Published May 13, 2024
Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking the Twin Valley Trail Challenge
Five Rivers MetroParks will host the Twin Valley Trail Challenge on Saturday, June 1, National Trails Day. Participants in this free, noncompetitive event choose their own adventure by hiking any distance from 1 to 29 miles, following marked routes on the Twin Valley Trail (TVT), located in and connecting Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks — one of the region’s most remote and pristine natural areas. The TVT Challenge is suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
“We encourage hikers to make a personal goal rather than competing against other hikers to complete all 29 miles,” said MetroParks’ outdoor recreation coordinator Jordan Hart. “No matter what your goal is, we’ll be there to support you with water and snack stations and shuttles in case hikers have met their limit for the day and want to head back without completing a loop. With options from 1.5 miles, 10 miles and up to 29 miles this is a great event for all ages and experience levels.”
Day-of registration is open from 5:30 a.m. to noon at the Twin Valley Welcome Center in Germantown MetroPark, 6910 Boomershine Rd. Those who plan to hike the full day on the trail will need to start no later than 7 a.m. and bring a headlamp or flashlight for hiking during the early morning and evening hours.
At check in, participants will receive a trail map and other helpful info, including route options.
New this year, hikers will be heading north from the Twin Valley Welcome Center. Participants also are encouraged to download MetroParks’ free mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, to access maps, locate amenities and more at metroparks.org/mobile.
Free camping at Germantown MetroPark is available on Friday and Saturday nights. Participants also can join fellow hikers for a post-challenge cookout on Saturday.
The natural-surface Twin Valley Trail includes steep hills, open meadows and footpaths with varying terrain. Located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Dayton, the TVT is one of the longest hiking loops in the region, making it a resource for those who wish to train for longer excursions in addition to offering shorter routes for those who enjoy hiking in a remote wilderness area.
Other long trails that come through MetroParks include the 1,444-mile Buckeye Trail, which loops the entire state of Ohio, and the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches more than 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota.
Learn more about the Twin Valley Trail and the Twin Valley Trail Challenge by visiting metroparks.org/twin-valley-trail-challenge.
To learn more about MetroParks’ outdoor recreation opportunities, visit Get Out & Live on Facebook and sign up for our monthly outdoor recreation email newsletter.
