Spending time in nature is a highly coveted activity here in the Upper Miami Valley. Whether you’re into boating, bike riding, camping, horseback riding, bird watching, or simply relaxing in a quiet atmosphere, you can find something amazing here! Get on out there and visit these locals’ favorite outdoor spots.

The diverse topography of Stillwater and Maple Ridge provides a variety activities for all types of nature lovers. Located on the outskirts of Covington, these two reserves are connected by a suspension bridge that crosses over the Stillwater River. When combining the two, visitors have access to over 429 acres of land with eight miles of hiking one way. 

    Stillwater Prairie Reserve is located at 9750 St. Rt. 185 and is known for its bountiful native prairie lands, along with woodlands and wetlands. Take a stroll on the 1600 foot boardwalk that wanders through the prairie, let the kids tromp around in the natural play area, cast a line into one of the two fishing ponds, or bring your binoculars to the wildlife pond. Other amenities include picnic areas with grills, two reservable shelters with electric, 5.69 mile trail leading to Maple Ridge and the suspension bridge, restrooms, and drinking water. River access for Kayaks and Canoes is available at 7790 Rangeline Rd.

    Maple Ridge Reserve is located at 10430 OH-185 and is known for its mature woodland, rolling hills, and ravines. Situated at Maple Ridge is a Sugar House and Camp where maple sap is collected. They offer an educational maple sugaring operation from January through March. The reserve is pet friendly for those on a leash and provides a great two and a half mile trek for you and your canine. Check out wildlife at one of two ponds and cast a line at the fishing pond. Kayaks and canoes have access to the river here for a nice slow float down the river. 

A true nature lovers paradise with activities for all seasons of the year.  Whether you are into boating, camping, fishing, hunting, or just being in nature, this is the place for you! Lake Loramie is located just outside of Sidney at 4401 Fort Loramie-Swanders Rd. In Minster. This 913 acre waterway is surrounded by 407 acres of land. 

    The lake is one of the original canal feeders and features a hiking trail along the old canal towpath. Hiking trails make up eight miles in total, including a trail that leads up to Blackberry Island. Barred owls and red-headed woodpeckers are common to camp here. Humans and pets can camp within a variety sites: full hook-up electric, non-electric, or cedar cabins available for reservation. 

    Additional amenities include a 600 foot beach for swimming, a nature center, dog park, disc golf and 15 picnic areas with grills, restrooms, and drinking water. Boats can launch from six different ramps including an additional adaptive ramp for paddle craft and pontoon boats. As long as the weather permits, winter nature enthusiasts can indulge in ice fishing/boating, ice skating, and snowmobiling. 

Another great option for those who enjoy nature all year round. Enjoy a variety of beautiful natural features such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, woodlands, meadows/prairies, and wetlands. Spread out between Englewood and Vandalia, this 1900 acre plot buffers and protects the Stillwater River. East Park can be accessed from 4361 W. National Rd, West Park from 100 E. National Rd, North Park from 500 Old Springfield Rd, and South Park from 9331 Meeker Rd. 

    Twenty miles of hiking trails encompass Englewood Metropark going through the pumpkin ash swamp forest and allow access to checkout the Martindale, Patty, and Oaks Waterfalls. If hiking isn’t your thing, then bring you horse and ride through 3.5 miles of bridle trails. The kids will enjoy the nature playground and hunting for fossils. Other amenities include motorized and non-motorized boating, disc golf, a two mile paved bike trail, and several picnic sites equipped with restrooms and drinking water. In the wintertime enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing.

Access points:

Roadside Park - State Rt 66 near Harden Road, Piqua

Treasure Island Park - 409 N. Elm Street, Troy

City Park - 200 Parkwood Drive, Tipp City

Thomas B. Kyle Sr. Memorial Park - Kyle Park Drive, Tipp City

Taylorsville Metropark - 2000 St Rt 40, Vandalia

Rip Rap Road Park - 6140 Rip Rap Road, Huber Heights

Access Points:

Bish Discovery Center - 404 N. Ohio Street, Greenville

Trail Head - 6012 Hartzel Road - Greenville

5802 OH 571 & Lake Avenue Parking Lot - Greenville

Prairie Ridge Meadow - N. Broadway Street, Greenville

Bridge Street - Gettysburg

Access Points:

Graceland Cemetery - 975 S. Main Avenue, Sidney

South End - 2700 S. Landmark Road, Sidney

A wildlife rehabilitation center that is full of discovery. Go outside and walk over six miles of nature trails that lead through wetlands, prairies, and woods (no pets please). While out walking, check out the Iddings Log House, built in 1804. Stay inside and check out their seasonal art display and bird watch from the temperature controlled tree top bird vista. Throughout the year, many events are offered such as summer camps, arts and craft shows, a 5K run, and room rentals for birthday parties. 

Located at 5995 Horseshoe Bend Rd in Troy

Open 9-4 Mon. - Sat. & 12:30-4 Sun.

Admission: $2.50/person or $10/family 

Walk, run, or bike the paved trail that leads to the Tecumseh Trail and Bikeway or take a leisurely stroll on the trail that leads through the woods and check out the community gardens, pollinator field, and sustainable living displays. Canoers and kayakers can bring their own or rent a boat and test out the waters in the Greenville Creek via a paved boat launch. Don’t forget to stop by the Discovery Center to sign up for a class and learn more about sustainable living and making a positive impact on the environment. Other amenities include visitor information, covered shelters, public restrooms, maps, and drinking water. 

Located at 404 N. Ohio St in Greenville

Center open 9-5 Mon. - Sat.

Known to the locals as “Mini Niagara” because its rock strata is the same as Niagara Falls and originates from small underground springs; Charleston Falls features a 37 foot waterfall with observation deck on 216 acres of preserve. Amenities include a wildlife pond with viewing deck, prairie with viewing deck, limestone cave, Dr. Paul and Tanya Kroger Legacy Grove and recognition walkway, picnic areas, hands-on environmental education programs, and 3.74 miles of trail. Take the trail through Locust Grove, past Cedar Pond, around Redbud Valley to the Thorny Badlands, or through Redbud Valley straight to Cave Falls, and circle back around through the Golden Hexagon. The possibilities are endless.

Located at 2535 Ross Rd. In Tipp City

Open 8am - Sunset

Features 268 acres of land protecting the dolomite and limestone gorge with some amazing views throughout the three miles of hiking trails. 

Located at 2381 St. Rt. 343 in Yellow Springs

Features a fishing pond with no license required to fish, wildlife ponds, Lost Creek, 2.2 miles of trail, archery range, picnic shelters with electricity, and an educational arboretum. 

Located at 6660 N. Casstown Sidney Rd in Piqua

Features 3 acres of wildlife ponds and wetlands, 2.5 miles of walking trail, prairie, and welded art sculptures to signify the relationship between nature and art.

Located at 1400 Tyrone Rd in Troy

Features 200 acres of woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and vernal pools. There is a one mile walking trail and a four mile bridle trail for horseback riding. 

Located at 4536 OH-202 in Tipp City

Features over 5.75 miles of trail with a walnut grove, Lost Creek, an oak savanna, five historic barns, heritage hall, a working farm, and the future agricultural heritage center.

Located at 2385 OH-41 in Troy

This 220 acre wooded park was established back in 1876 and features 4.5 miles of trail to walk or bike, two lakes to fish, a creek, modular play structure with swings, sand volleyball, basketball court, Flanagan Sports Complex, waterpark, and shelters available for rent. 

Located at 12 Tawawa Drive in Sidney

This park provides BMX riders and skateboarders with state-of-the-art tracks for both types of sports. Features include a Velosolutions asphalt pump track, a BMX practice track, and an American Ramp Company skate park.

Located at 5045 Fishburg Rd. In Huber Heights

Large park featuring a skate park, shuffleboard court, swimming pool, playground and swings, ponds, fishing, disc golf, walking and biking trails, and a peacock observatory.

Located at 108 Ave F in Greenville

Situated along the Stillwater River, this park features a playground, fishing pond, boat ramp, ballfields, 9 hole disc golf, and canoe rentals. 

Located at 251 E. Tipp Pike in West Milton

Features a fun castle playground, ballfields, basketball and tennis courts, ponds, fountains, biking/walking trail, and community theatre.

Located at 545 Upper Lewisburg Salem Rd. In Brookville

Features a playground and swings, baseball field, picnic shelters with grills, tennis/basketball/volleyball courts, fishing platform, and boat launch.

Located at 1300 Forest Ave. in Piqua

A large sports park featuring soccer, pickleball, baseball, basketball, and football fields. Other amenities include a playground, 1.5 gravel walking path, and a mountain bike path.

Located at 1670 Troy-Sidney Rd in Troy

An 8-acre walking trail with 8 art sculptures entitled “At Play in Geologic Time” by Matthew Weir. 

Located at 256 E. Alkaline Springs Rd in Vandalia