Little Miami Scenic Park
Greene, Warren and Clermont Counties
58.1 mi total 56.0 certified 0.0 connecting 2.1 marked 0.0 bare
THE LITTLE MIAMI SCENIC PARK follows an old Pennsylvania Railroad grade to the southwest through the valley of the Little Miami River, which is a designated National and State Scenic River. It is protected because of its high water quality, its panoramic setting and the many historical sites that can be found along the boundaries of its 66-foot wide path that extends to the southwest for 50 miles. Indian mounds and relics, grist mills, and much else can still be found in the valley, either as remnants or enduring sites.
When the NCNST Comprehensive Plan was first developed, a great many rail-trail segments were envisioned; one by one, they've fallen by the wayside. The Little Miami is the only major survivor of the several proposed rail-trail segments from the comprehensive plan; the other major rail-trails the route follows have been developed since it was written in 1982.The Little Miami is the most developed of the NCT's major rail-trails. It is also the most popular, used by hikers, bikers, wheelchairs, rollerblades, horses, and others; the closeness to the Dayton-Cincinnati metro area has added to its use. But the popularity does not depend on population; the flatlands of northern Ohio have been left behind, and the trail, though flat, is surrounded by interesting topography, including Ohio's highest bridge, which carries I-71 over the trail. In places, it is bordered by towering cliffs and forests, nice scenery, and lots of interesting historical landmarks. As such, rather than just being a flat, dull rail-trail walk, the Little Miami is one of the jewels of the North Country Trail.
The Bed and Breakfast hop, with identification starting at St. Mary's, continues all through this section. CAMPING: Camping opportunities are spotty, but there are several possible sites available. MAPS: The Buckeye Trail Ceasar Creek section map covers parts of the northern section of the Little Miami; coverage is complete on the Loveland section map on the southern half. These are probably sufficent for most users. INFORMATION: The Hutchins Guide has a route description of the Little Miami from Yellow Springs to Milford. This guide, revised in 1995, is available from the North Country Trail Store. Also: A free information sheet on the Little Miami Scenic Park is available from Caesar Creek State Park, 8470 E. St. Rd. 73, Waynesville OH 45068.
YELLOW SPRINGS, OH, 45387. (Pop. 4077) Yellow Springs and Antioch college located therewere a hotbed of Underground Railroad activity a century and a half ago. LODGING/B&B HOP: Arthur Morgan House Bed & Breakfast, 120 W. Limestone Street, Yellow Springs Ohio 45387, Phone: 937-767-1761, post@arthurmorganhouse.com CAMPING: See John Bryan State Park, below. RESTAURANTS: Several, including Subway and a pizza place, both along the trail. GROCERIES: Medium-sized grocery store. OTHER: Bank, doctor. POINTS OF INTEREST: Glen Helen Nature Preserve, owned and operated by Antioch College, is a 1000 acres nature preserve with many trails right alongside the trai. For information, contact Glen Helen Nature Center (513) 767-7375, or the Trailside Museum at (513) 767-7798. Also: John Bryan State Park, adjoins Glen Helen, and is about one mile east of the trail (follow signs from trail from where Grinell Rd. splits off from Corry St, which parallels the trail in this area) has campground (100 sites), several miles of trails, showers, and a swimming pool. For information, contact John Bryan State Park, 3790 St. Rt. 370, Yellow Springs OH 45387 (513) 767-1274. Also:
0.0 [0.0] LITTLE MIAMI SCENIC PARK AT DAYTON-YELLOW SPRINGS RD.
The NCNST route turns south from Dayton-Yellow Springs Road. A block to the south stands "The Caboose", which rents roller skates, roller blades, and bicycles to trail users. Nearby is the Glen Helen building, and a short distance to the south is the Trailside Museum. Beyond that, the trail passes by Antioch College, which is to the west of the trail. 1.1 miles south of Dayton-Yellow Springs Road is Grinnell Street. A horse stable is nearby. John Bryan State park, and its campsites, are about a mile and a half to the east; the route is signed.
1.1 [1.1] CROSS GRINNELL ST.
The route continues south along a wooded route, passing under a wooden bridge at Hyde Rd after 0.7 miles. A motel is two miles west. The route closes in on US68, and parallels it the rest of the way to Xenia, reaching Jacoby Road two miles past Hyde Rd. Primitive camping is permitted at the Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, half a mile east (left), with permission of the Greene County Parks and Recreation Department, 651 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Xenia OH, 45385 (513) 376-7440.
3.8 [2.7] CROSS JACOBY RD.
The route continues south, parallel to US 68. About a mile and a half to the south, the Little Miami River is crossed for the first time, then, shortly afterward, Clifton Rd., 1.8 miles from Jacoby Rd. A mile further south, the trail reaches Old Town and crosses Brush Row Rd. A motel is across US68.
6.6 [2.8] CROSS CLIFTON RD.
The route continues, crossing Kinsey Road after 1.6 miles, and getting into the northern part of Xenia. Several city streets are crossed before passing Shawnee City Park and reaching Church Street. A couple of restaurants are passed on the way into town.
XENIA, OH 45385 (Pop. 24,700) With Marquette, MI, Xenia (pronounced ZEEN-ya) was one of two towns on the NCNST named "Top Trail Towns" by the American Hiking Society in 1996. Xenia has come a long way since April, 1974, when the town was literally flattened by a huge killer tornado. But, Xenia rebuilt, and rebuilt well. the old Xenia Rail Station opened in 1997 as a trail center for the Little Miami Trail, centering on the historic and visitor aspects. LODGING/B&B HOP: Allendale Inn, 38 S. Allison Ave, 1 mile west on US35 (513) 372-1856, 68 rooms, restaurant nearby; Best Western Regency Inn, 1 mile west on W. Main Street, 600 Little Main St., (513) 372-9954. 19 rooms, restaurant nearby; Holiday Inn, 0.5 mi W. on Main St, 300 Xenia Town Square, (513) 372-9921, 90 rooms, dining room. RESTAURANTS: Several, from nice to fast food. A Bob Evans, an Arbys and a KFC are located near the trail. GROCERIES: Full service supermarket, convenience stores. OTHER: Mall, bank, discount stores, hardware, pharmacy, doctor, dentist, hospital.
9.6 [3.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON DETROIT ST.
It's necessary to leave the rail trail for a short distance and follow sidewalks on Detroit St. south for half a mile, passing through the business district until, the hiker/biker complex is reached. The trail continues southwest from there through a residential area. The trail to Hedges Rd. was paved in 1996, closing a gap long needing to be filled. After a half a mile, US42 (Cincinnati Ave.) is passed, and the four-lane US35 bypass is crossed under 1.2 miles farther. To the south, it's necessary to leave the rail grade briefly to cross Gladys Run on a foot bridge before reaching Hedges Rd., 1.6 mi past the US35 bypass. Between this point and Richland Rd. 2.2 mi south, Gladys Run is crossed three more times. Schnebly Rd. parallels the trail the remaining 0.8 miles to Bellbook Ave., just north of Spring Valley.
SPRING VALLEY, OH, 45370 - B&B HOP: A bed and breakfast is planned in Spring Valley, possibly opening in 1997. Contact Gregory A. Sigler (513) 862-5225, PO Box 266, Spring Valley, OH 45370 to get details.
16.4 [6.8] CROSS BELBOOK AVE.
The route bends south, and enters Spring Valley. Primitive camping is permitted in Constitution Park, which the trail passes, with permission of the Greene County Parks and Recreation Department. South of Constitution Park, the route passes under US42, and continues to Roxanna. Warren County is entered just before reaching Roxanna.
CAESAR CREEK STATE PARK offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The 10,770 acre facility has a 30-acre campground with 30 tentsites and 40 RV sites, flush toilets, and a beach and boat ramp. For more information, contact (513) 897-3055.
ROXANNA, OH (No zip code): No services here, but a restaurant is 0.8 mi west on Roxanna-Burlington Rd., then south 0.7 mi on US42.
18.7 [2.3] CROSS ROXANNA-NEW BURLINGTON RD.
The route continues south 1.4 miles through the Spring Valley Wildlife Area. At the south end of a marshy lake to the east (left) of the trail, a side trail leads east to the Spring Valley Frontier Campground. Bikers are not allowed on this path unless bikes are carried to the paved parking lot 500 feet east of the trail. This private campground has a small swimming pool, hot showers, and a small camp store. For more information, write the campground at 9500 Collett Rd., Waynesville OH 45068 (513) 862-4510.
20.1 [1.4] PASS SPRING VALLEY FRONTIER CAMPGROUND
Shortly after passing thetrail to the Spring Valley Campground, the Little Miami Trail bends to the southwest and passes through fields and wooded areas, with the river approaching a couple of times, until reaching the site of an old mill, then crosses New Burlington Rd., 2.9 miles after passing the side trail. New Burlington Rd. runs to the side of the trail the remaining 1.3 miles into Corwin. Waynesville is just across the river to the west, on SR73.
WAYNESVILLE, OH 45068. Limited services. LODGING/B&B HOP: Hammel House Inn, 121 S. Main St., (513) 897-3779.
24.3 [4.2] CROSS NEW BURLINGTON RD.
The route continues southwest. Where Caeser Creek crosses, just south of town, the old railroad bridge is not yet decked, and it may be necessary to cross on the paralleling roadway. 2.5 miles south of Corwin, Middletown Road is reached. An old covered bridge is visible from the trail. The route reaches Elbon Rd. 1.2 miles south of Middletown Road.
28.0 [3.7] CROSS ELBON RD.
The route continues south, with Corwin Rd. paralleling. South of Elbon Rd., it's necessary to use Corwin Rd. to cross a stream. 2.2 miles south, the town of Oregonia is reached.
OREGONIA, OH 45054. Small grocery store. Camping at the Little Miami Canoe Rental is possible, but with prior permission; call (513) 899-3616 or (800) 634-4277.
30.3 [2.3] CROSS OREGONIA RD.
Corwin Road still parallels. After 1.6 miles, cross Wilmington Rd. That the valley here is narrow and deep is emphasized to the south, when I71 passes over the trail on the highest bridge in Ohio. 1.7 miles farther to the south, where SR350 crosses, is Morgan's Canoe Livery, where camping is available. 0.4 miles south is a side trail that climbs over 1000 feet to the Ft. Ancient North Overlook, proving the flatlands have been left behind.
FT. ANCIENT: In its 100 acres, it encompasses the largest and most impressive prehistoric earthworks of its kind in the U.S. The Hopewell Indians, known as the Mound Builders, made earthen mounds as part of their social or religious life. Museum open daily except Monday, Mar.-Nov. No camping.
34.0 [3.7] SIDE TRAIL TO FT. ANCIENT
The Buckeye Trail map changes from Ceasar Creek to Loveland at this point. The route continues south, starting a broad swing to the west, following closely along the river, until reaching Mill Grove Rd. after 1.9 miles. This was the site of the second paper mill in Ohio.
35.9 [1.9] CROSS MILL GROVE RD.
The route continues its long swing to the west, and the valley necks down to a narrow route, with the trail closing the river several times. A small waterfall is passed. By the time the hiker reaches Morrow, 2.2 miles from Mill Grove Road, the heading is due west.
MORROW, OH, 45152 (Pop. 1200) There is a park to the south of the trail that has water and toilets. LODGING/B&B HOP: The Workshops, 3600 Shawhan Rd., (513) 932-2472; White Oak Farm Bed and Breakfast, 2707 S. Waynesville Rd, (513) 899-4045. CAMPING is available at Little Miami Canoe Rental, one block north of the trail on SR123. There are toilets, water, hot showers, picnic tables and grills in this private campground. Reservations are suggested at (800) 634-4277.
38.1 [2.2] PASS MORROW
The route continues westward, passing a couple of sand and gravel pits before reaching Stubbs Mill Rd., 2.6 miles west. 2.5 miles farther along the trail, South Lebanon looms across the river; there is a bridge to get there, emerging on the village's main street.
SOUTH LEBANON, OH, 45065 Restaurant near the center of town.
42.2 [4.1] PASS SOUTH LEBANON
Shortly after passing the bridge to South Lebanon, the Little Miami passes under Ohio 48; about three quarters of a mile from the village, the river swings to the south, and so does the trail, and the general direction will be southerly for the next few miles. After another 0.7 mi, during which the trail bends back to the southwest, the trail reaches Grandin Rd. A huge, mostly abandoned building near the road crossing was once the Kings Mill Powder Company, back in the days of the Spanish-American War. If the long-distance hiker is tired of walking, and wants thrills of another sort, Kings Island, the largest amusement park within walking distance of the trail, is located about three miles west. For information, contact (513) 573-5700.
44.8 [2.1] CROSS GRANDIN RD.
The trail continues to the southwest, but soons bends to the south. After 2.4 miles, it crosses Foster-Maineville Rd., where there is a restaurant nearby, and shortly afterward passes under US22/SR3; the village of Foster is across the river. About a mile to the south, the BT passes Girl Scout Camp Butterworth. Camping is allowed by prior permission only, from Director of Camping, 2400 Reading Rd., Cincinnati OH 45202 (513) 381-1623. About two miles farther on, a mile or so north of Loveland, a unique private home can be seen. Chateau Laroche is the only medieval castle in the United States. Harry Andrews took 50 years to build it, using river limestone and milk carton bricks. Tours are available from 11AM to 5 PM daily. Contact Chateau Laroche, 12025 South Drive, Loveland, OH 45140 (513) 683-4686 for information. To the south of the view of Chateau Larouche, the route crosses Adams Rd, then, farther south after a swing to the southwest, Lyons Rd. South of the latter, O'Bannon Creek is crossed on a 130-foot footbridge, and West Loveland Ave. is reached, in the city of Loveland. There are restaurants near the trail crossing.
LOVELAND, OH 45140. (Pop. 9106) Convenience stores, restaurants, other services.
48.9 [4.1] CROSS WEST LOVELAND AVE
At Loveland Ave., enter Clermont County. A short distance south of Loveland Ave., Broadway is reached. Camping is available at Bruce's Canoe Rental, to the west along the river. Camping is also available at the Izaak Walton Lodge, about a mile south of Loveland, but only with permission. 1.3 miles south of that, Bridge St. in the village of Branch Hill is crossed. 0.6 mi farther, three miles south of West Loveland Ave., cross under I-275 South, part of the Cincinnati beltway. Lake Isabella is on the far side of the river.
51.9 [3.0] CROSS UNDER I-275
The route continues southwestward, crossing Beech Rd. after 1.4 miles. Near the road is Bern Lake, one of a series of gravel pit lakes between the river and the trail.
53.3 [1.4] CROSS BEECH RD.
South of Beech Rd., the trail begins a broad bend to the left, settling down on a southwest course for a ways, before making a turn to the south in the village of Miamiville. At Miamiville, a 340-foot wooden bridge carries hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists across the stream.
54.9 [1.6] CROSS LITTLE MIAMI RIVER
Once across the river, the trail continues its broad swing to the south and leaves the river behind. A mile to the south of the river, the trail enters the village of Camp Dennison, which was an important mustering and training center for Ohio during the Civil War. It contains a Civil War museum room and offers guided tours.
56.0 [1.1] PASS CAMP DENNISON.
The route continues to the south; after another 2.1 miles, it reaches Ohio 28/US50 in the village of Milford.
MILFORD OH, 45150 (Pop. 5232) Grocery, convenience store, restaurant, other services.
58.1 [2.1] REACH OHIO SR28/US50
Description of this segment ends at this point, as does the Little Miami Scenic Trail. A spur (actually, the original route) of the Buckeye Trail extends southwestward another 11 1/2 miles to Eden Park in the south part of Cincinnati.