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Great Miami Riverway

7 Beautiful Hikes in Miami County

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It’s no secret- Miami County has plenty to offer. One of the most treasured – and preserved – activities is exploring the beauty of nature.

Whether you are on the hiking trail, taking an easy stroll, or searching for something to really get your blood pumping – you can find it along our trails in Miami County.

Lace-up your hiking boots, grab your gear and get ready to check out these local trails.

Charleston Falls Preserve

As one of the most visited parks in Miami County, the Charleston Falls Preserve has more than 216 acres of prairie and forests. It’s an ideal place to hike, take in the sights, and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The park offers a variety of hiking inclines, perfect for all skill levels.

One of the most beautiful sights along this trail in Miami County is the “Miniature Niagara”, sharing the same rock strata as its namesake, Niagara Falls. From a small underground spring, the waterfall scales about 37 feet tall, then continues down to the Great Miami River.

Other areas to explore include the Thorny Badlands and Redbud Valley filled with beautiful colors and views of nature.

If you enjoy spotting unique wildlife, you’ll appreciate the opportunities that the Charleston Falls Preserve provides.

Great Miami River Recreational Trail

If you’re looking for a full-day, long trail experience, the Great Miami River Recreational Trail has 32 miles of paved trail for biking, running, and walking.

The Great Miami River Recreational Trail is part of the Great Miami Riverway, which is considered to be the nation’s largest paved trail network at 99 miles in length. This trail network connects communities up and down the river – and in the surrounding area – to facilitate connections between local events and attractions.

This trail takes explorers over small bridges, underneath state highways, along the river, and passes by a gorgeous golf course.

Check out a trail map, and plan your adventure!

Garbry Big Woods Reserve

For a beautiful little hike through a rustic area, you can enjoy the 2.2 miles of trails in the Garbry Big Woods Reserve in Piqua. It’s ideal for those who crave adventure but may have little ones in tow.

Even as a shorter trail, Garbry Big Woods still has a lot to offer. Take the family and explore more than 170 acres of land. It’s a great place to gather with friends and family, archery, fishing, and hiking. The mowed areas around the picnic shelters are great for taking a break for lunch. The shelters can also be reserved for parties and group gatherings.

The educational arboretum offers the opportunity to learn about Ohio’s native trees, as you learn to identify them by bud, leaf, or bark.

With their newfound knowledge, take the kids on a science adventure and see how many types of trees they can identify on their own. They will never know it was educational!

An interesting fact: the restroom facility is one of the first of its kind in Ohio to utilize the natural wetlands as a sanitary filtration system.

Hobart Urban Nature Preserve

If you’re looking for a hiking trail that allows you to explore the intersection of nature and art, try out the Hobart Urban Nature Preserve in Troy.

The trail on this preserve features a variety of welded sculptures, placed in specific habitats to illuminate the connection between nature and art.

The two miles on this trail make for an easy hike, but you’ll experience beautiful water views, plenty of flowers in the warmer weather, and various types of birds to spot along the way.

John A. Wannemacher Nature Reserve

You can take a hike through reclaimed agricultural land in this nature reserve in Troy, which features nearly two miles of trails and more than 100 acres of land.

If you are interested in viewing a variety of birds, be sure to bring your binoculars!

When you hike through this land, know that you’re walking through an area that has had a positive effect on local water quality as it reduces storm runoff, which helps to maintain water purity.

Maple Ridge Reserve

In Covington, you’ll find the Maple Ridge Reserve, which is located along the unique natural features of the Stillwater River.

This trail features 2.5 miles of peaceful, easy hiking through terrain that includes a sugar maple grove and a sugar camp. The large collection of mature maple trees provides sap for the on-site, educational maple sugaring operation.

The trees on this reserve provide an opportunity to view gorgeous foliage as the seasons change from the delicate leaves of spring to the bold colors of late autumn.

Enjoy a refreshing walk through the woods, watch wildlife, or fish in one of three ponds located in the park.

Stillwater Prairie Reserve

The Stillwater Prairie Reserve features approximately three miles of trail in a circular loop that winds around a variety of habitats. It is a great place to enjoy hiking – and even cross-country skiing.

Enjoy the local sights of marshy habitats, shrublands, fields, and woodlands. The area features a boardwalk, rowboats to explore the man-made ponds, and picnic areas to relax and refuel.

The Stillwater Prairie Reserve is the perfect destination for a day-hike along with a group of family or friends, or possibly solo for some quiet contemplation.

Miami County is proud of the gorgeous natural scenery that highlights the beauty and serenity of our area. Try out each hiking trail throughout the year, enjoying the distinct seasonal changes that bring a variety of sights to behold.

After your adventures, stop by a local brewery or restaurant to end the adventure! Contact the Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau for more information about our area.

The Great Miami River Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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The GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge is a catch-and-release tournament where anglers will utilize the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches.

The tournament is open to all ages and runs from June 15 – July 21 Registration is $30.

Prizes include gift cards, reels, rods, and more! 

Random Drawings for each Slot for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50)*

“Recent records show that the largest smallmouth bass caught in the Great Miami River measured 24.3 inches,” said Barry Puskas, a Montgomery County resident and an avid fly fisherman. Donnie Knight, a biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, states that “Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Great Miami River from June through August, so it’s a great time to encourage anglers to get out on the water.”

Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), we are able to offer FREE IGFA Digital Memberships* ($20 value per membership) for all registrants!

*Exclusive “Members Only” online access to: IGFA World Record database, Exclusive How-To & Historical Videos, World Record Game Fishes archives
*The monthly International Angler digital publication
*Members Only discounts on tackle, trips, charters and more from IGFA partners

 

Great Miami Riverway launches new Food-n-Brew Challenge

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The Riverway communities are full of unique treats, gourmet meals, and craft brews. To encourage exploration of all the Riverway has to offer, a new passport will inspire you to eat and sip your way through the region and win prizes along the way.

The Food-n-Brew Challenge is available only on the new Great Miami Riverway app. The passport emphasizes that 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 historic downtowns.

Whether you love BBQ, donuts, international cuisine, or innovative craft beer, the challenge has something for you.

There are new craft breweries and local restaurants to enjoy along the Great Miami Riverway,” said Dan Foley, Manager. “The challenge also includes our long-standing favorites. If you’re a foodie or a craft beer enthusiast, the Food-n-Brew Challenge is for you”.

To play, download the Riverway app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and create an account. Complete an activity from the Riverway Challenge and then check that item off your list on the app. For an extra chance to win, post a photo on social media with #riverwaychallenge.

The more you explore, the more chances you have to win in the Food-n-Brew Challenge.

A grand prize winner will be announced November 17, Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week. Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning September 18. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must visit at least one brewery or restaurant from each participating community between September 15th and November 15th. Winners will be notified by email.

FULL RULES

  • Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week.
  • Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning September 18.
  • To be eligible for the grand prize, you must visit at least one brewery or restaurant from each participating community between September 15th and November 15th.
  • The grand prize winners will be chosen November 17, 2023.
  • The Riverway Food N’ Brew Challenge starts September 15 at 8AM and ends at 5PM on November 15, 2023.
  • All winners will be notified by email.

A grand prize winner will be announced November 17, Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week. Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning September 18. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must visit at least one brewery or restaurant from each participating community between September 15th and November 15th. Winners will be notified by email.

The Great Miami Riverway is a program of the Miami Conservancy District’s River Corridor Improvement Subdistrict, and a partnership with local communities to support and encourage people to live, work, and play safely along the Great Miami River.

 

 

Join the 2023 GREAT Float on the Great Miami River!

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Calling all paddlers! Everyone is invited to the 2023 GREAT Float – a celebration of the Great Miami River. This is a 5-mile paddle in Miami County with over 100 participants in canoes, kayaks, and other human-powered craft. This event is hosted by the Great Miami Riverway, the City of Troy, and Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau.The GREAT Float is scheduled for Thursday, June 29 from 2 to 5 pm. Paddlers will also enjoy an after-party at Treasure Island in Troy

Paddlers will park at Treasure Island, ride a shuttle bus to Farrington Reserve, and float down the Great Miami River to Troy.

The after-party features optional gourmet boxed dinners from Smith’s Boathouse to be ready after the paddle.

Registration is required. Participants can rent a kayak, paddle and life jacket for $50, or bring your own kayak or canoe for $15. Transportation is included.

For more information and registration: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/2023-great-float-troy.   Registration deadline is June 14th..

2022 Fall Challenge – Visit fun fall festivals to win!

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We challenge you to visit Fall Festivals in the Great Miami Riverway, September 15 – November 15, 2022.  

The more festivals you visit, the more chances you have to win prizes!

The Fall Festival Challenge is the Riverway’s 2022 regional passport program, available only on the Great Miami Riverway app.

Whether you love music, arts and crafts, aviation, food, beer, or all things pumpkin, the challenge has something for you.

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 surf the river, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through charming downtowns.
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 Summer Challenge and once completed, check that item off your list.
  3. For extra chances to win, post a selfie of your activities on social media with #greatmiamiriverway.

RULES

  • Every Friday we will giveaway free Riverway t-shirts and other prizes.
  • Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week.
  • The Riverway Fall Festival Challenge starts September 15 at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on November 15, 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.

 

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!

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.

 

 

 

 

Four Parks with Plenty of Space.

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If you can, it is a good time to get outside, take a stroll, and clear your head. There is plenty of space for social distance in one of the many parks and the trails along the Great Miami Riverway. Here are four for you to visit next.

Search For The First Spring Wildflowers in Hamilton

About four miles northeast of the City of Hamilton’s pretty waterfront and historic downtown along SR 4, lies the MetroPark of Butler County’s Rentschler Forest MetroPark. The park includes over 400 acres of woodland where you can hunt for the first spring wildflowers of the year. The park also includes the Great Miami River, remnants of the old Miami-Erie Canal, a prehistoric Indian earthwork, a reconstructed wetland, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Motor Vehicle Permit Required. FREE to Butler County Residents. Non-Residents $5/daily or $10/annually.

Walk The Historic Dayton River Walk

Bird watching. People watching. Breath-taking skyline views. That is the Miami Conservancy District’s River Walk in the heart of downtown Dayton. The nearly 1.25-mile loop follows the levee tops on the south side of the river from Main Street to the Monument Avenue Bridge, across the bridge to Riverview Avenue, then back over the Main Street Bridge. River Walk users can begin their loop at several different points. They also can enjoy Five Rivers MetroParks’ River Run whitewater paddling feature from both river banks and from the Monument Avenue Bridge.

Look For Birds Returning From Their Winter Getaway in Miami County

Head north along the Great Miami River to the Miami County Park District’s Farrington Reserve Park near the City of Piqua. Farrington is 27 acres and plenty of wooded sections along the river for crucial habitat for wildlife and migrating birds.  There is a scenic waterfall! You can also hop on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail from their convenient parking lot.

Discover A Great Place To Relax Or Play – and a REALLY Big Rock in Sidney

Visit the City of Sidney’s Tawawa Park, which includes 220 acres of walking trails through beautiful woodland. Take your kids to the playgrounds to burn off some energy, or fish at Tawawa and Amos lakes. Make sure you take a selfie at the covered bridge or Big Rock!

From all of us here at the Great Miami Riverway: Please stay well, and Find Your Way….to a park or trail near you! For more places to get outdoors, visit our interactive Riverway Map.

Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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The Great Miami Riverway and the National Association of Professional River Anglers (NAPRA) announce the first GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 1-30. This fishing event is a family-friendly, catch-and-release virtual tournament where anglers will utilize the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches.

The tournament is open to all ages. Registration is $25. Prizes will be awarded in three categories:

• Top Slam—the total length of your five largest smallmouth bass.
• Biggest smallmouth bass (in length).
• Biggest smallmouth bass (in length) for kids 12 and under (angler’s age on or before June 30).

The “top slam” winner will receive a $100 gift card while the other two winners will receive $50 gift cards.

The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy fish registered on Ohio’s Fish Ohio database, the Ohio Department of Natural Resource program for recognizing significant catches for all species caught in Ohio waters.

For a complete list of rules, visit their website.

Tour de Way Launches Today!

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Tour de Way
Free passport program with 100+ locations

If you are looking for a One Tank Adventure, the Great Miami Riverway is making it even easier this summer through a free passport program offering over $3,000 in prizes.

 

Tour de Way, a #RiverwayGiveaway, is a new passport program from the Great Miami Riverway. Starting on May 4th and running through March 2020, Tour de Way lets you explore our region all year long with 100 locations perfect for the adventurer, the art lover, the aviation enthusiast, the beer connoisseur, and everyone else in between.

How it works:

  • Visit one of our tour locations and follow the instructions to find the QR code
  • Scan the QR code with your smartphone – for most smartphone users, QR code readers are now embedded into your native phone camera. Simply open your camera app and point it at the QR code to be directed to the website.
  • The first time you scan, you’ll need to create a Great Miami Riverway account so that your locations are saved
  • Every QR code you scan will be automatically saved in your account

That’s it!

Launch event: May 4, 2019; River Center in Middletown

Join us today at RiverCon or at Derby Day in The Oregon District  to scan your first code. 300 of you have already signed up – we look forward to following your adventures!

Miami University Regionals, Great Miami Riverway, and Metroparks of Butler County have joined Forces to showcase all the wonderful opportunities available near the Great Miami River Recreational Trail and to launch Tour de Way.

 

Keep an eye out on social media – temporary and pop up locations will be happening throughout the year and help you win amazing prizes like a SmithFly Shoal Tent or a bicycle from Spoken Bicycles!

More info: https://www.greatmiamiriverway.com/tour-de-way.php

 

Great Miami Riverway Coordinator Begins Job Today

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Elizabeth Connor begins today in the newly created position of Great Miami Riverway coordinator.

 

A partnership of 18 cities and agencies is working to promote the Great Miami Riverway from Sidney to Hamilton as a single destination. The Great Miami Riverway is more than just the river or the bike trail, it includes a rich diversity of unique river towns, abundant land and water recreation, arts, culture, historic destinations, programs, fun events and festivals.

This new position will focus on marketing, communication and placemaking to attract visitors to the Great Miami Riverway while actively pursuing diverse funding opportunities and additional partners. The partners believe these efforts will support economic development and strengthen river corridor neighborhoods.

Connor will be responsible for:

  • Developing a marketing and communication plan to attract visitors to the Riverway.
  • Promoting the cities, parks, events, places and attractions along the Riverway.
  • Facilitating a regional partnership to support placemaking in the Riverway.

 

Previously, Connor was owner and president of EWC Media, LLC. She also served as executive director of Lake County (Ohio) Historical Society and worked with the Lake County (Ohio) Visitors Bureau.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

“We are excited by the experience and expertise that Elizabeth brings to MCD and are looking forward to promoting the Riverway with her guidance and enthusiasm,” says Janet Bly, MCD general manager.

 

As Riverway coordinator, Connor is an employee of the Miami Conservancy District (MCD). MCD is facilitating the Riverway effort on behalf of the partners.