HomeWisconsinEau Claire › Putnam Park

Putnam Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 166 Google reviews · Running trail in Eau Claire, Wisconsin · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Putnam Park'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.

Open 24hScenicQuiet

Numerous native trees, plants, animals & birds populate this diverse wilderness area with trails.

What runners say about Putnam Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (166 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Nice trails throughout, and a scenic road that goes right through the whole length of it.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“So peaceful to bike in here, and when outside is cooking hot, here's super cool”

Fun trail for walking and biking. Very quiet in the winter time. Wish the city would not allow car traffic anymore.

★★★★☆ — Noah , Mar 2025

This is a beautiful hike any time of the year, with a few different features. There is an upper path that connects to some nearby streets. Also a pond that has plenty of wildlife, and a wood path and bridge. The path seems to be made from old pallets but thankfully the bridge is not, ha.

★★★★★ — Hank , Apr 2023

Very nice wide path for biking, jogging, or waking. Steady traffic but not uncomfortably busy

★★★★★ — Sara , Sep 2024

Lovely trail with lots of animals and nature. The main trail is one straight line, although there are a few paths and stairs on the way. It took maybe a little over an hour at a leisurely pace going back and forth. Beware that cars and bikes do come through as well.

★★★★★ — Pc , May 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 166 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 5 mentions

“Nice trails throughout, and a scenic road that goes right through the whole length of it.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“So peaceful to bike in here, and when outside is cooking hot, here's super cool”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Putnam Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.
  • Websiteeauclairewi.gov
  • Phone+1 888-936-7463

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 Putnam Park

Putnam Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Get directions

Running trails near Eau Claire

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

Owen Park

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Waterfront green space with trails & tennis courts, plus an outdoor concert stage built in 1938.

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Boyd Park

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PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

Riverfront acreage offering seasonal sporting activities, fishing, trails & picnicking with grills.

1.1 miles away

Otter Creek Hiking Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 74 reviews

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Scenic

Creekside hiking area featuring a variety of trails, picnic tables, and a playground.

1.3 miles away

Phoenix Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,170 reviews

Eau Claire, WI

LitScenicDog-friendly

This 9-acre riverbank park offers a walking labyrinth, picnic pavilion & year-round farmers' market.

1.5 miles away

River Prairie Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 457 reviews

Altoona, WI

ScenicDog-friendly

Scenic park, with trails and a splash pad for kids plus a shelter for picnics around a creek.

2.1 miles away

Carson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,247 reviews

Eau Claire, WI

Scenic

Serene lakeside park with a historic baseball stadium, kiddie train ride, local museum & playground.

2.1 miles away

All running trails in Eau Claire, WI →

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.