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Lake Grubb Nature Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 249 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Grubb Nature 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.
Scenic nature preserve featuring a lake, picnic areas, playground, and trails.
What runners say about Lake Grubb Nature Park
“Just a perfect park for one hour trail, with a lot of beautiful views and different benches.”
As a local, I have heard of this lake often but never been there. I am glad I finally took the opportunity to check it out. It’s a nice lake and it is larger than I thought! The park is very nice too. It has a secluded feel with a nice view of the lake. There are pavilions and benches.
Nice trails and fishing. Only minus was the debris left by people fishing. Two nicely taken care of pavilions and an indoor restroom. Lots of benches at the waters edge.
It’s a great place for a nice roughly one mile walk around the lake. Great to take kids and let them play and enjoy some nature year round. Not a fan of some of the rules. Dogs are allowed and you can’t go out on the water. Would be so much nicer if you could kayak there and or take your dog.
Nice place to take an afternoon hike! Parts are hilly to work the legs! Some parts are muddy after rain even a few days after. Trail is about one mile and they mark every quarter mile. They have plenty of picnic tables to eat at, a few bbqs and even bathrooms.
Trail conditions & character
“Just a perfect park for one hour trail, with a lot of beautiful views and different benches.”
“No dogs allowed, but a tough 1 mile hike around the lake with plenty of little side trails to the water.”
“The 4 year old had no issues on it and a max of 130’ elevation climb.”
“They have plenty of picnic tables to eat at, a few bbqs and even bathrooms.”
“Plus a shorter flat trail great for strollers with a playground.”
“Trail gets pretty muddy and slick if it rains, but other than a few ups and downs the trail is rather easy.”
Plan your run at Lake Grubb Nature Park
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
- Distance1 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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Columbia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail
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