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Shallenberger State Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 228 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shallenberger State 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.
Nature preserve offering an easy trail with wildflowers and views of the bypass.
What runners say about Shallenberger State Nature Preserve
“The right loop trail will take you to the top of the knob, which would have a great view from high above if it weren't for the trees (and there are some large trees here!”
“Was a Breen around awhile new hike, very peaceful secluded noise suppression.”
This place is very very pretty. Highly recommend. The hiking isn't very strenuous. T
This is a nice trail that can be done in a few different loop configurations to change the distance. It is conveniently located just off the highway with an improved parking lot with ample spaces. There is also a spur that takes you to a viewing area.
Nicely preserved wooded hills with a figure 8 trail. There is a trail spur that heads to the summit, but I only had time for the first loop. Large trees, a nice shady walk through the forest. Tulip Poplars, Oaks and Maples.
This is not a large nature preserve (2 - 2.5 miles of trails)but it has a lot to offer. The rock formations are amazing and the moderate to difficult hike to the top is challenging at times but is worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“The right loop trail will take you to the top of the knob, which would have a great view from high above if it weren't for the trees (and there are some large trees here!”
“We started to follow the blue to the other hill, but turned back because of time and wasn't sure how long it would take.”
“I also missed the map on the visitor board at the start so rewalked the far loop twice ( I knew this because I recognized this one tree --LOL.”
“Was a Breen around awhile new hike, very peaceful secluded noise suppression.”
“Nicely preserved wooded hills with a figure 8 trail.”
“Arrived to an empty parking lot, and completed all the trails (2 miles total) with my 13 year old son.”
Plan your run at Shallenberger State Nature Preserve
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone+1 614-265-6453
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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