and a playground for children.

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Beatty Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 298 reviews

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Relaxed, beautiful park featuring hiking paths, disc golf and a playground.

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Tomlinson Run State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,102 reviews

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MixedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly activities are available at this serene destination with forested hills & a stream.

12.5 miles away

All running trails in Richmond, 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.