Backpacking

Five Rivers MetroParks offers diverse opportunities for exploring our region on foot while carrying everything you’ll need on your back. Venture out on the rugged terrain of the 28.7-mile Twin Valley Trail (TVT) or take a short or long adventure along some of the county's 20 miles of Buckeye and North Country trails, two long-distance trails that come together through five MetroParks.

Featured Locations

Twin Valley Trail

6910 Boomershine Rd., Germantown, OH 45327 Directions >

  • Parking Icon
  • Parking Icon
  • Parking Icon

    Seasonal

Complete with beautiful hills, babbling brooks, abundant wildlife, history and nine secluded backcountry campsites, the 27-mile Twin Valley Trail offers a remote backcountry experience right here in Montgomery County.

Buckeye & North Country Trails

  • Parking Icon
  • Parking Icon
  • Parking Icon

The North Country Trail and Buckeye Trail link historic and scenic features and provide an opportunity for local long-distance hiking. In Montgomery County, the trails travel 20 miles through five MetroParks. The local segments are just a portion of the 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail that circles Ohio and the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail that starts in New York and ends in North Dakota.

 

Backcountry Campsites

  • Parking Icon
  • Parking Icon
  • Parking Icon

Secluded camping opportunities are available to backpackers at three locations along the Twin Valley Trail in Germantown and Twin Creek MetroPark. These hike-in primitive campsites are large enough for two small backpacking tents and each location has an outhouse and a common area for cooking and hanging out. Camping requires a permit.

Taylorsville East Park Trails

2102 US 40, Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

  • Parking Icon

    ADA

  • Parking Icon

    ADA

  • Parking Icon

With more than eight miles of trail and challenging elevation changes, the trails at Taylorsville’s East Park can help you get out and train for your next big backpacking trip.

Sugarcreek Trails

4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305 Directions >

  • Parking Icon

    ADA

  • Parking Icon

    ADA

  • Parking Icon

    ADA

Sugarcreek offers six miles of hiking trail through a variety of habitats with some elevation changes, making it a great park for training. The green trail, a 3.1-mile loop, is the longest of the park’s trails, but it can be combined with shorter trails for more distance.

Backpack through these MetroParks

Create your own backpacking experience through Five Rivers MetroParks using these parks and more than 60 miles of trails to choose from.

Regional Trails

Programs & Events

Build Your Backpacking Skills With MetroParks Programs

Our programs build on one another (Discover then Develop then Do) — all striving to empower you to feel comfortable and confident in the activity. If you are new to the activity, begin by exploring the Discover programs and move on to build your skills. Those with fundamental skills can deepen their knowledge with Enhance programs. Programs listed are offered in rotation. Check the Program & Event Finder for specific dates and times.

What's your interest?

Discover

Develop

Do

Enhance

Backpacking
Progression Icon

Discover Backpacking
Try Backpacking

Backpacking 1
Backpacking 1: Women
Backpacking 2

Trips

Try these facilities:
Twin Valley Trail

Backcountry Gourmet Cooking
Backcountry Fast & Light Cooking
Backcountry Knots
Fundamentals of Alcohol Stoves
Lightweight Backpacking
Land Navigation
Appalachian Trail Trip Planning
Twin Valley Trail Van Tour
Leave No Trace Trainer Course
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Responder

Reservations made easy

Reserve a campsite or shelter with a few quick clicks

Featured Image

Experience the outdoors at Five Rivers MetroParks reservable facilities. Open-air shelters in beautiful, natural settings are excellent for BBQs, family reunions, birthday parties and more, or plan an overnight camping adventure with numerous park amenities nearby!

Reserve now

Curabitur vitae convallis lorem, eget sodales diam. Phasellus scelerisque vel nibh maximus vestibulum. Quisque luctus aliquet quam nec consequat.

Resources

Helpful links to enhance your backpacking experience

Partners

Resources

  • For a complete list of local outdoor clubs, businesses, and equipment rentals go to OutdoorDayton.com

Stay Updated!

We Want Your Feedback!