Fall in Dayton is the most beautiful time of the year – and everyone needs to get outside and enjoy it. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and it’s high time to get outside and explore. Here are just a few of our local picks for gorgeous bike paths, trails and parks that you’re sure to fall for.
Carriage Hill MetroPark
Once farmland and woodlots, more than 50 years of natural succession have created rich areas of forests, thickets, meadows and prairies to explore at Carriage Hill. Farm life in the 1880s comes alive at the historical farm, complete with period farm animals. There are also acres of peaceful beauty to enjoy on foot or horseback. The park has been a favorite place for families to spend quality time together for generations.
Eastwood MetroPark
Eastwood MetroPark is a hub of outdoor recreation. Buckeye Trail is a 2.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features a gorgeous view of the river and is great for all skill levels. This trail is primarily used for walking, running, nature trips and us perfect for fall foliage.
Englewood MetroPark
This nature-filled park, one of the largest in the region, has been part of the Englewood community for more than 50 years. Englewood MetroPark has three waterfalls and a unique woodland area. A can’t miss for the fall is a trip to see “Big Blue,” a champion blue ash tree. You’ll find Big Blue just past the stone gate entrance to the West Park area, found at 100 East National Road.
Twin Creek MetroParks
Enjoy the best wilderness experience in the region. Part of the Twin Valley Conservation Corridor, Twin Creek MetroPark offers mature forests within the breathtaking ravines — an ideal spot for hiking, backpacking and camping.
Hills & Dales MetroPark
The 63-acre Hills & Dales MetroPark is filled with picturesque creeks, rolling hills, dense woods (including an outstanding example of Ohio natural forest), wildflowers and wetlands, all conveniently located just south of downtown Dayton.
Island MetroPark
The 43-acre Island MetroPark is an urban oasis conveniently located in downtown Dayton and filled with picturesque landscape and mature tree growth, a rich cultural heritage, many recreation amenities and opportunities and a waterway that borders both sides of the park, making it the perfect spot for the changing season.
Possum Creek MetroPark
Adults and children alike will love exploring the blend of nature, history and community at Possum Creek. Hike together in one of Ohio’s best examples of a tallgrass prairie. It’s hard to imagine that this home for butterflies and bluebirds was once degraded farmland. Argonne Lake’s open vistas of woodlands and wildlife provide the perfect setting for fishing for catfish, bass or trout. Youngsters will love visiting the farm to see the barnyard animals and learn about the food we eat. Camp overnight or picnic with family and friends. Discover remnants of the past along the Argonne Forest Trail. Come back often to enjoy the seasonal changes and make outdoor memories that will last a lifetime.
RiverScape MetroPark
Amid the beautifully landscaped gardens, flowering pots, hanging baskets and reflecting pools, this lively park on the banks of the Great Miami River offers a place for those who live, work and play downtown to connect to nature during any season. RiverScape is a place that not only preserves glimpses of the city’s origins but one that embraces modern innovation and evolves with the needs of the vibrant and connected neighborhoods that surround it.
Sugarcreek MetroPark
The native vegetation of the Sugarcreek area consisted of beech woods, mixed oak, sugar maple, elm and ash swamps along the creeks and flood plains. Some oak trees are estimated to be 550 years old, making this the ideal location to take in the fall colors. What do 550-year-old trees look like? Find out when you venture 0.7 miles along the Orange Trail to the site of the “Three Sisters,” three ancient white oak trees
Taylorsville MetroPark
The area that is now Taylorsville MetroPark was once one of the busiest crossroads in the country, the meeting place of major transportation arteries — the Old National Road, Great Miami River, the Miami-Erie Canal and railroads. Today, the area serves as the crossroads of bike trails, hiking trails and river recreation. The park is a gateway to new outdoor experiences, such as running, biking, hiking, fishing and paddling. Your journey is waiting to begin.
Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
From nature trails to one of Five Rivers MetroParks’ big trees, Wegerzyn Gardens is picture perfect when the leaves change. The Stillwater River Trail provides cyclists, runners and walkers serene and diverse terrain. Kids should stop by the Children’s Discovery Garden to discover, experience and love our world through gardening, this garden contains habitat areas and whimsical themed gardens for children and their adult companions to explore together.
Related Article: Best Places for Fall Colors in Cincinnati
