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R.L. Cook Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 265 Google reviews · Running trail in Ruston, Louisiana · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from R.L. Cook 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.
Park featuring a playground, a walking trail with exercise equipment & a pavilion with restrooms.
What runners say about R.L. Cook Park
“It's very rare that you find park bathrooms with toilet paper much less that are clean and functional haha!”
“A park for playing, bathrooms, and a scenic walking path.”
“Peaceful park with paved walking trails, work-out equipment, playground for kids and a covered seating area.”
This is one of our favorite parks when we visit Ruston. This park is great for all ages. The walking trail has various workout equipment sets you can use for free. Great for biking or skating too.
I love this park. Since I moved to the area I frequent here a bunch. It’s great for walks, runs, and bike rides (mountain bikes because the trail gets bumpy if you follow it out to the greenway). There’s picnic tables and benches and some exercise equipment on the loop if you stay within the park.
Quaint smallish park that was once really nice. The grounds are mostly well kept although the facilities are in a very poor state. Bathrooms, workout equipment, picnic tables, water fountains are all in need of repairs. The paved paths are nice as are the myriad small trails you can find.
Love coming to this park! The trails are so pretty and the playground area is well shaded and sturdy! My kid loves to slide and climb here! There plenty of space for him to run around and the bathrooms are also nice for a park bathroom.
Trail conditions & character
“There plenty of space for him to run around and the bathrooms are also nice for a park bathroom.”
“Picnic tables, benches, playgrounds and outdoor work out equipment provide plenty of activities for people to get outside with their dogs and families.”
“Peaceful park with paved walking trails, work-out equipment, playground for kids and a covered seating area.”
“Peaceful park with paved walking trails, work-out equipment, playground for kids and a covered seating area.”
“Bathrooms, workout equipment, picnic tables, water fountains are all in need of repairs.”
Plan your run at R.L. Cook Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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 trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterustonlincoln.com
- Phone+1 318-255-5800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
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