At 5,000 acres, Oak Openings Preserve is the largest of Toledo’s metroparks. Located 20 miles west of Toledo, the park is a worth-it destination run for its variety of scenic terrain featuring wetlands, meadows, prairie, sand dunes, and large strands of pine and spruce.
Malard Lake Trail. Toledo Metroparks.
Oak Openings is terrific for running, with 70 miles of trails. This trail map has excellent information on the various loop options. An easy and favorite trail is the 5.3-mile All Purpose Bike Trail, which passes oak woodlands, prairies, a swamp forest, and sand dunes. This trail also connects to the longer distance Wabash-Cannonball Trail, which heads for miles east and west.
The other trail loop options are more related to the type of terrain desired, for example prairie, sand dunes, woods, lakes, and so on. Ambitious trail runners can do the 15.3 mile Oak Openings Hiking Trail loop.
We recommend parking at the Oak Openings Lodge to access the start of the All Purpose Trail, and at the Mallard Lake area for access to many of the other trails.
At 5,000 acres, Oak Openings Preserve is the largest of Toledo’s metroparks. Located 20 miles west of Toledo, the park is a worth-it destination run for its variety of scenic terrain featuring wetlands, meadows, prairie, sand dunes, and large strands of pine and spruce.
Malard Lake Trail. Toledo Metroparks.
Oak Openings is terrific for running, with 70 miles of trails. This trail map has excellent information on the various loop options. An easy and favorite trail is the 5.3-mile All Purpose Bike Trail, which passes oak woodlands, prairies, a swamp forest, and sand dunes. This trail also connects to the longer distance Wabash-Cannonball Trail, which heads for miles east and west.
The other trail loop options are more related to the type of terrain desired, for example prairie, sand dunes, woods, lakes, and so on. Ambitious trail runners can do the 15.3 mile Oak Openings Hiking Trail loop.
We recommend parking at the Oak Openings Lodge to access the start of the All Purpose Trail, and at the Mallard Lake area for access to many of the other trails.
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Essentials
70 miles of trails. 5.3 mile All Purpose Bike Trail is a good option
Depends on trail chosen. Marked Walk/Bike path starts at the north end of Evergreen Lake
Numerous access points and parking areas. Park at Oak Openings Lodge for access to the Walk/Bike path, and the Mallard Lake area for access to many of the other trails
There's nice running along both banks of the Maumee River, on paths through several parks. Rather than a loop, we suggest exploring the east and west banks from the MLK Bridge.
A lovely run in the Toledo Zoo area exploring historic residential neighborhoods and paths in three small, pleasant parks: Woodsdale Park, Walbridge Park, and Highland Park.
In the western part of Toledo, one can put together a run of many miles combining the pleasant campus of the University of Toledo, the riverside Ottawa Park, and additional multi-use trails in the area. Running track at the University.
Among the best bets for a longer off-road run in Toledo. Paved multi-use path goes for 7 miles between the University of Toledo and Silica, passing savannas, meadows and wetlands. Good connections to Ottawa Park and Wildwood Preserve Metropark.
A historic park located in Oregon, a lakefront suburb east of Toledo. One can put together a run of several miles using the numerous marked trails. Much of the terrain is wooded, though there's a small lake & numerous recreation facilities.
Terrific running in Maumee, located 9 miles south of Toledo. 3.7 miles of paths along the Maumee River, plus additional trails in Side Cut Park and around the Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site.
One of the nicest parks for running in Toledo. One can put together a several mile run of nice variety here, from a paved multi-use trail to more wooded trails and then extend with the longer-distance University/Parks Trail.
Located in south Toledo, this is a pleasant park for running. Mainly wooded, with some open meadows and views of Swan Creek. There's a 5 km paved loop trail, and 3-4 miles of wooded trails at the east end.
Among the more scenic of the city's numerous parks. Located in Berkey, 15 miles west of Toledo. There's tall timber, rolling sandy areas, meadows, prairies and native dogwood. 2.8 mile multi-use trail and 3-4 miles of wooded trails.
A great destination run in this series of parks along the Maumee River south of Toledo. The centerpiece is the 9.5 mile Towpath Trail, which follows the remains of the Miami and Erie Canal. Additional trails in Providence Park.
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Essentials
70 miles of trails. 5.3 mile All Purpose Bike Trail is a good option
Depends on trail chosen. Marked Walk/Bike path starts at the north end of Evergreen Lake
Numerous access points and parking areas. Park at Oak Openings Lodge for access to the Walk/Bike path, and the Mallard Lake area for access to many of the other trails
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!