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Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 332 Google reviews · Running trail in Marshallville, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Johnson Woods 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.
Relaxed option for strolling along boardwalks and trails, featuring old-growth trees.
What runners say about Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve
“Not nearly as breathtakingly mysterious as the Forest Cathedral in western PA but beautiful nevertheless.”
“Every time I have been here, there are not many people on the trail, so it is quiet and serene.”
“The path is beginner friendly and allows for various lengths, depending on how you travel it.”
One of the last remaining stands of old growth forest in Ohio. The oak trees here are over 400 years old. You get a feel for what Ohio was like when the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. There is a mile and half mile shorter loop through the forest. The boardwalk trail is level, so it is an easy hike.
A Google rabbit hole lead me here. "Are there any old growth forests left in Ohio" and apparently there are some left! Luckily, I live near a few so this was my visit the next day. The trees in here are enormous. there are no dirt trails, it's all about a mile of boardwalk.
A must see! And old growth, hardwood forest with softwood under growth. Nice path for anyone using a walker. I was able to navigate mine just fine. I had never seen a Midwest old growth forest. Much different than the convergent zones in the Northeast US.
Short boardwalk hike. Visited in the winter and will return in the spring. Not nearly as breathtakingly mysterious as the Forest Cathedral in western PA but beautiful nevertheless. I am grateful for such preserves.
Trail conditions & character
“The boardwalk path felt a little limiting (I prefer to get my feet on the ground), but the lack of invasive species here is truly impressive.”
“Every time I have been here, there are not many people on the trail, so it is quiet and serene.”
“There is a mile and half mile shorter loop through the forest.”
“Not nearly as breathtakingly mysterious as the Forest Cathedral in western PA but beautiful nevertheless.”
“Not a lot of mileage in trails and the trail begins across the street from the parking lot.”
“Great little walking area that is wheelchair and stroller accessible for families.”
Plan your run at Johnson Woods 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
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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