With 340 miles of paved trails in the region, you could create any number of day trips for yourself. We want to help you get started with these five day trips on MCD trails.
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Related: Why Do Some Bike Trails Go Underwater?
MCD’s riverfront property has hosted multi-purpose trails for more than 40 years. Explore Dayton’s original 8-mile loop of the Great Miami River Recreation Trail – championed by the late Horace Huffman, Jr., chairman of Huffy Bicycles. This trail was dedicated during a huge riverfront celebration in 1976.
This 22-mile ride begins at Island MetroPark near downtown Dayton and continues along the river to West Carrollton. Early in your trip, you'll pass Dayton History's Carillon Park. Stop in to learn about innovation and invention, see the Wright Brother's Wright Flyer III, and explore the Great Flood exhibit in this 65-acre park and museum.
This 14-mile ride passes the City of West Carrollton's Miami & Erie Canal Park, where you'll find historic markers about the Wright Brothers testing amphibious landing and take-off capabilities of their planes on the river. Once in Miamisburg, visit the old Greek revival town market building and other historical buildings. Stop at one of the city's trailside informational kiosks to locate bike-friendly businesses in this quaint and thriving downtown.
This 16-mile ride begins a block from downtown Miamisburg. With numerous restaurants to choose from in Miamisburg, it's a great place to get a bite before hitting the trail or as a reward after. And don't miss the numerous historical markers and plaques along the trail in Miamisburg. This ride offers mature trees and stunning river vistas. Once in Franklin, be sure to check out the Old Log Post Office and circle a block over to Main Street to take in murals by local, award-winning artist Eric Henn. Then cross the Lion Bridge on Second Street to visit the (General Forrest) Harding Museum.
This 14-mile ride features the Mad River Bikeway. On your way to Huffman Dam you will pass Founder's Point Pavilion where the first European settlers of the city are thought to have landed after traveling up the river from Cincinnati. You'll also pass Tech Town at the edge of downtown Dayton and ride through Eastwood MetroPark before continuing to Huffman Dam. Nearby you can climb to see the Wright Brothers Memorial. On the way back, visit the National Museum of the Air Force about 1.5 miles from the dam.
