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Lake Wilmore Trail
3.9 ★★★★☆ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Auburn, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Wilmore Trail'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.
Former lake once used for city water reserves is now a park featuring hiking trails for humans and dogs.
What runners say about Lake Wilmore Trail
“That being said the views are gorgeous and as long as you are careful on the roots and rocks you can get a very vigorous workout.”
“Lots of hikers and dog walkers, but everyone is always really good about keeping pets close to them and cleaning up.”
A small public parking area and the entrance to Lake Wilmore Trail are at the left rear of Ogletree Elementary School parking lot. There are a couple of other trailheads that enter the woods further down towards the back of the school.
It's not a lake anymore, but that's what makes it interesting. This used to be the drinking water reservoir for the City of Auburn. Remnants of that public works project remain, you just have to walk a while to find them. There's no direct parking.
This is not a traditional park with picnicking etc, this is strictly hiking/biking trails, parking is awkward as it is in the corner of a public elementary school parking lot and there are NO facilities, buildings etc. just park and enjoy the trails.
Lots of trails. The lake has not existed since the 40's. So don't expect a lake. There is the remains of the old dam.
Trail conditions & character
“A lot of bike riders and the parking area is actually at the school nearby if your Google maps did what mine did and just tells you to stop in the middle of the road, keep driving.”
“The tire tracks that go along this path will be obvious, but if you look closer, you can see the tracks of people, dogs, deer, and a lot more.”
“That being said the views are gorgeous and as long as you are careful on the roots and rocks you can get a very vigorous workout.”
“The dam is permanently open now, but you can still see the concrete and steel structure that once held back Auburn's water supply.”
“That being said the views are gorgeous and as long as you are careful on the roots and rocks you can get a very vigorous workout.”
“There are no toilets, drinking fountains or other facilities.”
Plan your run at Lake Wilmore Trail
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
- Distance8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Auburn
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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