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Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in Springfield, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mad River Gorge & 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.
Local preserve featuring a rock-climbing gorge with a range of routes and a number of hiking trails.
What runners say about Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve
“Rock climbing is the main attraction but the trails, rock formations and Mad River flowing through it makes this a very scenic destination.”
Absolutely wonderful park. The trails are well marked and maintained. Gorgeous views everywhere you look. It has a decent sized parking lot, a picnic area with tables, and a porta potty. Very cool that it has outdoor climbing as well. Cannot wait to visit again.
A short distance from the parking lot to the trail head and you'll be presented with a map board and additional info pertaining to the park. The Mad River gorge trail leads down a number of uneven stone steps to a fork in the trail going left or right.
Mad River Gorge and Nature Preserve just opened in 2017. It is a work in progress and I like what has been done already. Rock climbing is the main attraction but the trails, rock formations and Mad River flowing through it makes this a very scenic destination.
Newer hiking area I tried out this morning. The trails are nice for the most part and moderate difficulty depending on the path you take. There is also rock climbing in the gorge. Overall it is a nice place to hike. Restroom and picnic tables at parking lot. Dog friendly. Highly recommend.
Trail conditions & character
“Rock climbing is the main attraction but the trails, rock formations and Mad River flowing through it makes this a very scenic destination.”
“A short distance from the parking lot to the trail head and you'll be presented with a map board and additional info pertaining to the park.”
“It's really a magnificent view of the Rocky gorge on your right and to your left is the river.”
“The trail from there is mostly flat and level, covered in light mulch.”
“It has a decent sized parking lot, a picnic area with tables, and a porta potty.”
Plan your run at Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitentprd.org
- Phone+1 937-328-7275
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
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