Trail Run Project Logo

Enjoy a delightful run through various terrain and natural surroundings.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.8

KM

93%

Runnable

906' 276 m

High

610' 186 m

Low

319' 97 m

Up

316' 96 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This area is closed at times during Ohio deer season and when weather creates dangerous conditions.

Overview

This run features a variety of terrain and settings including a large meadow with wildflowers in season, a pristine forest, a nice pond, and a valley with a creek and small waterfall.

It is also a transition from the normal sounds of the area that slowly diminish until about halfway through this run when the only sounds come from your natural surroundings, especially from the pond on the Red Trail at the top of the ridge and all the way down the Blue Trail along the creek. Maps are posted prominently at each intersection.

The first section of the run along Green Trail is uphill; the middle section along the Red Trail is mostly level; the final leg along the Blue Trail is downhill.

Need to Know

There are two parking areas to the main activity area and Blue, Emerald and Orange Loop trail heads. One is at the Devola Multi-Use Trail on State Route 821. Cross a bridge and mowed field to the Emerald Trail. The other parking area is at the main entrance, just past the Devola Trail entrance, also on State Route 821. From this parking area, follow the path past the shelter and maintenance building along the base of the hill to the Emerald (formerly the Green) Trail or walk past the buildings toward the ravine/creek to reach the lower entrance to the Blue Trail.

Two other parking areas provide ridge access to the Red Trail. One is accessible from Millcreek Road off of State Route 60 beside Marietta Bible Center and across the highway from James-Fischer Park. The other is at the top of the hill behind GWB Complex 3 off of State Route 821 just West of I-77 Exit 6.

Runner Notes

Some sections can house loose rock and ruts after hard rains. The Blue Trail has some ruts, loose stone, mud, flat stones and can be slippery.

Description

From the parking areas, go across the meadow or along the base of the hill to the Green Trail. Run about 200 feet up a rather steep gravel road through the woods to a level section of the meadow to a shelter and fire ring. Bear left through the meadow along the edge of the woods up the hill to a bench. Bear left through the woods on the packed surface of the Green Trail to the ridge where you'll bear right on the Red Trail.

Follow this fairly level section of the trail along the ridge past the Cyan Trail (connector) until a steep grassy descent takes you to the pond. Run around the pond a short ways through the woods. Bear right into the valley along the Blue Trail, which goes along, over, and through a creek.

The top third of the descent is somewhat steep but levels out soon. Notice several boulders and rock outcroppings on both sides of the trail. The only sounds you'll hear from the pond to the lower end of the Blue Trail are the sounds of the woods. You'll see several connector trails (Cyan, White, Orange Trails) and a loop (Purple Trail) along the way.

The Blue Trail can be wet or muddy in places. There are sections that cross or go through the creek, which can be slippery but not difficult to navigate. At the end of the trail, pass a dry dam through a gate past commercial buildings before bearing right to the parking areas and park shelter, which may or may not be available as it is often rented by families and groups.

Maps are posted prominently at each intersection in case you need them, or you can bring the Trail Run Project mobile app to keep you on course.

History & Background

Two small Hopewell/Adena-era mounds are located along this loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Pyles

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#3471

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#39

in Ohio

#3,471

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,119 Since Aug 17, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
75%
0%
25%
0%

Photos

Upper pond in Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area.
Jan 10, 2018 near Devola, OH
The lower two-thirds of the Blue Trail runs along, around and through a creek. Use caution. Footing can be slippery in wet conditions.
May 10, 2018 near Devola, OH
Pond on the Red Trail on the ridge near the Blue Trail
Aug 17, 2017 near Devola, OH
Unique plant life throughout different seasons
Jul 26, 2018 near Devola, OH
Mild, but steady inclines at times
Jul 26, 2018 near Devola, OH
Cute, woodsy bridges throughout
Jul 26, 2018 near Devola, OH

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.