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Turtlehead Cave

4.9 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Athens, Ohio · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Turtlehead Cave yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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 Turtlehead Cave

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (12 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Very scenic cave that is in the middle of beautiful surroundings.”

Very scenic cave that is in the middle of beautiful surroundings.Worth the hike.

★★★★★ — Rjd , Feb 2023

I can't believe how many different places you can go and do things I didn't even know this turtle had k was in Athens I'm right there by the oldies and the trailer park everybody should go and take a nature walk it's very nice

★★★★★ — Len , Sep 2022

I searched for this place on several hikes from Burger King in Athens to my Strouds Run cabin I lived in one fall. It's not very big and looks more like an abandoned mining site. Maybe. The trail actually goes over the cave. I walked right over it.

★★★★★ — Chris , Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Plan your run at Turtlehead Cave

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.

Where to find Turtlehead Cave

Athens, Ohio

Get directions

Running trails near Athens

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Dale & Jackie Riddle State Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 11 reviews

Athens, OH

under a mile away

Sells Park.

4.7 ★★★★★ 237 reviews

Athens, OH

Scenic

Wooded area with a small pond & hiking/biking paths, plus a connection to a state park trail system.

under a mile away

Finger Rock Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

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under a mile away

Blackhaw Accessible Trail

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

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1.1 miles away

Strouds Run State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 990 reviews

Athens, OH

Natural surfaceScenic

Hunting, fishing, hiking & swimming are featured in this state park in the Appalachian foothills.

2.5 miles away

Emeriti Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 137 reviews

Athens, OH

Scenic

Landscaped 2-pond, relaxing green space for walking or resting on benches.

2.6 miles away

All running trails in Athens, OH →

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.