Ben's Run

"A number of reviewers have commented on this Trail being unmaintained. But as of today, looks like it's in good shape and very walkable. Parking is a little bit difficult to figure out. The trail starts at the back of the pool complex, and continues on for quite a ways along a stream that even during the summer has water in it. There is a warning about Lyme disease at the entrance, but as long as you take reasonable precautions it's not like the path is overgrown. It's mostly in the shade with bits of sun. Reasonably good footwear is enough to make it. The trail is covered with good gravel. And, anyone with a reasonable bit of hiking capability should be able to walk at least the first part of it."

"A lot of areas with standing water on trail (perhaps normal for March). Several trees down blocking path. Lots of roots on the trail. Wear boots and watch your step. A decent walk. Cool seeing the old dams (small one then the big one)."

"Ben' Run was great, a little muddy in spots but overall great hike."

"Nice hiking but the trails are not clearly defined in some places making it challenging to stay on course. Watch for muddy footing persisting in the larger trail dips over a week since last rain. Heavy recent leaf fall (Nov 1 2020) makes it even tougher to spot mud or lose rock underfoot. New California trail probably the best for interesting sights. Hike alongside the rocky bones of the hill and among the tumble down boulders. Save energy because the trail up to Monarch Whistle trail is steep (25 -30 degrees) and lots of leaves."

"Its the best and only real hiking trail in the area when Spencer Actually maintains it. I have gone in and cleaned out trash bags of trash and have weed eated the area several times since Spencer lacks in that department which is sad. There is also a hiking trail on a lake that is not properly cared for otherwise that one would be the best hiking trail in Spencer just because you can fish and hike. Hopefully we get more hiking trails because for us active folk it would be nice not to have to drive to Ohio or Charleston to get in some excerise and nice scenery but that maybe to much to ask of Spencer."