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Possum Creek MetroPark
4.6 ★★★★★ 836 Google reviews · Running trail in Dayton, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Possum Creek MetroPark'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.
Conservation area with prairies, woodlands, a lake & ponds for fishing, camping, gardening & more.
What runners say about Possum Creek MetroPark
“Very well maintained trails and not a busy park at all.”
“Looks beautiful, and backs up to Deercreek Park - a Twofer!”
“On Tuesday there was not a lot of traffic, it was quiet and peaceful.”
In my top three metro parks for taking a long walk. Varied environments (wooded, prairie, along little fishing ponds). Scared up a deer, a hawk, saw a ton of butterflies and dragonflies. Very few other folks on the trails, despite going on a weather-perfect late summer weekend. Pretty wet in the spring, but peaceful.
We went to Possum Creek to go fishing. They had plenty of small shelters around the pond. Update:5/15/25 I just want to add that I have experienced some great hikes here this year. I have been to Possum Creek five times so far in 2025 and have walked a different path/trail each time.
Great place to take a walk, fish (catch and return), or check out the demonstration gardens. In July the reconstructed Woodhull Prairie blooms with compass plants, coneflowers, and blazing stars. Clean restrooms available.
What a peaceful experience. We love the mindfulness trail signs. Bathrooms were still open and clean. There was even hand-sanitizer in the stalls! We are looking forward to applying for a permit to camp in the springtime. 💕
Trail conditions & character
“Looks beautiful, and backs up to Deercreek Park - a Twofer!”
“On Tuesday there was not a lot of traffic, it was quiet and peaceful.”
“They have 3 picnic area where I was at and a restroom near by.”
“The wooded trail is cool because you can see the old amusement park sites.”
“and looking on the map by the kayak dock a few minutes later, the purple trail she was looking for was on the complete opposite parking and trail area.”
Plan your run at Possum Creek MetroPark
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
- Loop distance3.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemetroparks.org
- Phone(937) 275-7275
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Dayton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Great Miami River Recreation Trail
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Hintermeister Park
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Hills & Dales MetroPark
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