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Penitentiary Glen Reservation
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,770 Google reviews · Running trail in Kirtland, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 8.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Penitentiary Glen Reservation'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 Penitentiary Glen Reservation
“The restroom facilities are spacious and clean as well as picnic areas and a children's playground.”
“The scenery is gorgeous with plenty of hiking trails that are either paved, gravel and dirt.”
“And for those who want some zen…a quiet garden area, amazing wildflowers and a bird watching lounge.”
Great park for both adults and kids. There is a few different trails of different lengths and difficulties (none super long). There is a gorge through middle with a creek and waterfalls. There is also a nature center and anamil refuge area where animals are saved and you can go see them.
One of our best Ohio parks!!! Well marked hiking trails, a large wildlife center with many birds and mammals on display, amazing nature center with kids activity zones and a train for the little kiddos! And for those who want some zen…a quiet garden area, amazing wildflowers and a bird watching lounge.
Not surprisingly another beautiful and well maintained lake metro park. This park offers many things for many different people. A beautiful nature center, children's play areas, camping, paved and rugged trails. Would definitely recommend visiting.
What a wonderful place Penitentiary Glen Reservation is one beautiful park. They have many trails, also have dog walking trails. Plus plenty of play spaces, miniature riding trains places to rent for parties.
Trail conditions & character
“If you have children i would highly recommend not only do the have an amazing play area but you're also able to view native animals free (eagle, fox, owl, crow,rabbit ect)”
“And for those who want some zen…a quiet garden area, amazing wildflowers and a bird watching lounge.”
“The scenery is gorgeous with plenty of hiking trails that are either paved, gravel and dirt.”
“The restroom facilities are spacious and clean as well as picnic areas and a children's playground.”
Plan your run at Penitentiary Glen Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance8.5 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 trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitelakemetroparks.com
- Phone+1 440-256-1404
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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