HomeOhioPlain City › Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake

Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake

4.8 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · Running trail in Plain City, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake'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 surfaceScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Tranquil area and network of lakes and rivers with scenic trails and wildlife.

What runners say about Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (112 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Prairie Oaks Metro Park is well-maintained, with plenty of benches and rest areas along the trails, and the staff are friendly and helpful.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 13 mentions

“I'd be happy to write a review for Prairie Oaks Metro Park- Beaver lake, one of the beautiful lake view!”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“One of the highlights of Prairie Oaks is its impressive network of trails, which are perfect for hiking, running, or biking.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 7 mentions

“From the moment you enter Prairie Oaks Metro Park, you're transported to a peaceful and serene natural world.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“The trails wind through fields of tall grasses, over wooden bridges, and through quiet woods, offering a diverse and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts of all levels.”

This used to be a quarry. Now you can go here and relax by the pond or river. There is a nice short trail here around the pond and relatively easy river access. Very nice place to visit for park type relaxation. There are no facilities or playgrounds here. Just some reclaimed nature that I think is worth visiting.

★★★★★ — William , Nov 2022

Great location for long walking trails and beautiful views. Offers trails for walking and horseback riding. The lakes here are wonderful, you can walk trails around them, kayak in them and there is even a location for letting your dog run around off leash for swimming. 5/5

★★★★★ — Kyle , Sep 2016

I'd be happy to write a review for Prairie Oaks Metro Park- Beaver lake, one of the beautiful lake view! From the moment you enter Prairie Oaks Metro Park, you're transported to a peaceful and serene natural world.

★★★★★ — Suzayn , May 2023

Beautiful place I'm fortunate to be 5 min away. Even had family pictures do e when my son was on leave from the army . . I have many more . But I love walking running and fishing here .

★★★★★ — Amy , Jan 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 112 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 16 mentions

“I'd be happy to write a review for Prairie Oaks Metro Park- Beaver lake, one of the beautiful lake view!”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“From the moment you enter Prairie Oaks Metro Park, you're transported to a peaceful and serene natural world.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 2 mentions

“It kinda sucks having to drag your kayak down from the parking lot but the fishing is worth it.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 2 mentions

“The lakes here are wonderful, you can walk trails around them, kayak in them and there is even a location for letting your dog run around off leash for swimming.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

“Some of the horse trails can get a bit muddy- but that's what makes this park great!”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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🚻 Restrooms

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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, 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.net
  • Phone(614) 208-4321
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Friday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Sunday 6:30 AM–6 PM

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 Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake

8587 Lucas Rd #8533, Plain City, OH 43064

Get directions

Running trails near Plain City

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

Darby Bend Lake

4.7 ★★★★★ 184 reviews

Hilliard, OH

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Natural acreage featuring lakes for canoeing, kayaking and fishing, plus trails for walking and hiking.

under a mile away

Darby Creek Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 54 reviews

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Dog-friendly

under a mile away

Prairie Oaks Hiking Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 24 reviews

West Jefferson, OH

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

1.1 miles away

Prairie Oaks Metro Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,927 reviews

West Jefferson, OH

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Sprawling prairies for natural play, hiking & birding, plus creek & lakes for boating & fishing.

1.3 miles away

Frank's Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 265 reviews

Hilliard, OH

PavedDog-friendly

54-acre, community park featuring athletic fields, a playground, walking trail & open green space.

4.6 miles away

Mudsock Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Hilliard, OH

MixedLitDog-friendly

4.8 miles away

All running trails in Plain City, 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.