Run in tall prairie grasses! Carriage Hill Metro Park is a worth-it destination run in the Dayton area. Located a 20-minute drive north of Dayton, this 900-acre park is a former farm that now features several miles of trails that make for some fairly easy trail running. It’s a really nice mix of woods, wetlands, and prairie. Some of the trails are even on mowed grass! For a decent run, we recommend the Orange Trail, which is a 3.4 mile loop. TRAIL MAP
Trail through prairie grass. CC: loganrickert
Special Feature: Try to run here in mid- to late summer, when the prairie whispers — deep-rooted, sun-loving flowers and grasses ranging in height up to 10 feet — are at their flowering peak.
Run in tall prairie grasses! Carriage Hill Metro Park is a worth-it destination run in the Dayton area. Located a 20-minute drive north of Dayton, this 900-acre park is a former farm that now features several miles of trails that make for some fairly easy trail running. It’s a really nice mix of woods, wetlands, and prairie. Some of the trails are even on mowed grass! For a decent run, we recommend the Orange Trail, which is a 3.4 mile loop. TRAIL MAP
Trail through prairie grass. CC: loganrickert
Special Feature: Try to run here in mid- to late summer, when the prairie whispers — deep-rooted, sun-loving flowers and grasses ranging in height up to 10 feet — are at their flowering peak.
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Essentials
Several miles of trails. Best bet for running is the 3.4 mile loop on the Orange Trail
One of our favorite runs in central Dayton. The paved multi-use path runs right along the Mad River from downtown east to Eastwood MetroPark. Up to 4.3 miles one-way. The trails around Eastwood Park are especially nice. Good add-on options.
A paved multi-use path that runs for many miles north and south of Dayton along the Miami River. A couple of nice sections are 3 miles north to Triangle Park and south to Carillon Historical Park (3.5 miles) and East River Landing (6.7 miles).
Paved rail-trail heads northwest from downtown Dayton for 16 miles in two sections. The 12.5 mile section from Trotwood to Verona is more scenic, with lovely sycamore trees in the eponymous park and open farm fields.
Two sections of this paved multi-use path along the Stillwater River, and nice parks. Southern section is Triangle Park to Wegerzyn Gardens. North section is around Englewood MetroPark. Additional paths in the parks.
Our favorite Dayton residential area for running is the Oakwood/Shroyer Park/Patterson Park area -- a classic older neighborhood with lovely homes and tree-lined streets. Northwest of downtown, University Row & Five Oaks are also nice.
This preserve located 15 miles north of Dayton is popula for its 37' waterfall. There are 3.7 miles of nice trails for running around forest and prairie. For a longer run, Connect to the Great Miami River Trail, 1 mile west, and head south toward Taylorsville Park.
A pleasant 10k loop combining three decent parks in southeast Dayton: Delco Park, State Farm Park, Indian Riffle Park. Some short multi-use paths around the parks and residential streets connecting the parks.
Cox Arboretum MetroPark is a lovely spot for a run south of Dayton. This 174-acre park features a nice collection of trees, shrubs, specialty gardens, mature forests and prairies. There are 3-4 miles of trails in the park.
A great spot for some trail running, with the added feature of great views into a limestone gorge. Several miles of mainly wooded trails, following the Little Miami River west to east. Trails range from easy to moderate.
For a good off-road running option, access this 75-mile multi-use trail in the Xenia or Yellow Springs areas. The trail follows the outline of the Little Miami River, passing through numerous small towns and farm fields.
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Essentials
Several miles of trails. Best bet for running is the 3.4 mile loop on the Orange Trail
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