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Kinnikinnick Fen
4.7 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · Running trail in Chillicothe, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Kinnikinnick Fen'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.
Wetland complex with a walking trail, observation decks, swimming areas, and diverse wildlife including threatened plants and animals.
What runners say about Kinnikinnick Fen
“Clean, well maintained trails, quiet, viewing areas with seating, lovely views, and glimpses of wildlife if you're quiet.”
“But it presently has a beautiful trail that is just over a mile long with 3 observation decks.”
“Relatively new small Park but they are continually expanding nice quiet area with a couple of observation decks and paths.”
I learned today the difference between a fen and a bog.Kinnikinnick Fen is an interesting place. The trails are well maintained and mostly mowed grass. It is a decent size area that has observation areas of the wetlands.
Wonderful place for a laid back hike. Our family really enjoys this trail. The swimming area is secluded and shaded. The first stretch of trail is mostly shaded and has 3 outlooks to view the wetlands. There are 3 small bridges to cross, 2 with a small stream flowing underneath.
Another trail within Ross County. Beautiful trail. Well marked. Mostly flat and a majority of it grass. The entire trail is about 3.2 miles. There are a couple short Fen’s and a few overlooks. I found tons of summer/fall wildflowers and several insects. I didn’t notice any port o potty.
Amazing to have that deep-in-the-woods feel so close to a major highway! Clean, well maintained trails, quiet, viewing areas with seating, lovely views, and glimpses of wildlife if you're quiet. To be honest, I hate hiking because uneven ground irritates a back condition.
Trail conditions & character
“Clean, well maintained trails, quiet, viewing areas with seating, lovely views, and glimpses of wildlife if you're quiet.”
“We were able to take a stroller this last time we went (as our 2yo gets tired on the hike back) and had very little issues managing the field with it.”
“Relatively new small Park but they are continually expanding nice quiet area with a couple of observation decks and paths.”
“Good for friendly dogs on leash but tight trails if your dog doesn't do well with strangers or other dogs.”
“no time but the part I hiked was coverd with wood chips reducing the chance of stepping in mud.”
Plan your run at Kinnikinnick Fen
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
- Websiterosscountyparkdistrict.com
- Phone(740) 773-8794
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
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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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