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McCracken Fen State Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Bellefontaine, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McCracken Fen 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.
What runners say about McCracken Fen State Nature Preserve
“It's beautiful year round, and I often see wildlife and interesting plants.”
“Peaceful environment at this relatively small spot.”
This preserve was formerly a peat mine operation, but was purchased by Ohio DNR as a preserve due to the unique post-glacial flora that was unearthed during the mining operations. For years, the place was off-limits to the general public and a permit was required to visit.
Always a peaceful place to take a walk. It's beautiful year round, and I often see wildlife and interesting plants.
Peaceful environment at this relatively small spot. Part of the trail around the lake was submerged underwater so I couldn't complete it. My suggestion would be to build a boardwalk in that area of the trail. Very limited parking so it would likely never be crowded. Only 1 other visitor while I was there.
I like going for little hikes there myself or with one other person. I did my sister's senior pictures there years ago. Nice fen. Makes me feel nostalgic. Only thing that disappoints me is that dogs aren't allowed. I'd forgot that today otherwise I'd be hiking a loop right now
Trail conditions & character
“It's beautiful year round, and I often see wildlife and interesting plants.”
“There is a small parking area off of CR 32 S, just a mowed grassy area for five cars or so.”
“Peaceful environment at this relatively small spot.”
“My suggestion would be to build a boardwalk in that area of the trail.”
“It is not developed at all, so there are no bathrooms or other facilities.”
Plan your run at McCracken Fen 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(614) 265-6453
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Bellefontaine
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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