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Mission Oaks Gardens
4.7 ★★★★★ 449 Google reviews · Running trail in Zanesville, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mission Oaks Gardens' 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.
Picturesque, landscaped gardens offering themed areas, guided tours & workshops.
What runners say about Mission Oaks Gardens
“What a beautiful little place to take some pictures or escape the hustle and bustle, nestled right in the middle of town.”
“It's absolutely beautiful, peaceful, & in can not wait to visit in the fall when the tree leaves have changed in color.”
The wooded path was nice but there weren't many blooming trees for May. The end was muddy and the waterfall was dry. In the Conifer area there wasn't anything blooming but that waterfall was nice. Small but would be prettier in the summer.
It was a nice relaxing time. Lots of flowers still weren't in bloom yet but great for the middle of March. Lots of signs with names for all the different types of flowers and trees. Plenty of deer walking through, and I was able to get about 10' from them to get some great pictures.
Mission Oaks is such a great place to go to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Enjoy the relaxing views and sounds of the waterfall or take in the more wooded areas. This is one of Zanesville's hidden gems, located just minutes from Maple Avenue.
7 acre Small park with tons of trees and plants. Most of which are well marked. There is a fairy garden, conifer garden and some other areas. Currently a scare crow competition going on. It would appear that it's an annual thing.
Trail conditions & character
“What a beautiful little place to take some pictures or escape the hustle and bustle, nestled right in the middle of town.”
“It's absolutely beautiful, peaceful, & in can not wait to visit in the fall when the tree leaves have changed in color.”
“On a summer day, there is enough shade to keep you a little cooler if you're trying to stay out of the sun.”
“You can take your date here, you can take your dog here, or you could just go there by yourself and walk around.”
Plan your run at Mission Oaks Gardens
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
- Websitemvparkdistrict.org
- Phone+1 740-455-8237
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–7 pm |
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