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The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbus, Ohio · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research 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.

Open 24hScenic

Wetland area with university research center, trails & an observation pavilion, open to the public.

What runners say about The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (90 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“We got some beautiful pictures of it and because it knew it was safe, enjoyed simply watching it eat the young plants it was enjoying.”

This is a wetland area that is part of Ohio State University. There are quite a few trails and observation areas.

★★★★☆ — Rjd , Jul 2024

Always a good area along the Olentangy Trail in the neighborhood to see some nature in action. OSU wetlands research area is here. I like to cycle here and take photos sometimes.

★★★★☆ — Mark , May 2023

The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park is a lushly long-term, large-scale aquatic research facility located along the northern edge of The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus. I had a great time here with some Ohio University students doing a research.

★★★★★ — Fda/ , Apr 2015

I had a lovely walk there and was lucky enough to see a deer just off the walking path. We got some beautiful pictures of it and because it knew it was safe, enjoyed simply watching it eat the young plants it was enjoying.

★★★★★ — Karen , Jun 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 90 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“We got some beautiful pictures of it and because it knew it was safe, enjoyed simply watching it eat the young plants it was enjoying.”

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Plan your run at The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.
  • Websiteu.osu.edu
  • Phone+1 614-292-9774
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park

352 W Dodridge St, Columbus, OH 43202

Get directions

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.