HomeOhioSomerset › Perry State Forest

Perry State Forest

4.6 ★★★★★ 266 Google reviews · Running trail in Somerset, Ohio · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Perry State Forest'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.

Natural surfaceOpen 24hScenicTrailhead parking

Wooded state park offering trails and ponds for riding, plus hunting.

What runners say about Perry State Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (266 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Beautiful forest with scenic views along the trails, ponds and small lakes throughout the forest.”

I've been hearing a lot of talk that the state was going to allow more mining on Perry Forest property but I saw no sign of anything unusual, all trails are open. One of my favorite places to ride in Ohio.

★★★★★ — Nate , Jul 2018

Beautiful forest with scenic views along the trails, ponds and small lakes throughout the forest.

★★★★★ — Rjd , Jan 2023

Good quality hiking path, only down fall is letting horses on the trail.

★★★★☆ — John , Dec 2019

Love this place! Ton of trails and a lot of fun! Keep in mind, this is almost all dirtbike stuff. Highly recommend taking dirtbikes only, rzrs and such will not fit in almost all the trails.

★★★★★ — Nick , Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 266 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Beautiful forest with scenic views along the trails, ponds and small lakes throughout the forest.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Perry State Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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
  • Websiteohiodnr.gov
  • Phone(740) 674-4035
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Perry State Forest

Somerset, Ohio

Get directions

Running trails near Somerset

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Potts Ln Park

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18.5 acres of grassy, hilltop parkland offering a playground & panoramic views of the city.

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Putnam Landing Park

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Scenic park where visitors can go fishing, walk, and observe waterfowl.

15.0 miles away

Restoration Park

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Park that's good for kids, possibly located along a river.

15.0 miles away

Zane Landing Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 522 reviews

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ShadedLitScenic

Tranquil, leafy riverside park with several war memorials & cruises on a historical riverboat.

15.2 miles away

Mambourg Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 77 reviews

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LoopCrushed gravelShadedScenic

Relaxed, wood-covered park with a pond as well as hiking and walking trails.

15.7 miles away

All running trails in Somerset, OH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.