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Payton County Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 63 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Wayne, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Payton County 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.
What runners say about Payton County Park
“The trails are wide and there doesn't seem to be many people there, so it's a peaceful place to get a walk or run in.”
Several short trails though they are not marked well except by trail entrance. I had a trail map with trail letters but can't find it online anymore. One trail is paved and it connects with pufferbelly trails.
We were looking for a nearby park, to get out in the sun and enjoy the day. Also, we needed a place that was wheelchair friendly - it was a match. I did not take pictures while we were there. However, this park is not far from nearby neighborhoods and has dirt trails as well as paved.
The trails are wide and there doesn't seem to be many people there, so it's a peaceful place to get a walk or run in. I saw a frog and a blue heron there, so it has the potential to reveal some wildlife, too.
Short little hiking trail. Perfect for a small outdoor excursion for toddlers. Rarely busy. Just make sure to go to the bathroom before going, since they don't have facilities.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are wide and there doesn't seem to be many people there, so it's a peaceful place to get a walk or run in.”
“Great place to take a walk with paved trails that allow cyclists and also wooded trails for the naturists.”
“Just make sure to go to the bathroom before going, since they don't have facilities.”
Plan your run at Payton County 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
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteallencountyparks.org
- Phone+1 260-449-8619
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Fort Wayne
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pufferbelly Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Paved trail crossing several roads and passing through residential neighborhoods.
Trailhead
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Salomon Farm Park
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Donated by the Salomon family, this working farm teaches about working conditions in the 1930s.
Pufferbelly Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
Paved hiking trail for biking, jogging and walking, plus playgrounds and a park.
Bicentennial Woods - ACRES Land Trust
4.8 ★★★★★ 382 reviews
Park featuring winding trails through woods and fields, many leading to creeks, steps and hills.