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Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,750 Google reviews · Running trail in Swanton, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 70 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Oak Openings Preserve Metropark'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.
Spacious preserve features summer & winter recreation, an interactive nature center & a playground.
What runners say about Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
“Trails are well maintained and marked, several are multi-use, and there are a variety of distances to choose from.”
“This place was a beautiful stretch of woods, wetlands, and some grasslands with wonderfully maintained campgrounds and playgrounds and peaceful trails.”
“Well marked and well maintained trails of varying lengths.”
This place is absolutely marvelous, you don't even feel like your in Ohio. The trails are amazing, the quiet in these trails is heavenly. We fished and we had lots of bites , caught about 2-3 fish , plenty of people were catching.
I enjoy the diversity this preserve offers. Swamp land/wet lands, sand dunes, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, grasslands, savanna, several ponds - so much to see here. Variety of plants and animals as well.
Some trails are well marked others are not. There are tons of plants / bugs/ birds and squirrels. I hiked about 8 miles and didn’t see anything else. Pick the trail and research your entry point before you come. There is more than one yellow trail fyi there is a tiny one and a giant 15 mile one.
As someone who's driven through the area countless times and never stopped because I thought it was all farmland with nothing worth driving across the state for, apparently I've been quite wrong.
Trail conditions & character
“This place was a beautiful stretch of woods, wetlands, and some grasslands with wonderfully maintained campgrounds and playgrounds and peaceful trails.”
“Good horse trailer parking, but it is pretty busy so don't expect to be the only ones there.”
“If you have a dog, I'd recommend this place for bigger/tougher dogs since the terrain changes often and can be rough in some areas.”
“Not sure how long they are, but it seems like there are more than 15 miles of trails.”
“I really like Oak Openings - their trails are very nice and easy to use with plenty of markers so you do not get lost.”
Plan your run at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance70 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Websitemetroparkstoledo.com
- Phone+1 419-407-9700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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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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