The best running trails in Pickaway County

There are at least 9 dedicated running routes documented on komoot for Pickaway County, offering a range of distances and difficulties. These include 2 easy routes, 6 moderate routes, and 1 more challenging option, ensuring variety for all fitness levels.

Yes, Pickaway County offers several easy jogging routes. For instance, the Running loop from Spangler Hill is an easy 4.6 km (2.9 miles) trail, and the Tall Pines Area loop from Madison Township is another easy option at 3.6 km (2.2 miles).

Pickaway County boasts diverse landscapes for scenic runs. The Hargus Lake loop from A W Marion State Park offers beautiful water views as it circles Hargus Lake. The Roundtown Trail in Circleville provides opportunities for birdwatching as it passes through wetlands, small creeks, and wooded boundaries. Canal Park also features historic canal elements and scenic Scioto River views.

While many routes are shorter, the developing Pickaway Trail, part of the 'Rails to Trails' initiative, aims to be a 16-mile paved trail connecting Circleville to New Holland. Currently, about 2 miles are cleared, with 1.5 miles paved, offering a good base for longer runs as it expands. Deer Creek State Park also features 9 miles of hiking trails that can be utilized for longer runs.

Yes, many trails in Pickaway County are pet-friendly. For example, the Towpath Trail and Scioto River Trail within Canal Park are explicitly noted as suitable for pets, making them great options for jogging with your dog.

Absolutely. Many routes in Pickaway County are designed as loops, providing a convenient running experience. Popular options include the Running loop from Jackson Township, the Hargus Lake loop from A W Marion State Park, and the Running loop from Canal Winchester.

Pickaway County's routes offer glimpses of local attractions. Along the Hargus Lake loop, you'll be running around Hargus Lake itself. Other notable points of interest in the region include the Slate Run Living Historical Farm and the historic Blackburn/Wesner Bridge.

Parking is generally accessible for many trails. For the Roundtown Trail, you can find parking at the Pickaway County YMCA, Ohio Christian University, and Circleville Elementary School. The Pickaway Trail has access points with parking south of Canal Park on Canal Road and at the Calamus Swamp Parking lot on State Route 104.

Yes, trails like the Roundtown Trail, with its paved, 10-foot-wide path, are ideal for families. Canal Park's Towpath and Scioto River Trails are also suitable for walking and light jogging, offering a pleasant environment for all ages.

The terrain in Pickaway County is quite varied. You'll find paved paths like the Roundtown Trail and sections of the Pickaway Trail, as well as grassed trails along the Towpath Trail in Canal Park. Routes often pass through wetlands, farmlands, and wooded areas, providing a mix of surfaces and natural scenery.

While most routes are easy to moderate, Pickaway County does offer a more challenging option among its documented trails. For those seeking a greater challenge, exploring the extensive trail systems at A.W. Marion State Park (6 miles of trails) or Deer Creek State Park (9 miles of trails) could provide more varied and demanding terrain.

Runners often praise the diverse natural settings and well-maintained paths. The mix of rivers, wetlands, farmlands, and wooded areas provides a scenic backdrop, and the commitment to developing trails like the Roundtown and Pickaway Trails is highly appreciated by the komoot community.