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Scioto Trail State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 640 Google reviews · Running trail in Chillicothe, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Scioto Trail State 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.
State park featuring camping, fishing, a lakeside trail, a small beach, and a playground.
What runners say about Scioto Trail State Park
“I never knew it's historic buildings and parks were so well kept, full of food and fun shops!”
“Beautiful drives and hikes, loved our tent camping, even around the other RVs, electric hookup allowed us to plug in a few electric appliances foe ease amd comfort.”
“It has very steep hills, and it is not for easy walking.”
Loved our camping stay at Scioto Trail State Park. We were just past the restored church building and it was nice and quiet. The lake was beautiful, the camp store lady was very nice and super helpful, really thoughtful conveniences like loaner fishing poles and a special kayak/canoe dock with wheelchair access, only…
This was one of the most beautiful parks I have ventured! Be prepared to climb essentially amount! It has very steep hills, and it is not for easy walking. However, it was very much enjoyable.
Family friendly! Clean campsites, large lots, and well shaded. RV campers here so it didn't matter for us, but as an FYI, the restrooms available are out house style. We love the nature talks provided - Amy was awesome! Kim in the store/visitor center is great, super resourceful!
Trails are good challenges. Friendly. Still a great place to stay. Been camping here a few years now, just really like it. Smaller & quieter than most. They're still adding, so can't wait to see what's next.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful drives and hikes, loved our tent camping, even around the other RVs, electric hookup allowed us to plug in a few electric appliances foe ease amd comfort.”
“Make sure to climb the firetower all the way up and stop at the scenic overlook for a beautiful sunset!”
“RV campers here so it didn't matter for us, but as an FYI, the restrooms available are out house style.”
“There was a small island accessible by bridge and a gazebo.”
“There is a main loop where most people seem to assemble and a shorter loop with only 10 sites or so.”
“The campgrounds were nothing to write home about but offered a spacious wooded site on gravel pad which was fairly level and a fire ring and picnic table.”
“The campgrounds were nothing to write home about but offered a spacious wooded site on gravel pad which was fairly level and a fire ring and picnic table.”
Plan your run at Scioto Trail State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(740) 887-4818
- 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 Chillicothe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Scioto Trail State Park Caldwell Lake Firetower Trailhead
3.7 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Scioto Trail State Forest Trail Head
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Tippecanoe Darter Trail
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Junction Earthworks Preserve
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Hiking area, park and preserve featuring prairie wildflowers and trails through grassy fields.
Yoctangee Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,491 reviews
Community park with accessible playground, sports fields/courts & art gallery in an 1882 building.
