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Ohio
223

Ohio State Parks

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Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
Little Miami Scenic State Park
Little Miami Scenic State Park © Jamie Holly / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Little Miami Scenic Trail crossing in Yellow Springs, Ohio, signed as Bike Route 1.
Little Miami Scenic State Park © LittleT889 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Little Miami Scenic Trail, crossing the Little Miami River near Xenia, OH
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LITTLE MIAMI SCENIC STATE PARK
LITTLE MIAMI SCENIC STATE PARK
8570 East State Route 73
Waynesville, Ohio   45068-9719

Phone: 513-897-3055
The Little Miami State and National Scenic River offers a trip into one of Ohio's most beautiful and historic areas. As the river twists and bends, visitors will discover many natural wonders such as steep rocky cliffs, towering sycamores and elegant great blue herons on the wing.
Nature of the Area
The Little Miami Scenic Park is located within the beautiful and historic Little Miami River Valley. The Little Miami is a designated federal and state scenic river. It is protected because of its high water quality, panoramic setting and the many historic sites that can be found along its banks.

A trail meanders with the river through four counties encountering rolling farm country, towering cliffs, steep gorges and forests along the way. This steep gorge offers evidence of the erosional forces of glacial meltwater. Outcroppings of dolomite and shale are now exposed. Mammoth sycamores border the river's edge where great blue herons reside. Because of the relatively cool sheltered climate in the gorge, eastern hemlocks and Canada yew are able to survive here.

Birdwatchers delight in the abundance and variety of colorful warblers and other songbirds in the park. The shaded slopes offer a variety of woodland wildflowers for visitors to enjoy. More than 340 species of wildflowers are known in the river's corridor. Virginia bluebells, bellworts, wild ginger and wild columbines are only a few to be seen in the park.
History of the Area
The Little Miami River Valley is historically significant to the state of Ohio. The wooded lands were home to several early Ohio Indian cultures. Nearby are the largest and best known earthworks in the state known as Fort Ancient. Fort Ancient was built by the Hopewell Indians who inhabited the area from 300 B.C. to 600 A.D.

In more recent history, this area was inhabited by the Miami Indians and the Shawnee. After the War of 1812, the Indian threat dissipated and the area attracted settlers. Numerous mills were developed on the river bank and several still stand today. Clifton Mill near Yellow Springs is still in operation. By the mid 1800s, the river corridor was bustling with grist mills, textile mills, stagecoach trails and a railroad line.

Indian mounds and relics, historic buildings, grist mills and stagecoach trails can still be found in this historic river valley. The Little Miami Scenic Park became a state park in 1979.

Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
Camping
Camping is limited along the developed portion of the trail. Several privately operated canoe liveries along the river offer camping for those backpacking or hiking long stretches of the river corridor.

Other overnight accommodations can be found in the various bed and breakfast locations and motels in Lebanon, Morrow, Loveland and Milford. For more information on these locations contact the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-433-1072.

Swimming
Little Miami Scenic State Park in Ohio offers several swimming options for visitors to enjoy. The park boasts a seven-mile stretch of the Little Miami River, which provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and tubing. There are also designated swimming beaches along the river where visitors can relax and cool off on hot summer days. Additionally, the park features two swimming pools, located at the Old Red Barn and the Lake Access Area, which are perfect for those who prefer pool swimming. Both pools have lifeguards on duty for added safety. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of the river or the convenience of a pool, Little Miami Scenic State Park has something for everyone to enjoy a refreshing swim in beautiful surroundings.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, with several liveries available that provide rental services along the river. The waterway is generally calm, making it suitable even for beginners or families with children. Motorized boats aren't permitted on the river to maintain its tranquility and protect wildlife habitats in the area.
Canoeing
From the northernmost canoe access point to the Ohio River, the Little Miami River can provide numerous levels of excitement: an historic journey, an environmental experience, a fishing or recreational trip. The Little Miami River is approximately 105-miles long, of which nearly 86 miles are canoeable.

If you plan to canoe or boat the Little Miami Scenic River, you must exercise caution because the river's immense power is often hidden. All rivers may become dangerous when water is high and flow is rapid from heavy rainfall. Streams such as the Little Miami are always dangerous at lowhead dams and where log jams or submerged trees create powerful forces in the current. Approved, properly fitting life jackets are required. All boats and canoes require a current registration sticker.
Fishing
Smallmouth and rock bass provide excellent catches for anglers. Fishing is permitted from boats and from shore at the canoe access sites. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.


Location
Little Miami Scenic State Park is located near Alexandria, Amelia and Batavia

Picnicking
Two picnic areas with shelterhouses are offered at the staging sites along the route. One area is in Morrow, the other is in Loveland. The shelterhouses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trails
Little Miami State Park introduces a new concept to the state park system--a trail corridor. This non-traditional approach focuses on offering numerous recreational pursuits--bicycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, rollerblading, backpacking and horseback riding. The corridor also provides access to canoeing the Little Miami River.

Little Miami State Park is approximately 50 miles in length. It averages 66 feet in width and runs through four counties of southwest Ohio (Greene, Warren, Clermont and Hamilton). This abandoned railroad right-of-way, converted for public use, boasts 47 miles of paved trail from Milford to Hedges Road. The remainder of the trail to Springfield is paved and operated by Greene County Parks and Recreation (for more information on the bikeway north of Hedges Road, Contact Greene County Parks and Recreation at 937-376-7440).

Three staging areas (Loveland, Morrow and Corwin) have been located along the developed portion of the park. These include parking lots, restrooms, public phones and trail access points. These facilities are wheelchair accessible
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy a 50-mile paved trail, suitable for all skill levels. Be cautious of other park users.

The path is part of the nation's largest networked bike route system - be aware it may get crowded.

For safety reasons, biking after dark isn't allowed; plan your ride accordingly to avoid getting caught out late.

Remember that helmets are not provided but strongly recommended when cycling on any trails within this area.

Please note: The terrain varies from flat stretches to more challenging inclines and declines along certain sections.

Always adhere strictly to posted signs about speed limits or restrictions in specific areas throughout the park.

Be mindful as some parts might have loose gravel which could potentially cause accidents if bikers aren't careful enough.

Cyclists should always stay alert due their proximity with nature - wildlife encounters are possible during rides here.


Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 200 species recorded. It is home to diverse habitats including forests, meadows and river corridors attracting different types of birds like warblers during migration season or bald eagles in winter months. The area also features several trails that provide excellent opportunities for spotting woodland birds such as woodpeckers and owls. Birdwatchers can enjoy the serene environment while observing these creatures from designated viewing areas throughout the year.
Area Attractions
Three state parks are nearby including Caesar Creek in Waynesville, East Fork in Bethel (both taking their names from branches of the Little Miami), and John Bryan near Yellow Springs, Ohio. All three parks offer camping, hiking and fishing opportunities.

Two state nature preserves, Clifton Gorge and Caesar Creek Gorge are close by. Both preserves offer unique geological and botanical features for visitors to enjoy.

Spring Valley Wildlife Area operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife offers hunting and fishing opportunities for sportsmen and is also known as one of the best birdwatching areas in southwestern Ohio. A boardwalk leads to a wildlife observation tower over the marsh. Caesar Creek also has a wildlife area available for hunting.

Kings Island Amusement Park, located at Kings Mill, Ohio and Loveland Castle both offer interesting side trips in the area.


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Area Campgrounds
Lazy J RV Resort
4888 U.S. Rt. 20
Bellevue, OH
419-483-3177
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Adrien Fly Fishing Outfitters
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Queen City Tackle
2971 Saddleback Dr
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Weezel Bait Co
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Area Cabins and Lodges
Lake Cumberland Resort Inc
24 Whitney Dr
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(513) 831-1622
St John's Lodge
817 Windham Ave
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(513) 559-9052
Mountain View Chalets
7044 Royalgreen Dr
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Quality Inn Evendale
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Starting from the city center of Cincinnati, OH, head east on Columbia Parkway.
2. Continue straight onto US-50 E/Columbia Pkwy.
3. Take the exit toward Wooster Pike/Ridge Road.
4. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Wooster Pike.
5. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Wooster Pike.
6. Continue straight onto OH-126 E/US-50 E.
7. After approximately 4 miles, turn right onto Round Bottom Road.
8. Follow Round Bottom Road for about 1.5 miles.
9. Turn left onto Wooster Pike.
10. After about 1.4 miles, turn right onto Newtown Road.
11. Continue on Newtown Road for approximately 5 miles.
12. Turn left onto OH-32 E/Batavia Road.
13. After 2.5 miles, take the exit toward Rich Road.
14. Merge onto Old State Route 32.
15. Turn right onto Rich Road.
16. After approximately 1 mile, you will reach Little Miami Scenic State Park.

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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