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Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnston, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area'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.
Park offering a frisbee golf course, picnic space and trails surrounding a lake.
What runners say about Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
“This is a great space, the disc golf course is well kept.”
“Its absolutely gorgeous out there, great disc golf course and you can go fishing and boating on the beautiful lake!”
Clean and well maintained shelter house. Enjoyed the view of the lake. The 'trail' going down to the lake is nonexistent and the drop off should be at least have some caution signs
Super clean, lots of trees and hiking trails to the Lake. And the Frisbee Golfers seem to like the course.
Trail conditions & character
“Its absolutely gorgeous out there, great disc golf course and you can go fishing and boating on the beautiful lake!”
“Not much for bathrooms, but lots of picnic and parking spots well spaced apart”
“Not much for bathrooms, but lots of picnic and parking spots well spaced apart”
Plan your run at Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Websiterecreation.gov
- Phone+1 877-444-6777
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Johnston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Pointe Park
4 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews
Dewey Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 173 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring a playground, trails and open space.
