10 fall hikes that are worth the drive
Content Sponsored by Reid Health
There’s something truly magical about fall. When the cool breeze permeates the air and the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect time to get out and hike.
Take advantage of the beautiful scenery and temperate weather while you still can. These Dayton-area trails are worth the drive because they're even better to hike in the fall:
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1. Glen Helen Nature Preserve
(Photo source: Facebook)Location: 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs.
Hours: From dawn until dusk.
Parking: Parking is available but Glen Helen requests a $2 donation per person.
Dog Friendly? Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Leashes over 6 feet are prohibited.
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2. Bill Yeck Park
(Photo source: Facebook)Location: Rooks Mill Entrance, 8798 Rooks Mill Ln.; Smith House Entrance, 2230 E. Centerville Station Rd.; McGuffey Meadow Entrance, 7893 Wilmington-Dayton Rd.
Hours: Open during daylight hours.
Parking: Parking is available at each of the entrances
Dog Friendly? Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
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3. Sycamore State Park
(Photo source: Facebook)Location: 4675 N. Diamond Mill Rd., Trotwood.
Hours: Trails are always open.
Parking: Parking is available on-site.
Dog Friendly? Dogs are permitted.
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4. Germantown MetroPark
(Photo provided by Five Rivers MetroParks)Location: 6910 Boomershine Rd.., Germantown.
Hours: April 1 to Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 1 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
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5. Hills and Dales MetroPark
(Photo provided by Five Rivers MetroParks)Location: 2655 S. Patterson Blvd, Kettering.
Hours: April 1 to Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 1 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Parking: Free parking is available at Paw Paw Camp and Dogwood Pond.
Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
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6. Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve
(Photo provided by Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve)Location: 2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs.
Hours: From dawn until dusk.
Parking: Parking available on-site.
Dog Friendly? No pets are allowed.
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7. Sugarcreek MetroPark
(Photo provided by Five Rivers MetroParks)Location: 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook
Hours: April 1 to Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 1 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash.
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8. Twin Creek MetroPark
(Photo provided by Five Rivers MetroPark)Location: 9688 Eby Rd, Germantown
Hours: April 1 to Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 1 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash.
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9. The Narrows Reserve
(Photo source: Facebook)Location: 2575 Indian Ripple Rd, Xenia
Hours: During daylight hours only (parks opens 30 mins after sunrise, 30 before dark)
Parking: Parking is available in the main lot (100 yds. east of the Nature Center).
Dog Friendly? Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
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10. Hueston Woods State Park and Nature Preserve
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(Photo source: Facebook)Location: 6301 Park Office Dr., College Corner.
Hours: Trails are always open
Parking: Choose which trail you’d like to hike and park at the corresponding lot.
Dog Friendly? There is an enclosed dog park where dogs are welcomed, but dogs are not permitted on the trails.
WANT MORE OPTIONS FOR QUICK, FUN, HEALTHY THINGS TO DO IN THE REGION? FIND MORE ON THE NOT FAR OFF PAGE.