It’s been technically “spring” for weeks now, but we’re just now passing into the frost-free zone in southwest Ohio. The morning chill is less biting, and the afternoon highs haven’t picked up the humidity to come later. Tucked beneath a canopy of trees or out in an open meadow, you’ll find relatively pleasant temperatures. You can also find the nation’s largest paved trail network — more than 350 miles across the Miami Valley — as well as hundreds of miles of unpaved routes through a variety of local, county and state parks.
The Miamivalleytrails.org website details connections and the miles and miles of trails, many of which were part of the Rails to Trails program. Those routes follow former railroad tracks now turned into paths for public use. With relatively minimal grade, they make for easy walking or pedaling while connecting local communities throughout the area. From short walking jaunts downtown to extended cross-county cycling journeys, they offer low-resistance, self-propelled travel options and show the area’s dedication to the outdoors.
More rugged
For those looking for a little more adventure on a less-beaten path, the area offers a variety of options in both length and trail type. From flat and groomed pathways to gnarly single tracks, you can pick what suits your mood. Looking to push yourself a bit? Caesar Creek has trails longer than 10 miles, and the Twin Valley Trail in Germantown offers 28.7 miles of hiking.
What you’ll see
Spring is still awakening throughout May. Of course, mayapples are blooming, as are pink lady’s slippers, violets and dogwoods. May is also prime time for bird migration through Ohio, with warblers, tanagers and countless shore birds passing through. Turkeys are searching for partners. Other bird species are already busy nesting or bringing off broods, and some deer fawns are beginning to leave their mothers.
With 350 miles of paved trails, the Miami Valley is an ideal starting point for a bicycle excursion for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. CONTRIBUTED
Trail events
If you like your events more social or sociable, and with rewards, you’re in luck. There are a variety of options, much more I can list here. Check local websites for details, but here are a couple that stand out.
America Hikes 250: To celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, the Ohio Department of offers the America Hikes 250 Challenges. It has two go-at-your-own-pace options of completing 25 or 250 total miles before Dec. 31, 2026. Participation is through the outerspatial app, and you choose the routes and dates. For more information, log on to https://ohiodnr.gov.
Five Rivers Metro Park 2026 Trail Challenge: Throughout Montgomery County, Five Rivers offers 28 new trails to explore and win prizes at your own pace. Trail length varies from 0.5 to 5.5 miles, and must be completed before Oct. 31, 2026. For more information, log on to https://www.metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
Twin Valley Trail Challenge: Looking for a bigger challenge? Go long with the Twin Valley Trail challenge on Saturday, June 6th, hiking anywhere from 1 to 28.7 miles. Preregistration required at www.metroparks.org/twin-valley-trail-challenge/.
Fishing update
What they’re hitting: Matching river conditions now is key. Shaun Gardner used a slow approach with jigs, tubes and ned rigs to land 81.25 inches of fish, winning round 2 of the NAPRA Elite series on Greenville Creek on Sunday, May 3.