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Johnston Woods Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · Running trail in McDonald, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Johnston Woods Trailhead'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 and well-kept trails for hiking and mountain biking with options for beginners.
What runners say about Johnston Woods Trailhead
“Excellent trails, well kept and maintained .”
“Nice walk on the shorter trail and I absolutely encourage anyone of all ages to go here.”
The trails are nice. One trail is about 1.5, and the big trail is around 2.9 bike friendly, but watch out, though, because after storms, sometimes the trail is blocked by trees. If you go walking, go after 8am this way, you know the bikers ate all the spiderwebs.
These trails are part of the Johnston Woods Retreat Center and is privately owned by Broad Street United Methodist Church. The trails and parking are free and open to the public. Two trails here -- the short one (1.4 miles) leaves directly from the parking lot.
Lovely trail! The trail is narrow with a few rocky spots and some roots. Mountain bikers are courteous, but some of the pet owners are not. On multiple occasions I've encountered off-leash dogs and not all of them obeyed their owners.
Great trail! There are two loops to choose from. One is 1.3 miles long and very easy and the other is 2.9 miles long and has a couple switch backs. The area is well-maintained and very clean. One thing to note is that walkers and bikers share the same path...there are several blind corners...be alert.
Trail conditions & character
“Trails aren't super demanding or technical but perfect for people just starting out on a mountain bike or kids.”
“I love to walk my dog here and I've seen some people on their mountain bikes that enjoy the trails as well.”
“After a short access section of the trail, it splits into two directions that form the loop.”
“The trail across from parking is light blue difficulty.”
Plan your run at Johnston Woods Trailhead
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
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefacebook.com
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near McDonald
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fletcher Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 797 reviews
70-acre park offering wooded walking & biking paths, picnic pavilions & a Japanese garden.
Schimmels Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Park at Lee University featuring picnic areas, benches, a pavilion & a half-mile track.
