Home › South Carolina › Sumter › Julia Lester Dillon Park
Julia Lester Dillon Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 457 Google reviews · Running trail in Sumter, South Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Julia Lester Dillon 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.
What runners say about Julia Lester Dillon Park
“The park's well-maintained grounds provide ample space for kids to run and play before the show begins.”
“There is a beautiful custom fence around the play areas for both the bigger and smaller dogs; however there is nothing else there.”
“The park's serene ambiance and spacious setting create the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration.”
Its a nice clean park, people were walking on the trails. Its a good place to get your exercise in. It has a playground and five different football fields. There's a dog park. A umpire room, concession stand with picnic tables and rest rooms that are checked and cleaned daily.
1st time visit. Hiked the 3 mile one way from Dillon Park play ground area via the Stop Pouch Greenway trail ending at Swan Lake Park Iris Gardens. Expect a 6-mile trip if you park & begin at one end & need to get back to your vehicle. A nice visit, whether hiking or bicycling. Of course, Swan Lake is a beautiful park.
Nice quiet park love the trails now that you can walk on great for a extra workout exercise😁
The only reason I don't give 5 stars is that, while there is a dedicated space set aside for a dog park, it is really very depressing looking. There is a beautiful custom fence around the play areas for both the bigger and smaller dogs; however there is nothing else there.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a beautiful custom fence around the play areas for both the bigger and smaller dogs; however there is nothing else there.”
“The parking lot is nice, the fields look better.”
“The only reason I don't give 5 stars is that, while there is a dedicated space set aside for a dog park, it is really very depressing looking.”
“The park's serene ambiance and spacious setting create the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration.”
“My children's eyes sparkle with delight as they eagerly await the spectacle of colors and lights that will soon illuminate the night sky.”
Plan your run at Julia Lester Dillon Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesumtercountysc.org
- Phone(803) 436-2102
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Friday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–12 AM |
Running trails near Sumter
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
