Pleasant Run Trail
A flat, urban trail offering glimpses of wildlife along Pleasant Run Creek, with sections of natural beauty and neighborhood paths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful nature walks
Pleasant Run Trail
Best Time
Peaceful nature walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A flat, urban trail offering glimpses of wildlife along Pleasant Run Creek, with sections of natural beauty and neighborhood paths.
"Enjoy the surprising amount of wildlife you can see right in the city on this peaceful trail."
🚶♀️ Download Offline Maps
Signage is minimal; an offline map is crucial to stay on track.
🚴 Cycle for Distance
The full trail is long; cycling is more practical than walking for covering the entire length.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Creekside Wildlife Encounters
Along the creek
Spot birds, squirrels, rabbits, and even deer in their natural urban habitat.
Ellenberger Park Access
Ellenberger Park
A practical starting point with amenities, offering a pleasant entry to the trail.
Garfield Park Destination
Garfield Park
The trail's endpoint, offering a place to rest and reflect after your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for a Peaceful Stroll
Navigating the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Download Offline Maps
Signage is minimal; an offline map is crucial to stay on track.
🚴 Cycle for Distance
The full trail is long; cycling is more practical than walking for covering the entire length.
🌃 Avoid Night Travel
Be cautious in the Christian Park to Garfield Park section after dark.
🌳 Embrace Urban Nature
Enjoy the surprising amount of wildlife you can see right in the city.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Download Offline Maps
Signage is minimal; an offline map is crucial to stay on track.
🚴 Cycle for Distance
The full trail is long; cycling is more practical than walking for covering the entire length.
🌃 Avoid Night Travel
Be cautious in the Christian Park to Garfield Park section after dark.
🌳 Embrace Urban Nature
Enjoy the surprising amount of wildlife you can see right in the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Pleasant Run Trail for its peaceful natural sections and opportunities to observe urban wildlife. However, the trail's inconsistent signage, limited amenities, and a less safe section between Christian Park and Garfield Park are noted drawbacks. Cycling is recommended for covering the full length.
"The trail runs from Pleasant Run Golf Course to Garfield Park (although for practical purposes, it starts at Ellenberger Park rather than the golf course). It is, at times, beautifully natural and at times, little more than a sidewalk in a neighbourhood.
As you walk the trail, there are many places to get close to the creek and enjoy a bit of wildlife in the city (birds, squirrels, rabbits, and, occasionally, deer). The trail is flat but if you walk all the way from Ellenberger to Garfield Park, please allow 3 hours or more. Cycling is a much more realistic idea.
There is very little infrastructure along the trail (the very occasional bench or sign, no restrooms except in the parks).
At times, there is a lack of signage that makes it confusing to figure out where the trail goes, so be careful not to "get off the track", as it were.
Pro Tip
Between Christian Park and Garfield Park, the trail goes through a rough neighbourhood. We were approached by a drug dealer, once. Use wise precautions in this area and don't walk the path at night."
Geoff
"Nice and peaceful to walk and enjoy nature"
James Warner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail officially runs from Pleasant Run Golf Course to Garfield Park, but practically, it's often accessed from Ellenberger Park.
Information on public transport access is limited, but checking local bus routes near Ellenberger Park or Garfield Park is recommended.
Driving to Ellenberger Park or Garfield Park is a common approach, offering parking access.
Yes, parking is generally available at Ellenberger Park and Garfield Park, serving as convenient starting points.
While the main access points are Ellenberger and Garfield Parks, the trail does pass through various neighborhoods, though access might be less defined.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Pleasant Run Trail is a public park and is free to access for everyone.
As an outdoor trail, it's generally accessible from dawn till dusk. However, it's advisable to avoid it at night, especially in certain sections.
No booking is required as it's a public trail. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
No permits are needed for general use like walking or cycling on the Pleasant Run Trail.
The trail is mostly flat and suitable for most ages, but the length might be challenging for very young children if walking the entire distance. Cycling is recommended for longer distances.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll experience a mix of natural creek views with wildlife and urban neighborhood sections. It's beautifully natural at times and like a sidewalk at others.
Restroom facilities are very limited, primarily found within Ellenberger Park and Garfield Park at either end.
Maintenance varies; some parts are natural and well-kept, while others might be less so. Signage can also be an issue.
Expect to see birds, squirrels, rabbits, and occasionally deer along the creek sections.
While generally peaceful, be aware of the section between Christian Park and Garfield Park, and it's best to avoid this area at night.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for areas near the creek with abundant wildlife and scenic natural stretches. The parks at either end also offer good photo opportunities.
Yes, especially if you enjoy capturing urban wildlife like birds and small mammals along the creek.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and potentially more active wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and city. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone.
While not a single iconic landmark, the natural creek environment and the parks at each end provide pleasant backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that restroom facilities are limited to the parks at the ends of the trail, so plan accordingly. Also, be mindful of the trail's length; breaking it up into shorter segments might be more manageable. The opportunity to see urban wildlife like squirrels and birds can be a highlight for children, adding an educational element to the outing.
🚴 Cyclists
Be prepared for the possibility of inconsistent signage and plan your route accordingly, perhaps using a GPS device or app. The lack of amenities means you'll need to carry all your essentials, including water and snacks. While the trail offers a peaceful escape, cyclists should remain aware of pedestrians and any potential hazards, particularly in the less maintained sections.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Wildlife Enthusiasts
It's advisable to visit during weekday mornings or late afternoons for the most tranquil experience, avoiding peak times. Be aware of the limited signage and consider downloading an offline map. While the trail offers a serene environment, it's wise to be cautious in the section between Christian Park and Garfield Park, especially if you're walking alone or at dusk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Trail's Character
As you traverse the trail, you'll find opportunities to get close to Pleasant Run Creek, where a surprising amount of urban wildlife thrives. Keep an eye out for various bird species, squirrels, rabbits, and even the occasional deer. This natural aspect is a significant draw for visitors seeking a peaceful escape within the city. However, the trail is not without its challenges. There's a notable lack of infrastructure, with very few benches or restrooms available outside of the park areas at either end.
Furthermore, signage can be inconsistent, leading to potential confusion about the trail's exact path. A critical point to be aware of is the section between Christian Park and Garfield Park, which passes through a neighborhood that has been described as rough. Travelers have reported encountering drug dealers in this area, prompting advice to exercise caution and avoid this part of the trail at night. Despite these considerations, many find the trail to be a nice and peaceful place to walk and enjoy nature.
Navigating and Safety on the Trail
When it comes to safety, the primary concern highlighted by users is the stretch between Christian Park and Garfield Park. This section has been flagged as passing through a less safe neighborhood, with one user reporting an unsettling encounter. Therefore, it's strongly advised to exercise wise precautions in this area and to refrain from walking the path after dark. While the rest of the trail offers a peaceful experience, awareness of your surroundings is always a good practice, especially when exploring urban trails.
For those planning a longer excursion, cycling is a more efficient way to experience the trail's full length. The trail's flat terrain is conducive to biking, allowing you to cover more ground in less time. Remember that amenities are scarce, so bring water and snacks, especially if you plan on cycling the entire route.
Social
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