Little Miami State Park

The Little Miami River, designated and protected as a federal and state scenic river, has remained largely untarnished by modern progress.  The river meanders through four Ohio counties, showcasing much of the breathtaking nature of the area.  Beautiful river panoramas, mature sycamores, and steep gorges are three examples of the nature a visitor can experience.

The Little Miami Scenic Trail

Little Miami State Park is comprised of the 55 miles of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that ODNR manages and adjacent lands.  The trail is a ten foot wide paved shared use trail that follows the river through Clermont, Warren, and Greene counties.  Bicycling, hiking, roller- blading, horseback riding, backpacking, and cross-country skiing are all encouraged on the trail.  The Southern trail head is located in Terrace Park, on the Ohio side of the Ohio River.  The Northern trail head is located north of Spring Valley, on Hedges Road.  Beyond that point, the trail is managed by Greene County Green Ways and leads into Xenia.

There are numerous places to access the trail between the two trail heads.  Fully equipped staging areas with parking, restrooms, and payphones are located in Corwin, Morrow, and Loveland.  Parking of varying capacity is available at various places, including Spring Valley, Waynesville, Mathers Mill, Fort Ancient, South Lebanon, Kings Mills, and Fosters-Maineville Rd.  There are various shops, restaurants, bed and breakfast's, and private campgrounds in towns adjacent to or intersecting the trail.  Bike rentals are available in Corwin, Loveland, and Fort Ancient. (See the local attractions page for more information on these bike rental establishments.)

Canoeing

Eighty-six miles of the river are canoeable.  State canoe access is available in the following places along the river:

• Off of Middletown Road
• Off of State Route 350
• At Halls Creek near Marrow
• Glenn Island State Canoe of off Fosters-Maineville Rd.

In addition, there are several private canoe liveries on the river, located in Morrow, Oregonia, and Waynesville.  See the local attractions page for more information.

Fishing

Anglers on the Little Miami enjoy catches of small-mouth and rock bass.  Fishing is permitted from shore or boats.  A valid license and registration (if using a boat) are required.

Trail-Side Attractions

Besides Caesar Creek State Park, the trail passes near East Fork and John Bryan state parks.  The trail brings visitors by Clifton Gorge and Caesar Creek Gorge nature preserves and the Spring Valley Wildlife Area.  All of these areas offer distinct natural attractions.  The Spring Valley Wildlife Area in particular offers hunting and fishing grounds and some of the best bird viewing area in Ohio.

Other attractions include Fort Ancient State Memorial and Kings Island Amusement Park.

The Ohio to Erie Trail

When completed, The Ohio to Erie Trail will be a paved shared use bike trail that runs from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, connecting Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.  The Little Miami Scenic Trail shares it's route with the Ohio to Erie Trail. For additional maps for the Ohio to Erie Trail go www.miamivalleytrails.org .

Regulations

• No motorized vehicle are permitted on the trail.
• Trail users must move off of pavement and stop when emergency, patrol, or maintenance vehicles move through.
• Night Cyclists must have a white front light and red rear light.
• No headphones are permitted on the trail while cycling
• Pets are permitted on the trail so long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet at all times
• Alcohol is prohibited on public lands.
• Organized events and activities require permits
• Horse drawn vehicles require a permit.
• Approved, properly fitted life jackets are required of canoeists.
• All boats must have a current registration sticker.
• All anglers must have a valid Ohio fishing license.