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Yankauer Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 269 Google reviews · Running trail in Martinsburg, West Virginia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Yankauer Nature Preserve'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.
Relaxing nature preserve for birding and birders, hosting well maintained trails, some of which are easy, as well as seating.
What runners say about Yankauer Nature Preserve
“This is a lovely preserve with well maintained trails and bathrooms.”
“And still let you get back with nature and beautiful scenery.”
“The trails were very well marked and included interesting interpretive signage.”
“Once youre on the trail, its so peaceful and serene that its easy to forget how close to the road you really are.”
“Easy trails but unpaved for the most part so it could get muddy after a spell of heavy rain.”
This is one of the best kept secret trails around here. It's quiet and not crowded at all. Maybe saw 3 people while out here. The trails are clean and very well marked. The longest trail is about 1.1 miles and there are shorter trails as well.
This place is awesome! What an excellent investment of resources. Educational opportunities for children, trails, spaces for composting, picnicking, you could host an event here and it is even handicap accessible! 100% love and am impressed. Will be back with the family during better weather.
Tucked away off a country road. Super cute with a pavilion and bathrooms. I had a Deer 🦌 come within a foot of me. Startled me. But a very cool experience. Watch out for all the rocks 🪨 in the trails.
Nice easy trail for all ages. And still let you get back with nature and beautiful scenery.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice view of the Potomac but there isn't really a spot with an unobstructed view through the trees.”
“This is a lovely preserve with well maintained trails and bathrooms.”
“I actually appreciate that no dogs are allowed as people always leave them off leash on hikes.”
“There isnt a lot of parking and groups do come through for Caving so keep that in mind on weekends.”
“Once youre on the trail, its so peaceful and serene that its easy to forget how close to the road you really are.”
“The loop trail has two different bonus loops to extend or shorten your hike.”
“Educational opportunities for children, trails, spaces for composting, picnicking, you could host an event here and it is even handicap accessible!”
“Easy trails but unpaved for the most part so it could get muddy after a spell of heavy rain.”
“The trails were very well marked and included interesting interpretive signage.”
Plan your run at Yankauer Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitepotomacaudubon.org
- Phone+1 681-252-1387
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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