HomeOhioMt Vernon › Knox Woods State Nature Preserve

Knox Woods State Nature Preserve

5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Running trail in Mt Vernon, Ohio · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Knox Woods State Nature Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

RestroomsTrailhead parking

What runners say about Knox Woods State Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (5 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Great hiking area with plenty to see. The trail start opens into the Wolf Run Regional Park that has some extensive trails to hike. The area is well maintained and has the dog park in the same parking area. Worth the trip, even for a short hike.

★★★★★ — Scott , Jun 2025

Knox Woods State Nature Preserve is connected with Wolf Run Regional Park and uses the same parking area. The preserve has well maintained trails that are easy to moderate. The parking area is large and has a portable restroom.

★★★★★ — Rjd , Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 5 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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Knox Woods State Nature Preserve is connected with Wolf Run Regional Park and uses the same parking area.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“The parking area is large and has a portable restroom.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Knox Woods State Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners

Where to find Knox Woods State Nature Preserve

17959 Yauger Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050

Get directions

Running trails near Mt Vernon

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Wolf Run Regional Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 327 reviews

Mt Vernon, OH

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Open park featuring fenced dog runs, shady trails, a storybook trail and picnic areas.

under a mile away

Kokosing Scenic River - Water Trail - Laymon Road Access

4.4 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews

Gambier, OH

2.0 miles away

Kokosing Gap Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 319 reviews

Mt Vernon, OH

15 miPavedShadedScenic

Paved trail for biking, running, walking, hiking, rollerblading and jogging with benches and scenic views.

2.3 miles away

Chester Shock Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews

Mt Vernon, OH

2.6 miles away

Memorial Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 481 reviews

Mt Vernon, OH

Lively park featuring playgrounds, sports fields and a skate park.

2.6 miles away

Heart of Ohio Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 41 reviews

Mt Vernon, OH

PavedScenic

Paved hiking trail with scenic views that's suitable for children.

3.0 miles away

All running trails in Mt Vernon, 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.