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Melton Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,157 Google reviews · Running trail in Oak Ridge, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Melton Lake 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.
173 miles of shoreline with boating, picnic shelter, playground, pavilion & sand volleyball court.
What runners say about Melton Lake Park
“It’s paved and well-maintained the entire way, with plenty of parking and scenic views of the lake and mountains.”
“What a beautiful peaceful place to enjoy lunch lakeside and enjoy a wonderful relaxing walk.”
“The Melton Lake Greenway is perfect for walking, running, biking, or just enjoying nature.”
“What a beautiful peaceful place to enjoy lunch lakeside and enjoy a wonderful relaxing walk.”
“And also you can bring your dog on a leash of course and walk them.”
What a beautiful peaceful place to enjoy lunch lakeside and enjoy a wonderful relaxing walk... Went to a car show here and it was perfect!
Wonderful place to walk and take in the scenery! The walking path is well maintained and wide enough for passing. I felt safe overall. The only knock I would have is that in some areas of the path were kinda close to the road! A little too close for my taste.
Lots of great views as you walk by the river and a nice smaller playground for little kids. We were there right at dusk as the fog started to roll in from the water. It was a really nice place to have a peaceful evening with the family. The only real downside is that area gets very busy during rowing events.
Melton Lake Park is a wonderful place to walk, bicycle, canoe, kayak or just hangout. It is on the lake and has gorgeous views. There are benches along the lake to sit on. There are walking/cycling trails, bathrooms and kayak rentals.
Trail conditions & character
“What a beautiful peaceful place to enjoy lunch lakeside and enjoy a wonderful relaxing walk.”
“Play ground, public bathroom, office, the lake is easily accessible.”
“It’s paved and well-maintained the entire way, with plenty of parking and scenic views of the lake and mountains.”
“Just stopped for a minute to let my dog stretch her legs, and take a few pics.”
“Paved, mild elevation variation, a great place for family strolling and biking.”
“It’s paved and well-maintained the entire way, with plenty of parking and scenic views of the lake and mountains.”
“Play ground, public bathroom, office, the lake is easily accessible.”
“What a beautiful peaceful place to enjoy lunch lakeside and enjoy a wonderful relaxing walk.”
Plan your run at Melton Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance25 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteorrecparks.oakridgetn.gov
- Phone+1 865-425-3450
- 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 |
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