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Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · Running trail in Jackson, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve'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.
Rugged nature preserve offering trails for hiking (some with boardwalks) to a waterfall, a lake, and sandstone cliffs.
What runners say about Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
“Well maintained trails, a lake and a waterfall.”
“You feel a sense of adventure as you imagine kayaking down the beautiful creek that has magnificent cliffs that makes you want to learn how to rock climb.”
“The lake is beautiful and clear, very peaceful.”
Beautiful hike, lots of flat area but some short change in elevation. The trail does get pretty muddy in some areas so make sure you have good footwear. The rocks mixed in with the slope makes for beautiful changes in view. The waterfall is small but gorgeous.
Semi challenging trails through beautiful, mixed deciduous/ pine forest and sandstone cliffs. There is an awesome natural spillway with cascades, but lake access is restricted, requiring a permit.
So pretty! Went on all the trails in early march, planning on coming back in the summer, too! Trails where we'll maintained. I'm young, so I had no problem hiking, but there were a few spots others might not like. If you bring small kids, make sure you keep an eye on them. There are some big drop offs.
Was looking forward to walking the trails but unfortunately we couldn’t as we had our dog with us. Didn’t realize that “nature preserves” have different rules than state parks. We now know to check on line in the future before planning to visit a park in Ohio.
Trail conditions & character
“You feel a sense of adventure as you imagine kayaking down the beautiful creek that has magnificent cliffs that makes you want to learn how to rock climb.”
“The lake is beautiful and clear, very peaceful.”
“Beautiful place, great hiking, wonderful views, mostly easy terrain for hiking.”
Plan your run at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(740) 286-2487
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
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