Five Rivers MetroParks protects nearly 16,000 acres of amazing natural spaces in the Miami Valley. These efforts preserve our clean water and air, protect the diversity of plants and animals and provide beautiful places where people can connect with nature. Come out and experience the natural beauty just minutes from your door!

Featured Locations

Three Sisters at Sugarcreek

4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305 Directions >

What do 550-year-old trees look like? Find out when you venture nearly 1 mile along the orange trail to the site of the “Three Sisters,” three ancient white oak trees. Although in decline, two still survive with the third lying between them after having fallen in 2008. Borings from the trunk, done in the late 1960s on the largest of the three, indicate that they began growing around 1440.

Englewood's Waterfalls

4361 W. National Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

Englewood MetroPark is home to three waterfalls: Martindale Falls, Patty Falls and Oak Falls. Hiking the green trail, you will reach Martindale Falls first and be treated to a view of a limestone and shale ridge top, which plunges into a wide, rocky undercut ravine. Continue along and you will come across Patty’s Falls, named for the Patty family who settled nearby. Here you’ll see the wide, rocky, wet-weather falls along with a side cascade that merrily trickles all year long. Follow the trail across Patty Road for a view of the smaller Oak Falls.

Twin Valley

6910 Boomershine Rd., Germantown, OH 45327 Directions >

The Twin Valley is an area of rich natural habitats comprising Twin Creek and Germantown MetroParks, as well as the Upper Twin Conservation Area. It also includes easements protected by the Three Valley Conservation Trust; these neighboring land holdings extend into Preble County, the Miami Conservancy District and the Warren County Park District. Together, the Twin Valley encompasses more than 7,000 acres of protected land, much of it forested. Start your exploration of the valley’s wealth of habitats, with rich biodiversity and wildlife, at the Twin Valley Welcome Center.

Bob Siebenthaler Natural Area

Old Mill Road, Germantown, OH 45327 Directions >

The Twin Creek is a 47-mile stream that drains into 316 square miles of rolling farmland west of Dayton. It is beloved by the people who live along its banks and praised by biologists who have studied it. The Twin bisects Germantown MetroPark at the Bob Siebenthaler Natural Area. This beautiful woodland offers a rich display of spring wildflowers and scenic hiking year-round. The area honors the many contributions that former MetroParks Commissioner Bob Siebenthaler made to land stewardship and conservation in the Miami Valley.

Wetlands at Carriage Hill

7891 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424 Directions >

Wetlands play a critical role in supporting Ohio’s native habitats. They are home to beautiful communities of plants that are found nowhere else. They also are breeding places and nurseries for many species of birds and animals, and they filter our water. The orange trail at Carriage Hill MetroPark provides two opportunities to view wetlands. Park near either Cedar Lake entrance and hike the entire 3.4-mile trail or just a segment.

Marie Aull's Gardens

955 Aullwood Rd., Englewood, OH 45414 Directions >

John and Marie Aull were just two of the many champions for conservation who made Five Rivers MetroParks the award-winning, industry-leading organization it is today. Celebrate their legacy by visiting Mrs. Aull’s Garden at Aullwood Garden MetroPark. This small woodland garden park is located near Englewood MetroPark, just off of National Road in Englewood.

Birding at Englewood

4361 W. National Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

Every bird-watcher should know about the wildlife viewing area at Englewood MetroPark. Since the low dam was removed from the Stillwater River, populations of fish species have increased and diversified, attracting such birds as green and blue herons, raptors and water fowl. Sit along the bank overlooking the wildlife pond.

View the Glacial Moraine from the Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum

6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449 Directions >

Before there was a park district, a state of Ohio or even a European settlement, huge glaciers covered much of the landscape in our region. From the Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, you can see evidence of these slow-moving giants, responsible for carving the Great Lakes. To reach the tower, walk the paths past the Allee, and then ascend the winding 46-foot stairway for an amazing view.

Eastwood MetroPark

1401 Harshman Rd., Dayton, OH 45431 Directions >

Few creatures have such aerial grace and majesty as the bald eagle. One pair, named Jim and Cindy, have made Dayton their nesting grounds for nearly five years. Five Rivers MetroParks’ conservation practices help maintain healthy, viable habitats that attract and support large bird like the bald eagle. Bring binoculars to zoom in on the large nests, which can be seen from the parking lot east of the lake.

View from Patterson Monument at Hills & Dales MetroPark

2648 S. Patterson Blvd., Kettering, OH 45409 Directions >

It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of nature from a scenic overlook. And the view from the Patterson Memorial at Hills & Dales MetroPark is as beautiful as it gets. Park along Patterson Boulevard or park near the Twin Oak or Adirondack Camp areas and hike the Adirondack Trail to the memorial. Hills & Dales MetroPark is sandwiched between golf courses, reminding visitors of the balance needed between development and preserving green space.

Overlook at Taylorsville along the Great Miami River

2102 U.S. 40, Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

A short hike along the yellow trail at Taylorsville MetroPark will take you to a scenic overlook above the Great Miami River. Complete the rest of the yellow trail loop to experience high-quality sustainable trails built by Five Rivers MetroParks staff as part of the Strategic Trail Initiative.

Nature Appreciation in Five Rivers MetroParks

Every nook of MetroParks can transport you to another world filled with discovery. Which park will you visit today?

Getting Started

Remember to slow down; this is your time. Don’t be too focused on identifying what you’re seeing, but rather allow your child-like curiosity to guide your experience. Observe interactions between plants and animals, and contemplate your place within the great cycles of nature.

Programs & Events

Reservations made easy

Reserve a campsite or shelter with a few quick clicks

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

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Resources

Helpful links to enhance your experience

Partners

Do it at Home

Community Resources

Ohio Division of Wildlife has a library of PDFs to help Ohioans learn more and connect with nature
Spring Wildflowers of Ohio Checklist
Children & Nature Network Natural Families
Get Out In Nature

Nature Appreciation

Featured Locations

Programs & Events

Reservations made easy

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