HomeOhioXenia › Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve

Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 153 Google reviews · Running trail in Xenia, Ohio · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve'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.

MixedLoopOpen 24hShadedScenicStroller / ADATrailhead parking

Nature preserve with well-maintained trails through forested areas and boardwalks over wetlands.

What runners say about Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (153 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 8 mentions

“Trail was well maintained and a good mix between boardwalk, grass, and some hills/stairs and gravel.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“I loved the full moon hike it was absolutely beautiful and such an amazing experience that my mom and I went back two nights later and hiked to see the moon again !”

Love the boardwalk! All though I didn't get any photos because i was on my scooter. It was nice to ride your bike on too.

★★★★★ — Danielle , May 2024

The first time I visited this, I wasn’t able to complete the loop as parts of the trail were muddy and inaccessible. However, I visited it again after a few months, and finally, completed the trail loop! I love that the trail involves some sloping areas to add fun to a hike.

★★★★☆ — Eric , Apr 2021

Surprisingly lovely park with fantastic bird watching opportunities. The boardwalk is in great shape. The trail is not well marked, but it's short enough that it isn't frustrating. The trail conditions can get a little muddy directly after rain, but clears up pretty quickly.

★★★★★ — G , Nov 2020

Although being a smaller nature preserve it has as much or more to see than the larger preserves.The parking area is a decent size, the boardwalk across the wetlands is very nice.There is a trail that goes through the wetlands, wooded areas,up a long set of stairs and over numerous bridges that cross Oldtown Creek.

★★★★★ — Rjd , Dec 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 153 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.

🪵 Boardwalk 11 mentions

“The boardwalk over the wetlands and bridges crossing Oldtown Creek are highlights, and the long staircase adds a fun challenge 🌉.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“I loved the full moon hike it was absolutely beautiful and such an amazing experience that my mom and I went back two nights later and hiked to see the moon again !”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“The parking area is ample, and the entire preserve is impeccably maintained, exceeding expectations 🌿.”

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🔁 Loop trail 5 mentions

“The first time I visited this, I wasn’t able to complete the loop as parts of the trail were muddy and inaccessible.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 3 mentions

“Trail was well maintained and a good mix between boardwalk, grass, and some hills/stairs and gravel.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“There is a trail that goes through the wetlands, wooded areas,up a long set of stairs and over numerous bridges that cross Oldtown Creek.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“The first time I visited this, I wasn’t able to complete the loop as parts of the trail were muddy and inaccessible.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“The first time I visited this, I wasn’t able to complete the loop as parts of the trail were muddy and inaccessible.”

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Plan your run at Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • 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.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitegcparkstrails.com
  • Phone(937) 562-6440
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

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 Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve

350 Kinsey Rd, Xenia, OH 45385

Get directions

Running trails near Xenia

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

Sara Lee Arnovitz Nature Preserve Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 98 reviews

Xenia, OH

LoopBoardwalkShadedScenic

Kid-friendly park featuring a boardwalk and trails for hiking, plus marsh plants.

under a mile away

Kinsey Road Mound

4.4 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews

Xenia, OH

under a mile away

Old Town Reserve Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 111 reviews

Xenia, OH

ShadedScenic

Park offering a bike trail and a picnic area, plus a public restroom.

under a mile away

Great Council State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 164 reviews

Xenia, OH

MixedScenic

Park with picnic tables and a public restroom, plus kid-friendly hikes and exhibits.

1.2 miles away

James Ranch Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 106 reviews

Xenia, OH

PavedLitScenic

Tranquil park featuring a garden with flowers and herbs.

1.6 miles away

Shawnee Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 971 reviews

Xenia, OH

LitScenic

Lake in this park featuring playgrounds and shelters, plus picnic tables and a barbecue area.

1.8 miles away

All running trails in Xenia, 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.