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Rocks and Roots Trail Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 206 Google reviews · Running trail in Lewis Center, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rocks and Roots Trail Trailhead'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.
Dog-friendly hiking area that offers scenic views of the forest and lake and mud-soaked, root-strewn trails.
What runners say about Rocks and Roots Trail Trailhead
“It so beautiful and can walk and reach to a inline waters to fish also if you carry a fishing rod.”
“I've hiked other trails at Alum Creek and they were well marked and easy hikes.”
“I've hiked other trails at Alum Creek and they were well marked and easy hikes.”
I've always liked Alum Creek State Park and it has everything you would need for a great state park. I've hiked other trails at Alum Creek and they were well marked and easy hikes.The Rocks and Roots Trail is a more challenging trail and yes some sections are muddy. It is also a scenic trail.
This was my first visit to Alum Creek State Park, and I did my research before arriving. Other reviewers have mentioned the inadequate signage, and I agree. The biggest challenge for me was locating the trail!
We've done both the north and south trails. Both are nice and scenic, great hiking but both can be quite muddy at times. Dog friendly and good birding if you like those things. We use the all trails app to make sure we stay on the trail.
Twisty, turning trails with lots of roots! Lots of logs laying in parts of the trail to step/climb over and some muddy spots along the way. Very easy to get lost here. But me and my dog had fun
Trail conditions & character
“I found a parking lot and what I thought was the trailhead for Rocks and Roots North, but once I got going on the trail, the signage said otherwise.”
“It so beautiful and can walk and reach to a inline waters to fish also if you carry a fishing rod.”
“South Loop is a tad more difficult in my opinion, so if I only have time for 1 loop I choose that one.”
“Some people bring their dogs but so far everyone has been really respectful of each other and the trail.”
“Lots of logs laying in parts of the trail to step/climb over and some muddy spots along the way.”
“I found a parking lot and what I thought was the trailhead for Rocks and Roots North, but once I got going on the trail, the signage said otherwise.”
Plan your run at Rocks and Roots Trail Trailhead
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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterocksandrootstrailseries.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Lewis Center
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shale Hollow Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 502 reviews
Scenic, tranquil park with forest trails, a small stream, footbridges & natural play areas.
Seymour Woods State Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 73 reviews
Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hiking trails and a variety of bird life.
