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Old Forest State Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 167 Google reviews · Running trail in Memphis, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Old Forest State Natural Area'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.
Paved and gravel paths and trails for hiking, jogging, biking and walking at an urban park adjacent to a zoo.
What runners say about Old Forest State Natural Area
“What a beautiful urban park setting combining an excellent dog park and soft stone, tree lined, walking paths.”
“What a beautiful urban park setting combining an excellent dog park and soft stone, tree lined, walking paths.”
“Loved this place, very peaceful, trails that are on pavements.”
“Bring the dog (on a leash in the walking park or OFF Leash in the dog park)”
Great trails in the city. Very well taken care of and 🪧 signed so no one can get lost.
This is part of the amazing Memphis zoo. The zoo is a great place to visit while in Memphis. They just had the birth of a sloth, giraffe and baby hippo! Truly one of the best zoo's in the US.
Excellent old urban park to walk around and enjoy the outdoors! There is a main paved trail along with several gravel trails in the forest to follow. There is some signage tucked in along the trails that highlight critters you may see. Also, keep an eye out for fun mushrooms!
Loved this place, very peaceful, trails that are on pavements.and lots that are not. Lots.of trees.and shade. Pond with turtles, kids playground. Lots of open space. Shaved ice truck today.
Trail conditions & character
“Next to the zoo is Overton park which has some good trails for hiking, running (there is a paved path), biking (on the small end) and walking your dog.”
“Next to the zoo is Overton park which has some good trails for hiking, running (there is a paved path), biking (on the small end) and walking your dog.”
“What a beautiful urban park setting combining an excellent dog park and soft stone, tree lined, walking paths.”
“What a beautiful urban park setting combining an excellent dog park and soft stone, tree lined, walking paths.”
“Loved this place, very peaceful, trails that are on pavements.”
“There is a main paved trail along with several gravel trails in the forest to follow.”
Plan your run at Old Forest State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteovertonpark.org
- Phone+1 901-214-5450
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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