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Taft Reserve North
4.5 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Running trail in Heath, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Taft Reserve North'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.
What runners say about Taft Reserve North
A great place for hiking or horseback riding. This is not a metro park. The trails do not have benches or rest areas. Some areas are mowed occasionally, but it is mostly a narrow dirt horse-path with high grass, forest and brush all around. Wear proper shoes and attire.
Taft Reserve North is mostly a woodland area that is definitely more of a challenge. The trails are marked but download the map from the website to coordinate. With most of the leaves on the ground, the trail isn't as visible but manageable.
Great local park with miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Horses have made some areas pretty muddy, but usually not too difficult to get around those areas. Interesting that the signs say to clean up after your dog, but the first quarter mile of trail is very narrow and covered with horse manure.
My first time at the north side of the preserve, which is very different from the south. North side is very foresty, with nice trails just watch out for all the horse doo doo. It was so nice to finally be at a park and have it all to ourselves, not a single other person to be seen.
Trail conditions & character
“There is nothing technical about the place which makes it good for new riders or those just wanting to enjoy some time in the woods.”
“Most of the trails are wooded, but plenty of mowed trails through the non wooded areas towards the south end of the reserve.”
“Outhouse/porta-johns are at the north and south entrances near the parking areas.”
Plan your run at Taft Reserve North
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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelickingparkdistrict.com
- Phone+1 740-587-2535
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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