Dayton
Dayton is located along the Troy Section of the Buckeye Trail in the Ohio Rivers Chapter area. Dayton became the second Trail Town on October 25, 2013.
Dayton is known as the Birthplace of Aviation and the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. It’s a city filled with rich history and abundant outdoor recreation amenities. Beyond the plethora of hiking opportunities, Dayton is a Bicycle Friendly Community situated at the center of the nation’s largest paved trail network. The gem city also hosts some of the largest outdoor recreation events in the Midwest while being situated amongst 3 state-designated Water Trails.
Dayton is located in southwest Ohio along the banks of the Great Miami River and is just 8 miles south of the intersection of I-70 and I-75. It can be accessed from I-75 coming from the north or south and by I-35 from the east or west.
The Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail wind along Dayton’s scenic rivers as the trail passes through several of Five Rivers MetroParks and along land managed by the Miami Conservancy District. The trail through the Greater Dayton Region is one of the longest continuously off-road sections along the entire BT and NCT at nearly 40 miles and includes 3 locations for trailside camping (Eastwood MetroPark, Island MetroPark, and Taylorsville MetroPark).
Hikers are treated to the rich history of Dayton as the Buckeye Trail passes near sites of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Shortly after passing these sites, the trail enters Dayton in Eastwood MetroPark, and continues along the Mad River into Downtown Dayton. Here the trail is within 2 blocks of a hotel, several restaurants and a coffee shop, as well as RiverScape MetroPark where hikers can refill water and grab a snack or ice cream during the summer months. The trail then turns right and heads north across the Mad River on a pedestrian and bike bridge before entering Deeds Point MetroPark where hikers walk up on a dramatic view of the Dayton skyline and may be treated to an eruption of the Five Rivers Fountains of Light, one of the largest fountains in the nation. The trail continues north into Island MetroPark and follows the Great Miami River Trail to Taylorsville MetroPark.
Plan Your Visit
Hikers may be particularly interested in Wright Memorial and Wright Flying Field, part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park or the National Museum of the United States Air Force where you can get more steps in as you peruse the multiple hangars of aviation history. The trail passes within ¼ mile of all 3 of these attractions. Near Downtown there are multiple breweries including the Dayton Beer Company, Warped Wing, and Lock 27. From Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees to Flying Pizza, there is something for everyone close to the trail.
There’s so much to do in Dayton! For a full list of activities, events and more, visit: https://www.daytoncvb.com/things-to-do/
Dayton offers hikers a range of services from outfitters, camping, restaurants, and even outdoor guiding companies. The outdoor scene is strong and growing in the region with over 45 outdoor oriented businesses and 50 outdoor clubs creating a vibrant outdoor culture. Come hike, bike, paddle, fish, and more on the incredible natural assets of the Miami Valley! For a complete list of services, retailers, camping, and more go to outdoordayton.com.
Additional Resources
There are public restrooms and seasonal water available at Eastwood MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, Island MetroPark and Taylorsville MetroPark.
Accommodations
There are many lodging opportunities in Dayton, from AirBnb to commercial chain hotels.
Camping
Trailside camping is available along the Buckeye Trail at Eastwood MetroPark (year-round), Island MetroPark (April-October) and Taylorsville MetroPark (year-round) by permit only. Campsites can be booked in advance or on the spot by visiting metroparks.org/reservations.