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Pearl's Fen
4.8 ★★★★★ 120 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairborn, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pearl's Fen'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.
Shaded, kid-friendly park with boardwalks, rocky areas and marshland for hiking, picnicking and birdwatching.
What runners say about Pearl's Fen
“I parked at Pearl's Fen and it's a small lot but beautiful space with covered picnic tables and lush yard.”
“The connecting trail to Oakes Quarry would be fantastic on a sunny day for its dense tree canopy.”
“It’s clear why people love coming here for the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views.”
I parked at Pearl's Fen and it's a small lot but beautiful space with covered picnic tables and lush yard. It was fun to walk (short!) the Pearl's Fen boardwalk (informative signs) before I did the full hike to include Oakes Quarry for a little more than 4 miles. Trails were dry as we've not gotten rain in a few weeks.
Absolute gem of a park. Do be sure to walk the short loop around the Fen. Picnic tables with shelter have been added near the entrance. There's also a porta potty near the entrance. The connecting trail to Oakes Quarry would be fantastic on a sunny day for its dense tree canopy. Hey it's December!
Absolutely love this place! Beautiful mossy huge rocks, good long trail! Skip the boardwalk, at least in the winter, it's short. Head for the gravel trail to the right!
These pictures were taken very early March so things are just beginning to grow, but of the things I could identify there are a lot of different wildflowers, and I will definitely be coming back in a month to see what the Fen reveals.
Trail conditions & character
“I parked at Pearl's Fen and it's a small lot but beautiful space with covered picnic tables and lush yard.”
“7-mile loop around the fen, along with a small boardwalk that loops through part of the area, giving you an up-close look at the wetlands.”
“There’s also a small picnic area and porta potties, which makes it convenient for spending a little extra time there.”
“Usually these flowers are much different than flowers You would find in the wooded area like pussy willow, swamp rosebush, swamp rose mallow, and many others.”
“Pearl's Fen connects with Oakes Quarry Park and also has its own parking area if you just want to visit the fen.”
“It’s clear why people love coming here for the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views.”
“7-mile loop around the fen, along with a small boardwalk that loops through part of the area, giving you an up-close look at the wetlands.”
Plan your run at Pearl's Fen
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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
- Websitegcparkstrails.com
- Phone+1 937-562-6440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Fairborn
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Oakes Quarry Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 510 reviews
Park featuring a former limestone quarry, plus ponds, trails for hiking and fossilized remains.
Hebble Creek Reserve
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Sandhill Park
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Small, fenced enclosure with separate areas for large and small dogs, plus a playground and picnic tables.
Community Park
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Park with an amphitheater, tennis courts, a fishing pond & fields for soccer, softball & disc golf.