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Lew Clarkson Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 230 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnston, Iowa · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Lew Clarkson 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.

Stroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

Sports complex with athletic fields and facilities and a public restroom.

What runners say about Lew Clarkson Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (230 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Great sized open area near the neighborhood for many activities that require space. Batting cages are awesome, and the park is interconnected through large trails that link up to other trails

★★★★★ — Paul , Mar 2020

Nice, two-three mile walk along Green belt Trail. Beautifully renovated Johnston park .. Terra Park, on Pioneer Parkway.

★★★★★ — Paul , Oct 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 230 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.

🚻 Restrooms 12 mentions

“They only have Porta potties available for bathrooms and no concussion stand.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“They did have a food truck come to the parking lot as well during games.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Lew Clarkson Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • Websitecityofjohnston.com
  • Phone+1 515-727-8091
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 am–8 pm
Tuesday 8 am–8 pm
Wednesday 8 am–8 pm
Thursday 8 am–8 pm
Friday 8 am–8 pm
Saturday 8 am–8 pm
Sunday 8 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lew Clarkson Park

7501 NW 54th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131

Get directions

Running trails near Johnston

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

Terra Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 255 reviews

Johnston, IA

45 miPavedScenic

Lakefront park with a playground, picnic shelters, and paved trail, plus fishing and kayaking.

under a mile away

Terra Lake

4.6 ★★★★★ 321 reviews

Johnston, IA

45 miScenic

Playground-equipped, 6-acre lake featuring trails for walking, biking and running, plus fishing.

under a mile away

Greenwood Hills Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Johnston, IA

under a mile away

Trail head

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Johnston, IA

1.3 miles away

1.5 miles away

Lakeview Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 162 reviews

Urbandale, IA

ShadedScenic

Calm, natural lakeside park with trails for walking and bike riding, plus picnic spots and swings.

1.7 miles away

All running trails in Johnston, IA →

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.