Ohio · Hiking

Hargus Lake Perimeter Trail

3.9 mi
loop
219 ft
climb
898 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr, Jun
best months

Hargus Lake Perimeter Trail is a 3.9-mile loop in A W Marion State Park in Ohio, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The trail is rated easy, with a total elevation gain of 219 feet, and it makes a straightforward outing for a day in the park. The route is a loop, and the climb is gentle. The highest point on the trail is 898 feet, and the steepest stretch comes early, at about 0.17 miles in, with a grade of 16 percent. The trail starts at 829 feet and ends at a similar elevation, so the climb is not a major factor in the overall hike. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Circleville show May highs around 75°F and September highs around 80°F, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. The trail sits close to several other routes. Dam Trail is about 0.3 miles away and Bear Corn Trail about 0.7 miles. Farther out, the Scioto River offers fishing about 4 miles away, and Meadow Trail is also about 4 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun

    Best time to visit Hargus Lake Perimeter Trail

    Best months: April, June and August–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      39° / 23°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 25°

      10 wet

    3. Mar

      52° / 32°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 42°

      12 wet

    5. May

      75° / 53°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 62°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 65°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 64°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 57°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      68° / 45°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 35°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 28°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Circleville, OH, 3.8 mi away at 675 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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