Home › Ohio › West Portsmouth › Shawnee State Park
Shawnee State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 530 Google reviews · Running trail in West Portsmouth, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 0.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shawnee 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.
Nature reserve popular with walkers & campers for its lake beaches, boat rentals & picnic spots.
What runners say about Shawnee State Park
“Floors not clean, very dirty in corners and by the cabinets, and water heater area in cabinet could see cob webs by base cabinet doors.”
“The amazing views and the level of difficulty I had to endure remind me why nature is so beautiful.”
“The trail was well marked, except for some changes with location of campsite 3.”
“This is a beautiful and peaceful state park!”
Did the 40 mile backpacking trail for a week. The trail was surprisingly very hilly. There were nice campsites (some very beautiful compared to others). The trail was well marked, except for some changes with location of campsite 3. Just so you know- the rangers are really on top of who is on the trail.
Coming from California I have backpacked/ camped in some of the best places the world has to offer. When I got here I had very low expectations. I started off backpacking mid-day and within the first 6 miles I was humbled.
The new Ohio River Campground is a lovely and well thought out development. The sites are decent sized, paved and have water, electric and sewer on site. It has a good sized bathroom, shower house and laundry building. The amenities are even available during winter!
Shawnee Ohio River is a great little park. It has 80 full hookups, a shower house, a playground and splash pad for kids. It has a bike path, park store, and dump station. This park is only seven miles from Shawnee State Park, and the lodge where you can go swimming. Portsmouth is a cute little town close by.
Trail conditions & character
“The amazing views and the level of difficulty I had to endure remind me why nature is so beautiful.”
“The elevation change was not as rigorous as the first 6 miles and I really got to take time to enjoy the sights.”
“This is a beautiful and peaceful state park!”
“The sites are decent sized, paved and have water, electric and sewer on site.”
“If you want a day trip check out Rocky Fork state park and catch some lunch or dinner at the porch carryout and grill in Hillsboro Ohio.”
“There is also disc golf, archery, kayak loop, splash pad, dog park, camp store and trails on site.”
“The amazing views and the level of difficulty I had to endure remind me why nature is so beautiful.”
“It has a good sized bathroom, shower house and laundry building.”
“There is a registration at the trailhead, and if you aren’t back when you initially stated, the rangers will worry.”
Plan your run at Shawnee 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
- Loop distance0.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(740) 858-6652
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near West Portsmouth
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shawnee State Forest Headquarters
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