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Sycamore State Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 138 Google reviews · Running trail in Dayton, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sycamore 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.
Set on 2,384 acres, this park offers a fishing/boating pond, nature trails, hunting & winter sports.
What runners say about Sycamore State Park
“Good easy trails and well kept up facilities.”
“Stocked with beautiful rainbow trout, lots of wildlife, and views you only see in magazines.”
“Quiet state park with lots of trails.”
“Good easy trails and well kept up facilities.”
GOOGLE MAP LOCATION IS NOT PARK ENTRANCE! If you’re looking for the Storybook Trail or trail head, you need to go to the picnic Overlook parking lot on Providence between Wolf Creek and Diamond Mill. The Storybook trail is behind the playground. The bathrooms do not have running water, nor does the shelter.
It was very nice. Small pond ,easy to get to. Very clean, the walk to the lake wasn’t bad. But if ur anything like me, who has to bring everything. A wagon is not something to carry a load. Trust me, it wasn’t easy traveling up or down the stairs. Pack less, keep it light.
Great trails to get a good long hike in. Varying terrain to keep it fun. Most are along a creek, and there's a lot of different foliage. Lots of benches to rest. Picnic areas, playground and rest rooms.
Nice trails that overlook the creek. Not enough trail signs and many trails overlap and double back. Several hikers we spoke too were lost. Maps posted spordacticly but no markings on where on map you are. We started on the ghost hedge trail but crissed crossed the horse trail and a skiing trail?
Trail conditions & character
“If you’re looking for the Storybook Trail or trail head, you need to go to the picnic Overlook parking lot on Providence between Wolf Creek and Diamond Mill.”
“If you’re looking for the Storybook Trail or trail head, you need to go to the picnic Overlook parking lot on Providence between Wolf Creek and Diamond Mill.”
“The trail is very easy to navigate on foot but strollers and wheelchairs may struggle in places.”
“Today, although it was an enjoyable hike, there were numerous locations where the trail was extremely muddy.”
“The bathrooms do not have running water, nor does the shelter.”
Plan your run at Sycamore State Park
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(937) 854-4452
- 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 Dayton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wolf Creek Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Trotwood Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Centennial Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 578 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring baseball fields and a playground, along with picnic areas, a splash pad and a pond.