Hargus Lake Perimeter Trail

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.