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Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · Running trail in Ridgeway, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lawrence Woods 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.
Elevated boardwalk trail encircling a small pond and dotted with benches.
What runners say about Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve
“Beautiful preserve with a trail and even a couple of spots to have a little lunch, read a book or just listen to nature in a natural setting.”
“It was so quiet and all you could hear were the birds and the frogs.”
Awesome place to take a walk in the woods, especially during this November day when I stopped. The parking lot is decent size, maybe 12 or so spots. Nicely paved driveway back to the preserve, not wide enough for two cars to pass though. Nice boardwalk all around the place, still in good shape for being 20 years old.
Great place to take the family and do a little nature walk. The rhino tree is pretty cool, but I'm a big fan of the pond. It could use a little bit more shade. But it's a great place to hang out and relax. Or if you enjoy jogging it's a very relaxing run.
Normally I would not give a hiking area with just 1.2 miles 5 stars, but this place actually is quite special. This preserve is absolutely filled with birds. There are so many wood peckers here, it’s bonkers. Including the gorgeous and less common red headed woodpeckers.
This is a great lil nature preserve that is literally a hidden gem out in the middle of no where. It is an all-boardwalk trail (1.5 miles) in the woods that loops around a small pond.
Trail conditions & character
“The entire walk around is on a boardwalk and it is basically a circle, so you won’t get lost here.”
“Unfortunately other than the trail and a small sitting area overlooking a pond, there aren't any other activities such a picnic or shelter areas that I saw.”
“Lots of parking here including two dedicated handicapped spots at the trail head.”
“It was so quiet and all you could hear were the birds and the frogs.”
“The whole path is a raised board walk and is very level and accessible.”
Plan your run at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone+1 614-265-6453
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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