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Mengerson Nature Reserve - ACRES Land Trust
4.2 ★★★★☆ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Wayne, Indiana · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mengerson Nature Reserve - ACRES Land Trust'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 Mengerson Nature Reserve - ACRES Land Trust
“No tickets are needed it is just a nice place to take a walk and forget about things for a while nice trails that are maintained well beautiful sites”
“We took a walk while the temps were 25-30°F and an inch or so of snow and the paths were still easy to follow.”
I parked at the entrance on Stellhorn Rd which is marked with a sign, but there's also access from the shopping plaza, it's just not marked at all from there. The northern half of this hike is very nice, there's large trees and the path is wide. The southern half is narrow is very wet in the spring.
Very primitive nature trail. Make sure your phone is charged up because it would be easy to get lost. Also lots of trip hazards, both from roots and from ramps added in. My guess is this place can get pretty muddy so be prepared for that as well.
I anticipated a short trail, but it was actually bigger than I thought. It looks like a little cute forest in town at first, even it is more than that. It is more adventitious and adventurous and fun to get lost in the forest.
Enjoy going there just to walk in the nature. If you're going to try to bicycle through there you might want to bring a mountain bike or something similar. I tried to go through there then tubed 10 speed one time and it was after some good rain and it was quite difficult.
Trail conditions & character
“I suggest wearing shoes you don't mind getting muddy, otherwise it's a great little woods hike in the city.”
“No tickets are needed it is just a nice place to take a walk and forget about things for a while nice trails that are maintained well beautiful sites”
“Small, parking is okay but convenient that it's located near businesses and such for a walk after eating.”
Plan your run at Mengerson Nature Reserve - ACRES Land Trust
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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteacreslandtrust.org
- Phone+1 260-637-2273
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
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