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Penney Nature Center
4.4 ★★★★☆ 13 Google reviews · Running trail in Defiance, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Penney Nature Center'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 Penney Nature Center
“Really beautiful place with lots of Amazing trails, but wouldn't bring pets, the ticks are BAD!”
With all the wild flowers and open area there is plenty of opportunity for a wide variety of critters and birds in the area to enjoy or take pictures of. It's kept up very well. It's a great place to hike and get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Really beautiful place with lots of Amazing trails, but wouldn't bring pets, the ticks are BAD!! 5-10 MINS IN and we was covered... There is also a pavelian for picnics or parties with a porta potty and a washing station. Does look like u are going in to someone drive way, But ur not..
Absolutely beautiful preserve. It's got to be the best natural park in Defiance County. There are trails through the grasslands, marshes, and forests, and two boardwalk overlooks. Love it.
I've lived in the area since before this place was established and had no idea it was here... I'm super glad I finally found it! It has a wonderful mix of grassland, marsh, and Forest. The trails don't seem to be very long, but we didn't get to explore very much of it....
Trail conditions & character
“Really beautiful place with lots of Amazing trails, but wouldn't bring pets, the ticks are BAD!”
“There are trails through the grasslands, marshes, and forests, and two boardwalk overlooks.”
Plan your run at Penney Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitedefianceswcd.org
- Phone(419) 782-1794
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Defiance
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area
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State park lake, featuring fishing as well as hunting and walking paths.
Diehl Park
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Clean, well-maintained open space featuring baseball fields and a basketball court.
Defiance City Reservoir
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Dog-friendly park offering disc golf and fishing ponds as well as boardwalks and trails.
Defiance Reservoir Nature Trail
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