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GreatMiamiRiverway

5 Hikes/Walks to Explore this Winter in the Riverway

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Don’t let cold temperatures keep you inside. Bundle up and get out there. The scenic views of the Riverway are beautiful in the winter. We have some tips for safe winter hiking:

Before you head out, plan and prepare to stay safe and warm during your adventures.

  • Check the forecast. Don’t let bad weather sneak up on you and ruin your hike.
  • Check trail conditions. Some trails go under water when it rains, or can be closed for construction. Find all closures on our Trail Conditions map.
  • Leave your travel plans with a trusted family member or friend. Let them know where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you think you will be back. They can help call for help if you don’t turn up when you are supposed to.
  • Dress appropriately. Layer up with at least three layers. Even if you don’t wear all the layers at the outset, it’s a good idea to take all layers on every outing. You can peel off layers if things heat up, but you can’t put on layers that you didn’t bring with you.
  • Take some essentials with you. A few things that should be with you include your phone with a full charge, a map and compass, sun protection, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, plenty of snacks and water, and matches or a fire starter.

 5 great trails for you to explore:

  1. Brookside Park Loop in the City of Sidney’s Tawawa Park is a 1.2 mile trail that features a scenic woodland forest setting. Log a twofer and stop by the smaller Riverside Park on your way to Tawawa Park, and marvel at the gargantuan Big Four Bridge.

 

  1. Spend time and look for winter season birds in the woods along the Great Miami River at the City Park in Tipp City. This spacious park offers access to the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, lots of nature trails, tall trees and picnic tables. In the warmer months this park is buzzing with ball games, but in colder months there are plenty of trails to explore. Take a winter picnic with you!

 

  1. Run, Cycle, or stroll along the Great Miami River in downtown Miamisburg if you want both nature and access to hot chocolate after your outing. Park your vehicle at Riverfront Park and walk north on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and you might see an eagle fly over the river. Visit the Curious Styles and Coffee shop for something hot to drink.

 

  1. A beautiful natural park, the Woodsdale Regional Park is 119 acres along the Great Miami River. Managed by MetroParks of Butler County, the park features three loop trails to choose from – a .7, a 1.0 and a 1.2 mile option.

 

  1. The Winter Hike Series with Great Parks of Hamilton County has been getting folks outdoors in the beauty of winter for over 30 years. This year’s hikes offer multiple days and times at various parks to limit group hike sizes to 15 people.

Dear Santa, All for I Want For Christmas Is A New Bike

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About ten years ago, I purchased a bike at a local shop and it served me well. The kind of bike you take out on short trips. I rode it all over the Riverway on our bike trail system. However, this year I joined with some friends for a 2-day, 200+ mile cycling adventure. I realized very quickly that my old bike needed an upgrade. We averaged 60 miles a day for the first two days, then 75 miles on day three. If I am going to do that again I will need a faster bike, and one with more comfort features.

Joyce and Dennis, J&D Bicycles, with Dan Foley, Riverway Director

One thing that makes the Riverway so special is the regional paved trail system. No other place in the country can boast of more than 300 miles of interconnected trails. It was almost fifty years ago that the first mile of trail was laid in the City of Troy through a partnership with the Miami Conservancy District. This first mile led to many other communities embracing bike trail development of the benefit of us all.  And while the number of miles of trails have grown, so has the number of locally-owned bike shops in our Riverway communities.

If a bike is on your Christmas list, or someone you are buying for – shop local! The bike shops listed below sell new and used and let you test ride them before you buy. They also do repairs and tune-ups, sell parts and accessories, and other bike related items.

To get help choosing a new bike, I visited J&D Bicycles in Troy. The shop owners Joyce and Dennis Ferguson patiently showed me five or six different brands and models, all of which I test rode. I selected the C:1 Hybrid City Bike from Roll Bicycles, an Ohio-based bike manufacturer. I love the bike!

So for all of your bicycle needs, support a local business! Riverway bike shops:

J&D Bicycles

Troy Family Bike Shop

Tipp Cyclery

Carty’s Bike Shop

Whitman’s Bike Way Shop

Spoken Bicycles (Ohio’s only bike shop where you can order a beer while you wait)

 

Rotary Project makes using the bike trail safer

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Have you traveled the Great Miami River Recreation Trail for exercise, for your commute, or just for fun? No matter the reason, accidents can happen. And thanks to a new sign marking project, the trail just got a little safer for you.

If you need help, you should call 911 and tell them your location. But what if you don’t know where you are? Because the trail is over 70 miles long, and many sections travel through remote areas, it can be difficult for emergency responders to locate you quickly when you need help.

To be rescued, you have to know where you are on the trail. You might not remember the last trailhead you passed, or you might not know the name of the closest street. To make it easier to find you, each bike trail sign post is now clearly marked with a numbering system that is uploaded in the dispatch system.

Funded by the Rotary Club of Dayton, this project was implemented by the Miami Conservancy District. Thanks to emergency responders in the City of Franklin and Warren County, the numbering system is now part of the Dispatch database, just like a street address. Each bike trail sign post was assigned a unique number, and each sign post is geo-located so they can navigate to you more quickly.

To use the markers in the case of an emergency, just call 911, and tell the dispatcher your location using the number on the bike trail sign post.

We want you to stay safe on the trail – and thanks to our partners – it just got a little safer.

Have fun, stay safe, call 911 for emergencies.

 

 

Four of the Best Fall Color Hikes Along The Riverway

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Saying goodbye to summer is never easy, but the best part about fall along the Great Miami Riverway is the opportunity to enjoy cooler temperatures, add cozy layers back into your wardrobe, and to enjoy some leisurely walks and hikes where you can soak in the beautiful colors of the season.

There’s no better place than along the Riverway to take in the beautiful sites of nature and watch the changing leaves and vistas. The spots to take in stunning, picturesque sites are endless, but we’ve gathered four of our favorites that will have you saying “So long, Summer” and “It’s Fall, Y’all!” in no time.

Here are four of the places (from the list of 99 things to do along the Great Miami Riverway) we recommend to watch the colors of nature paint themselves into your hearts, just in time for fall.

#1 Watch the sunset at Deed’s Point MetroPark.

This small MetroPark provides a giant unobstructed and picturesque view of the downtown skyline, embraced by the beauty of nature. Located at the junction of the Mad River and the Great Miami River with wonderful views of urban life. A variety of migratory and resident birds can be seen there. The Great Miami River Recreation Trail runs through the park. The park features a popular bronze statue of Wilbur and Orville Wright and an aviation history timeline exhibit. The park also has a monument for the Dayton Peace Accord which symbolizes the historic agreement for peace struck between Bosnia and Herzegovina on Nov. 21, 1995.

#18 Hike the trails at Shawnee Lookout to take in the amazing scenic vistas of the Great Miami River valley.

Shawnee Lookout, located in Hamilton County, is a great place to take in nature any time of year. The park is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin as well as its Native American archaeological earthworks. The park’s nature trails, including the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, 2.0-mile Little Turtle and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail, offer spectacular views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys. The 4.3 miles of former golf cart paths are also open for biking, hiking, rolling or strolling. The park also features picnic areas, a playground and boat access to the Great Miami River. The new Riverway poster features the view from Shawnee Lookout.

#46 Grab your hiking shoes and climb to the top of the Miamisburg Mound – one of two tallest adena mounds in the US

Miamisburg Mound offers an easy 30-minute visit and the opportunity to see one of the two largest conical mounds in eastern North America. The mound is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is 65 feet tall and 800 feet in circumference, containing 54,000 cubic yards of earth. The mound is visible from several miles away because it stands atop a 100-foot high ridge above the Great Miami River. Steps have been built to the top observation platform, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the area.

Photo by TripAdvisor/Sibylle B

#72 Hike Charleston Falls Nature Preserve to see beautiful waterfalls and wildflowers.

Any time of year is a good time to visit Charleston Falls. As summer fades into fall, watch the lush green forest explode with color. The Falls at Charleston Falls can rightly be called a “Miniature Niagara” because its rock strata is the same as Niagara Falls. Charleston Falls Preserve is the most visited Park District property in Miami County with more than 216 acres of prairie and forests. This picturesque park is the perfect place to hike and view wildlife or seek out uncommon plants such as wild columbine, walking fern, purple cliff break and rock honeysuckle grace the limestone faces of the surrounding gorge.

These places are great stops along the Riverway no matter what season you’re in, and with all the options, there are countless more places to explore. Need for more ideas? Make sure to check out our full list of 99 things to do along the Great Miami Riverway, here.

Great Miami Riverway Hosts “The Great Float”

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The Great Miami Riverway is hosting a Paddling Event on July 14, 2022 from 2-5PM and you’re invited!

It will launch at Miami Bend Park in West Carrollton and land at Case Landing in Miamisburg. Float down the beautiful Great Miami River with your family and friends. Enjoy lush green forested riverbanks and if we are lucky we will see Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Afterwards, join us for a “Taste of Miamisburg” private After Party and then stay to enjoy the Miamisburg DORA.

Rent a kayak, paddle and life jacket for $50 or Bring your own kayak or canoe for $10 – Transportation included.

After Party sponsored by the City of Miamisburg featuring – A Taste of Miamisburg – restaurants including TJ Chumps, Bennett’s Publical, Bullwinkle’s, and Ron’s Pizza.  

Sponsored by the Great Miami Riverway and the cities of West Carrollton and Miamisburg

For More Information and To Register: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/the-great-float/tickets

Deadline for Registration is July 8th

Take the Riverway’s Winter Challenge! Visit, Explore, and Eat to Win!

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We challenge you to explore the Great Miami Riverway this winter, December 1 – January 31.
The more you places you visit, the more chances you have to win prizes! 

The Great Miami Riverway is more than just a river – it’s a regional destination in southwest Ohio that includes paved trails and connected communities where you can hike beautiful trails, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through charming downtowns.
The free Winter Challenge has dozens of activities perfect for the adventurer, the art lover, the aviation enthusiast, the foodie, the beer connoisseur, the hiker, and everyone else in between. The challenge categories are:
  • Eat and Drink
  • Play Outside
  • Shop Local
  • Be Entertained
  • Explore
HOW TO PLAY
  1. Download the Riverway App from the Apple App Store or Google Play, and create an account.
  2. Choose an activity from the Winter Challenge and once completed, check that item off your list.
  3. For extra chances to win, post a picture of your activities on social media with #riverwaychallenge.

RULES

  • A grand prize package will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities.
  • To be eligible for the grand prize, you must complete at least two activities in each category between December 1 and January 31. The grand prize winners will be chosen February 3, 2022.
  • The Riverway Summer Challenge starts December 1 at 8 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on January 31, 2022
  • All winners will be notified by email.
For more information on the Great Miami Riverway and how to explore it – www.greatmiamiriverway.com
Support your community. Be safe. Have fun.

Explore Hamilton- The City of Sculpture

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Whether you are an art lover, outdoor lover, sports enthusiast, or foodie – Hamilton has it all.

Art lovers will be wowed by all the great art that Hamilton has to offer. The city is filled with beautiful murals and colorful sculptures. From the thirty acres of sculptures at Pyramid Hill to the 55 public art pieces around town, the arts are on display every day of the year. In fact, Ohio’s governor formally recognized Hamilton as “The City of Sculpture.” Hope on your bike and take the City of Sculpture Cycling Tour!

Be sure to visit the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. It isn’t just a building – it’s an experience. Their motto is, “Come Curious and Leave Inspired.” A non-profit community arts organization that has been a part of the Hamilton community for over 20 years, the Fitton Center offers art classes and workshops open to students of all ages. Stroll through their remarkable art galleries, take in a live performance, catch an old film at their art house style cinema, or reserve one of their diverse venues for your special event.

And for music lovers, during twelve weeks in the summer the RiversEdge Amphitheatre hosts touring bands from around the U.S. for free! Tucked between the Great Miami River and Marcum Park, RiversEdge hosts the award-winning annual free summer concert series, David Shaw’s Big River Get Down, the Hamilton Parks Conservancy event series, and more.

Outdoor lovers looking to work up a sweat or wind down from your day, will find that downtown Hamilton is a great place to get outside and play. You can go running or cycling on the bike trail, go for a row on the Great Miami River, or visit picnic areas and splash pads in 50 parks spread across 1,300 beautiful acres in the city. The Great Miami Rowing Center is devoted to supporting recreational use of the Great Miami River for people of all ages and abilities who want to safely use the river for competition, fitness, and recreation.

Located between North Second Street and the Great Miami River you’ll find Marcum Park, recently named one of the five Great Public Spaces in the United States by the American Planning Association. Kids love splashing around in the sprayground and watching the butterflies in the flower gardens. This is a great place to bring a picnic and spread out in the grass.

Foodies will love Hamilton’s downtown district. There are cool shops, art, eclectic places to grab a bite, and lots of places to enjoy the great nightlife! Tano Bistro is known for their contemporary menu and outdoor seating overlooking Marcum Park, Fretboard Brewing serves up delicious food and their own craft beer, Billy Yanks is a new restaurant and bourbon bar that already has an excellent reputation, and Basil 1791 is an Asian-American “gastro-pub-esque” restaurant. Just to name a few!

And for Halloween lovers – the annual Operation Pumpkin festival in Hamilton has everything pumpkin-related you can imagine! A Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, pumpkin-flavored treats, a Pumpkin Wall, live music, vendors, a pet parade, and more!

And coming soon – Spooky Nook Sports Complex – stay tuned for opening announcements!

Find your way – to Hamilton!

A Riverway Guide to 7 Fall Fun activities in southwest Ohio

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What sounds more like Fall to you? Giant Pumpkins, flannel shirts, scarecrows, or viewing the fall foliage from a bi-plane ride? How about all of that and more?

– Wear your best Flannel! You are going to see plaid everywhere in downtown Middletown on October 1st! This First Friday celebration is all about fall comfort. Don your favorite flannel clothes and your favorite beanie. Visit the pumpkin Patch and pick out the best pumpkin to take home. Warm up by the fire and roast s’mores with your friends. For the kiddies there is a pumpkin painting class. The grown-ups can take the spiked cider/cider beer tour at the local bars.

– Gawk at some giant pumpkins. Ok, they are technically giant squash but who cares when they get carved into amazing designs?! The Operation Pumpkin festival in Hamilton runs October 8-10 and has everything pumpkin-related you can imagine! A Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, pumpkin-flavored treats, a Pumpkin Wall, live music, vendors, a pet parade, and more!

– Get lost in a Corn Maze and ride down Scarecrow Lane. The Fall Farm Fest is held at Lost Creek Reserve in Miami County on October 9-10 amidst tree-lined lanes and colorful foliage. After you conquer the maze, try your hand at shooting corn from a corn cannon. Ready, aim, fire – at a couple different targets. Take a wagon ride or walk the charming farm lane lined with scarecrows created by local business, organizations and families. Take a selfie with the Riverway Scarecrow, and tag us on instagram to win a prize!

 

– Do your leaf peeping from the sky. You can experience the ride of a lifetime in an open cockpit bi-plane and fly over the colorful fall trees on weekends at the WACO Historical Society in Troy.

– Enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun! The Great Pumpkin Roll Festival is October 16 in Franklin. Wear your favorite costume and bring the kids for trunk-or treat. You will see shows by the Cincinnati Zoo, watch the Great 4th Street Pumpkin Roll, play games, enjoy the food trucks, and find the best one at the pumpkin patch.

– Scary and spooky more your style? Then the highly-anticipated Historic Haunted Theater in Sidney is perfect for you. On October 13-17 and 20-22 you can start with Part 1 – a family-friendly spooking – and then have the option to continue to Part 2 where the true scaring begins. Only want to be a little spooked? Visit Patterson Homestead on October 31 for their All-Hallow’s Eve Tea. Join costumed interpreters for an authentic three-course tea service. Maybe the Patterson’s will join you.

Check out the Great Miami Riverway Events Calendar for more Fall Fun including Sidney’s Boos and Brews Festival, Woodland Cemetary’s History, Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Tour, and find your way to a pumpkin patch – along the Great Miami Riverway!

14 Breweries along the Great Miami Riverway

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Nothing feels more summer than exploring somewhere new, craft beer in hand. The Great Miami Riverway has plenty of spots to visit, including a craft beer trail with some of the most unique brews you can get your hands on. You can sample some of those brews while you participate in the Riverway Summer Challenge. Through August, download the Great Miami Riverway app to check items off the passport and win prizes. Here are 12 favorites along the beer trail in Dayton, Miamisburg, Middletown, and more.

Middletown

Middletown’s woman-owned brewery N.E.W. Ales Brewing makes approachable beers, like their Gold Medal Award-winner, Still Not as Bitter as Your Ex imperial IPA, or opt for something heavier—a pint of I’m in Love with the Cocoa Pastry stout. If you’re sensitive to gluten or just want something a little lighter, check out Rolling Mill Brewing Company. After being diagnosed with Celiac disease, co-owners Josh and Megan Laubach turned to innovating a craft beer without the gluten. Options include pilsners, lagers, stouts, and more.

Dayton

As the first brewery downtown in more than 50 years, Toxic Brew Company is in the heart of the Oregon District brewing more than a dozen beers with an outdoor patio that overlooks the district. About a six minute walk away, Warped Wing pays homage to Dayton’s aviation history with themed beers like the Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, an ode to Ermal Fraze—the inventor of the pop can. If you’re a sucker for history, step back in time at Carillon Brewing Co., where you can experience the brewing process from the 1850s. From the charcoal fires to the copper kettles, the staff ladles the sweet wort by hand. For a beer with a kick, check out Dayton Beer Company’s Oregon Alley IPA with habanero and enjoy their new rooftop bar, too. Within walking distance of the Great Miami River, Lock 27 Brewing is the perfect place to enjoy the Riverway. Try the Oat Rodeo oatmeal stout or Lock Tender, a summer-friendly golden ale. In the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood, Fifth Street Brewpub creates their own beer and seltzer along with guest taps. A little more than a mile drive, take in the scenery at RiverScape MetroPark at the beginning, middle, or end of your brewery trip or spend most of the day outdoors and end it with a craft brew.

Miamisburg

Located in Miamisburg, Star City Brewery hosts events like kayaking, trivia, and food trucks that pair with their selection of beer, cider, and seltzer. At the nearby Lucky Star Brewery, you can enjoy live music and tacos from the cantina. It’s the perfect area to bike around with the Great Miami River trail only a couple of blocks away.

Hamilton

After a day on the water or visiting the murals around town, end your day at Municipal Brew Works. Visiting food trucks roll through often and an outdoor patio with games and cornhole is a great spot to wind down. Try the Courageous IPA or the Approachable Blonde, and if beer isn’t your jam, then try the house seltzer—you can customize the flavor for a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re seeking a new spot for date night, visit Fretboard Brewing & Public House. From shandys to IPAs, there’s an option for every type of beer lover and a menu chock full of options like a spicy pimento dip appetizer, fish and chips, and vegetarian options too. The best part? The patio’s view of the Great Miami River.

Troy

Troy is home to a bustling Main Street that’s just steps from the the scenic Great Miami River and Treasure Island Park. Originally First Lutheran Church in downtown Troy, Moeller Beer Barn is on Main Street, serving experimental beers and a killer menu including brick-oven pizzas and vegetarian options. And the beer list practically screams summer. Think strawberry lemonade seltzer, pineapple and grapefruit pale ale, and a lemon berry shandy.

Tipp City

Chaffee’s Brewhouse serves a carefully curated selection of unique beers with a special emphasis on Ohio breweries. Built in 1867, the Chaffee’s Opera House building was renovated to retain its original charm, and since it’s only a couple of blocks from the bike trail, it makes for a perfect pit stop.

 

Ready to explore Middletown?

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Foodies will be overjoyed at the choices in Middletown. Start at the Triple Moon Coffee Company to savor a handcrafted coffee drink and baked goods in a relaxing atmosphere. Read a book from the lending library, or play chess with a friend. For lunch take your taste buds to Gracie’s for upscale comfort food. You will enjoy their causal patio vibe, or create a picnic lunch to go from their market. BBQ lovers look no further than award-winning Combs Central BBQ for mouth-watering, smoked to perfection barbecue. We love the pub-style menu at The Swire Inn where you can kick back, relax, and spend quality time with friends or family.

Get your fill of sweet treats at Grandpa Joe’s candy shop and belly up to their candy bar. Or sample the baked goods at Central Pastry Shop, locally owned and operated since 1949, for donuts, cupcakes, or your next specialty cake.

For craft beer lovers, you have choices in Middletown. Visit N.E.W. Ales brewing for their approachable beers, filled with unique flavor profiles such as their From the Heart IPA, or Down with the Thickness Milkshake IPA. Beer and gluten free do not normally go hand and hand but Rolling Mill Brewing Company has found a way! They offer a variety of gluten-free European and American lagers/ales plus seasonal specials.

Treasured Adventures

All you adventurers, look no further than Start Skydiving. Start Skydiving is the #1 ranked Drop-Zone IN THE WORLD! Learn how to jump out of a perfectly good airplane with their world-class coaches.

 

If you like to keep your feet on the ground – or in the water – bring your own boat or rent a kayak from BAAB’s Bar, Bistro, Biking, and Boating and paddle the Great Miami River. Stay for dinner and live music on their brand new patio. Cyclists will find easy access to the bike trail at several locations along the river including River Center, Bicentennial Park, and the trailhead at Carmody Boulevard. You can rent a bike at Spoken Bicycles or get a tune-up on your own ride from their experts. They also schedule regular group rides each week that you can join. Afterwards, stick around to enjoy a specialty cocktail or craft brew.

Hidden Treasure

Family-friendly adventure awaits you on the New Discoveries Geocaching Trail. For those unfamiliar with geocaching, think high-tech treasure hunt with the treasure hunters using a GPS-enabled device to track down their prizes. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. Getting started is easy. Sign up is free and you download a geocaching app onto your phone. Geocachers can find one or all 10 of them at their own pace. Parking is available near all of the caches and the sites are stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Make Treasure

If you are a maker, or just someone interested in learning to be more creative, stop by Haute Fusion – a glass fusion studio featuring handcrafted glass art. Owner and instructor, John Ferrando also teaches glass art workshops starting at a beginner’s level. Shop around for a beautiful piece for your home or become a glass artisan by scheduling a class with John.

If you want to fall out of the sky, or keep your feet on the ground – Find Your Way to Middletown! 

The Great Miami River, Home of Ohio’s Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing

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When you think about having fun along Great Miami Riverway,  you might remember bicycling with friends on the bike trail, or eating a delicious strawberry donut at the Troy Strawberry festival. But there are a lot of people who only think about one thing: fishing.

Fishing is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the Great Miami River is one of the best rivers in Ohio to try and catch some fish – or at least have some fun trying.

According to data collected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Great Miami River:

  • Supports a very diverse fish population. In the Great Miami River, anbarry fishd its tributaries, you can fish for everything from bass, saugeye, crappie, northern pike, and catfish to rock bass. Especially abundant are smallmouth bass, but you might get lucky 
    and catch a unique species like hybrid striped bass or white bass.
  • Produces record-sized fish. ODNR’s Fish Ohio program recognizes anglers who catch fish of noteworthy size on Ohio’s rivers. Out of 30 of the different species caught, 22 were large enough to be recognized. That is more than other large rivers in the region.
  • Ranks as Ohio’s best river to catch large smallmouth bass. According to ODNR, the peak season for bigger fish begins in April and is steady through October each year.
  • Ranks as a top two riverin Ohio for Rock Bass and a top three for sauger.
  • Has produced noteworthy fish in every month of the year. But the best months are March through November.

On the Great Miami River, from 2014-2019, the largest noteworthy catches were:

“I’m passionate about fishing and fly fishing. ODNR’s data helps us understand  what kinds of fish live in the river, and the best time of year to catch them,” says  Barry Puskas, chief of technical and engineering services for the Miami Conservancy District. Barry’s day job helps our region’s flood protection system operate effectively, but his passion is also fishing.

Barry is an advocate for catch-and-release to encourage the conservation of fish species. “I believe the Great Miami is one of the best waterways to hunt for trophy-sized smallmouth bass in the region, and conservation helps those big fish get bigger”.

To find a great fishing spot on the Great Miami River, use our interactive map and trip planner. There are locations where you can fish from the riverbank, kayak, or motorboat. There is access for every age and ability.

So find your way to a fishing spot near you… on the Great Miami Riverway!

Riverway Maps Available in 10 Mile Segments

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Love to paddle, row, fish or bird watch? You’ve come to the right place. MCD publishes river maps of the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River water trails to help you plan your next – or first – kayaking or canoeing experience. The water trail maps show you public access points, river miles, safety information and more. Download them or contact your local park district for a printed copy.

You can also download more detailed maps of the Great Miami River in 10-mile sections. These river access and bike trail 10-mile segment maps will give you a variety of trip ideas.

Within the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, you can enjoy

  • 291 miles of rivers and streams
  • 3 whitewater play kayak parks
  • 117 public access points
  • 100+ natural and urban parks
  • World-class fishing
  • Unique river cities and towns

Six rivers and streams – the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River, along with Twin Creek, Greenville Creek and Buck Creek – make up one of only 21 national water trail systems (designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior) and the only one in Ohio. The three rivers are state-designated water trails, too. And the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek are state-designated Scenic Rivers.

Chaffee’s Brewhouse

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Lisa Smith Richards and her husband, Shawn, are busy people! They opened Chaffee’s Brewhouse in Tipp City last year during the COVID epidemic, and they run their own farm. At their Hop Farm at Lock Sixteen, they grow their own hops for use in the Chaffee’s beers and for other customers like Mother Stewart’s brewery in Springfield. Shawn also owns a company that builds draft beer delivery systems for bars and restaurants.

Located just steps from the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, you can find Chaffee’s Brewhouse at 15 S. Second Street in downtown Tipp City. They love to welcome cyclists. “We have a group of about ten cyclists who come in at least twice a month after their Friday ride on the bike trail. Both my husband and I are runners and cyclists and we want to highlight that proximity as a way to grow our business” says Lisa

Named after Sidney Chaffee, who ran a distillery in the 1870’s in the same location where the brewhouse now resides. According to Dayton beer historian Tim Gaffney, Chaffee was an infamous Miami Valley businessman was once charged by the federal government with evading taxes after moving 200,000 gallons of spirits down the nearby Ohio Erie Canal without paying taxes.

According to Lisa, Shawn worked in the brewery industry in North Carolina, and they decided downtown Tipp City was the perfect place for a locally-owned brewery. “We felt like downtown Tipp City needed a brewpub, and we hope it also helps the economic momentum for other businesses as well,” she said. “We started construction in February of last year and then in March everything shut down. But we decided to just keep going, keep moving forward.”

Owners Lisa Smith-Richards and her husband, Shawn Richards. Photo by Tom Gilliam

They built the place themselves. Chaffee’s bar was built with wood sourced directly from Shawn’s local family farm. And given Shawn’s knowledge of draft beer systems, he designed and built the tap system that can handle 18 different beers.

As more people get vaccinated, and life begins to turn toward normal, Lisa says they’ve been able to welcome visitors safely back to the brewery. “We don’t want to be one of those places that packs hordes of people in. We want people to enjoy our beer, wine, and cocktails and be able to talk to each other”.

Tipp City, with the support of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, recently instituted a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) that includes Chaffee’s. “The DORA is working really well for us and other businesses. It’s a great way for local businesses in Tipp City to draw customers,” Lisa said.

The Great Miami Riverway Brew Trail includes 13 locally-owned craft breweries from Sidney to Hamilton, and Chaffee’s is a great addition to this trail. Congratulations to Lisa and Shawn on the opening of this great new asset to Tipp City.

Find Your Way…to Chaffee’s Brewhouse on the Great Miami Riverway!

 

 

CHAFFEE’S BREWHOUSE

15 S Second Street
Tipp City Ohio 45371

 

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 4 pm to 10ish

Friday 2 pm to 10ish

Saturday 12 pm to 10ish

Great Miami Riverway Summer Challenge Starts June 1st!

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The Great Miami Riverway is more than just a river. This regional destination in southwest Ohio includes paved trails and connected communities where you can surf the river, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through charming downtowns. And they have just launched their free Summer Challenge. With dozens of activities perfect for the adventurer, the art lover, the aviation enthusiast, the foodie, the beer connoisseur, the paddler, and everyone else in between.

We challenge you to explore the Great Miami Riverway this summer, June 1 – August 31.The more you places you visit, the more chances you have to win prizes!

 

The challenge categories are:

Eat and Drink
Play Outside
Shop Local
Be Entertained
Explore

 

HOW TO PLAY
Download the Riverway App from the Apple App Store or Google Play, and create an account.
Choose an activity from the Summer Challenge and once completed, check that item off your list.
For extra chances to win, post a picture of your activities on social media with #riverwaychallenge.

PRIZES
Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week. Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning June 7. Each weeks prize package worth $50-$100 in merchandise, certificates, and event tickets will be awarded. All winners will be notified by email.

To be eligible for the grand prizes, you must complete at least two activities in each category between June 1 and August 31. The grand prize winners will be chosen September 3, 2021.
Grand prizes include: A one-night stay in a floating tent on the Great Miami River at Float Troy and a meal at Smith’s Boathouse.

 

 

 

 

GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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Register for The 2021 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge on the Great Miami River. Hosted by the Great Miami Riverway and the National Association of Professional River Anglers (NAPRA), this is a family-friendly, virtual fishing tournament from June 15th – July 15th..

This is a catch and release tournament only. Anglers can fish anywhere on the Great Miami River from Sidney to Hamilton, Ohio. Fishing is a great way to social distance and still get outside. There is no better river for smallmouth bass fishing than the Great Miami River. Win prizes for your record catch! During the tournament, anglers will use the iAngler Tournament app to photograph their catch and record basic information while on the water. All Ohio fishing regulations apply. Unlimited number of fish entries.

Registration Fee: $25.00 (Early Bird registration through June 1st ONLY $15.00)

Tournament Rules and Regulations:

  1. Fish must be caught on the Great Miami River between river mile 128 (Sidney) to river mile 33 (Hamilton).
  2. Smallmouth Bass will be measured by length and must have measuring device in photo submitted.
  3. Log all of your catches. The system will automatically cull and score your 5 largest fish.
  4. Open to all ages.

Scoring and Awards:

  1. Top Slam: The total length of your 5 largest Smallmouth Bass – $100 gift card
  2. Biggest Smallmouth Bass (based on length) – $50 gift card
  3. 12 and under (Angler’s age before June 15) Biggest Smallmouth Bass (based on length) – $50 gift card
  4. Top 5 bag get entered into random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $200+)
  5. Top 5 (total catches) MOST fish logged get entered into a random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $100+)
  6. First 5 logged fish get entered into a random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $50+)

Awards include:

  • Gift Cards from Fisherman’s Quarters
  • St. Croix Fly Rod from Ohio Fly By Knight Guide Service
  • Orvis Encounter Fly Rod and other gear from ReelFlyRod
Sponsors

 

Small Town Charm & Scenic River Front Views: Miamisburg

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There is something for everyone in the city of Miamisburg. Food and drinks, shopping, outdoor activities, beautiful riverfront scenery, and a cold war secret or two.

Foodies – Start with coffee and breakfast at Curious Styles and Coffee Shop or Bear Creek Donuts. Bear Creek has earned 5 stars for their delicious donuts and pastries. Don’t stop at just a donut – try the donut cake or a glazed pretzel. Grab lunch at Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro, or the world famous Hamburger Wagon. When you stay for dinner make your way to Ron’s Pizza Tavern & Patio for family-friendly options. For fine dining, make reservations at the Watermark and enjoy craft cocktails and mouth-watering meat, seafood and vegan dishes.

   

Cyclists – You will love the ease of parking at the Riverfront Park. It is the perfect place to start and end a trip on the bike trail. You can choose a short or long trip and cycle for miles and miles in either direction going north to West Carrollton and beyond, or south to Franklin. At the park there is a bike fix it station with everything you need to make sure your bike is in top shape. But if it needs some work – stop by Whitman’s Bike Way Bike Shop for a tune up (or how about a new ride?!).

River lovers – If you are looking to spend a day on the water – Miamisburg is perfect for that too. There is an easy to access kayak ramp at the Case Landing access point near the Linden Avenue bridge. If you want a short trip, take out at Rice Field.

Shoppers – There is plenty to smile about when you explore the shops along Main Street. M and Co. is a lively and creative specialty shop showcasing home accessories, gift merchandise and women’s accessories. Art lovers can find a new painting or take an art class at the Miamisburg Art Gallery. Or head right to Grandpa Jo’s Candy Shop to fill up at the candy buffet.

Explorers – Spend time at the Mound Cold War Discovery Center and climb to the top of the neighboring Adena Mound earthwork. Discover the scientific work of the Mound Laboratory. It is so top secret that some remains classified to this day. Named for the neighboring Adena Mound—one of the two largest conical mounds in eastern North America—this government facility revolutionized Cold War, Nuclear Age, and Space Race history. The Mound earthwork is one of the two largest conical mounds in eastern North America. Experts suggest the Adena culture built the earthwork between 800 B.C. and A.D. 100.

Craft Beer and Wine lovers – there is not one – but two – great craft breweries in Miamisburg: Lucky Star Brewery and Star City Brewing. Wine drinkers can have their fun too at A Taste of Wine. All three places are known for having great local musical talent.

Stay Overnight – And if you want to spend the night after your long, fun, day – stay at the English Manor Bed and Breakfast – a beautiful 1920’s Tudor mansion located on a tree-lined street in the heart of quiet Miamisburg. You’ll love the relaxed elegance of this stately home, which is graced with red oak polished floors, leaded and stained glass windows and Rookwood fireplaces. Every room is appointed with antiques and period furnishings, and a sweeping staircase leads up to spacious bedrooms and baths.

Once you visit, you will understand why Miamisburg is the Star City of the Riverway.