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Strouds Run State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 990 Google reviews · Running trail in Athens, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Strouds Run 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.
Hunting, fishing, hiking & swimming are featured in this state park in the Appalachian foothills.
What runners say about Strouds Run State Park
“The trails seem to be well maintained and offer some nice views and scenery.”
“One of the best places in Athens The lake is surrounded by green trees and it looks so beautiful and a calm place to sit for hours also I love the way that goes to this lake.”
“The beach was the best part of Strouds Run (I did not visit the campground).”
“The park was beautiful and the hiking trails that I went on were well marked and maintained.”
“One of the best places in Athens The lake is surrounded by green trees and it looks so beautiful and a calm place to sit for hours also I love the way that goes to this lake.”
There are some state parks that do not offer much by way of hiking trails in Ohio. Strouds Run is not that kind of park, it is a hiker's paradise. I spent a day here and didn't come close to getting to each trail.
Went to the dam to watch the aurora borelais showing and it was pretty much perfect. Lots of people and most of them were respectful. Little bit of a gravel hill to get from the parking lot to the hilltop but it was worth it. Will be back to try and get some great milky way pictures at some point.
Some of the best hiking and swimming in the area. Boat rentals are cheap and everyone who works there is friendly and laid back. The mountain biking trails are really fun too if you're a little more experienced.
Good state park. Ohio does not charge entering fees. This is a massive park that stretches along dozens of square miles. Getting to the beaches does take a minute, but worth the drive and worth the stop for a great state park. Walking trail to see the dam is steep uphill yet nice once you get there.
Trail conditions & character
“One of the best places in Athens The lake is surrounded by green trees and it looks so beautiful and a calm place to sit for hours also I love the way that goes to this lake.”
“There are no utilities for rvs however you can run a quiet generator if your neighbors are ok with it.”
“You can park at the boat marina and go to the very end of the parking lot, you will find the beginnings of two trails there.”
“Spots of trails can get muddy at times, but easy work arounds are there.”
“Little bit of a gravel hill to get from the parking lot to the hilltop but it was worth it.”
“There is a beach area with a playground out on a small peninsula with restroom facilities.”
“The park was beautiful and the hiking trails that I went on were well marked and maintained.”
Plan your run at Strouds Run State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(740) 592-2302
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Athens
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Sells Park.
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Wooded area with a small pond & hiking/biking paths, plus a connection to a state park trail system.