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Van Buren State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 569 Google reviews · Running trail in Van Buren, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Van Buren 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.
This state park is set on woodlands surrounding a 45-acre lake & offers boating, fishing & camping.
What runners say about Van Buren State Park
“We stayed at the Van Buren State Park campground it was very clean, the Vault toilets were well maintained, and the sites had huge cement pads.”
“This park is beautiful, I wasn’t expecting it to be so good.”
Despite the water being at a low level and a major restoration project going on, this state park is bonkers great. The most fun part of the day was seeing a beaver while on the red trail at their massive lodge. The trails that circulate the lake are nice and cool thanks to trees providing shade.
We camped in the equestrian side and being amongst horses was a fun twist for us humans. Took a couple of nice hikes, entertained family and met some great people. The hosts are fabulous. In the center of family campground, there is tetherball, corn hole and a play area. Volleyball is set up by check in.
A beautiful place in the fall. Came here to mtn bike. Has pretty good trails. The one closest to lake (yellow blaze) is trickier than you'd think. Lots of steeps with roots and some impossible turns to hit the wood bridge. Like, you have to stop and walk it to the bridge. Impossible angle.
An another state park around our area. Lot of trail options including horse and lake shore area. During fall season you will see various colors here. The only thing which I don’t like is the restroom in the park entrance which is not well maintained 😌.
Trail conditions & character
“This park is beautiful, I wasn’t expecting it to be so good.”
“The only thing which I don’t like is the restroom in the park entrance which is not well maintained 😌.”
“Lots of steeps with roots and some impossible turns to hit the wood bridge.”
“My husband & I brought the dog here to hike the trails.”
“There is ample parking, two different shelter houses, a disk golf course, and looked like an archery range.”
Plan your run at Van Buren 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone+1 419-832-7662
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Van Buren
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Van Buren State Park: Shelter House 3
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