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Five Rivers MetroParks

Five Rivers MetroParks was created in 1963. Originally known as the Montgomery County Park District, the park district was renamed several times before being finally christened Five Rivers MetroParks in 1995, in recognition of the importance of the Great Miami River, Stillwater River, Mad River, Twin Creek and Wolf Creek to Montgomery County. Today, the park district is charged with the mission of protecting and stewarding "Greater Dayton's natural heritage and to inspiring appreciation and understanding of these treasures through nature-based outdoor recreational and educational opportunities and experiences".

They do this thtrough managing the following wonderful park areas. The links below open to the official Five Rivers MetroParks web site.

Carriage Hill MetroPark & Farm
This Hamilton County park includes a demonstration farm, as well as vibrant natural areas. Five miles of hiking trails wind through the forests, fields and even some prairie areas. Guided trail rides for those interested in horseback riding are also available here.

Cox Arboretum & Gardens MetroPark
This 180-acre park is a fine place to study trees and other plants while working on your plant identification skills. With nine separate gardens to explore and learn from, you will get more than you bargained for out of this Hamilton County park.

Eastwood MetroPark
Watch birds, hike, fish, boat or enjoy a picnic at this small MetroPark located near Wright-Patterson Air force Base. Follow the hiking trail through the varied habitats to be explored in this park, including prairie species and views of the Mad River near Dayton, Ohio.

Englewood MetroPark
The Hamilton County Ohio park is nearly 2,000 acres of natural land along the Stillwater River. Over 12 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking and walking allow park visitors to explore Englewood MetroPark on foot. Guided horseback rides are available as well.

Germantown MetroPark
Another of Montgomery County's five rivers, Twin Creek, winds its way though through this MetroPark. In addition to a Nature Center, and miles of trails, this park includes a rarity among Ohio parks. There is a designated fossil collecting area! This is a great opportunity to expose children to the joys of geology, and give them a great hands on experience that they will be sure to treasure as they grow older.

Hills and Dales MetroPark
This 51 acre Dayton Ohio park is a great place to examine a park designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, famous for Fredrick Law Olmsteds design of New York's Central Park and many other world-class accomplishments. Park visitors can hike on fairly level, easy trails, picnic, or, if you visit in the winter, cross-country ski across the park.

Huffman MetroPark
Three miles of trails provide ample opportunities for bird watching, plant identification, and nature study in this park. Hiking and cross-country skiing on the park's trails, or boating on the lake will provide you with a wonderful, refreshing experience in the natural beauty of Montgomery County Ohio.

Possum Creek MetroPark
This 550-acre MetroPark provides nature lover with great opportunities to hike or cross-country ski. Also available are farm tours, free farm plots by reservation, and horseback riding, if you bring your own horse.

Sugarcreek MetroPark
With 600 acres to explore in this Hamilton County MetroPark, there is something for just about everyone at Sugarcreek MetroPark. Exploring the natural features of this park, you may even be privileged to see the remnants of a 550-year old forest, with some trees of that age still visible. The park also provides a specific area where fossil collection is permitted.

Taylorsville MetroPark
Historical features, such as portions of the Miami and Erie Canal, can be found in this 1300 acre park in Montgomery County. 13 miles of trails provide access to the natural and historical wonders of this park, including a segment of the state-wide Buckeye Trail.

Twin Creek MetroPark
2,000 year old native American earthworks and ample hiking trails are highlights of this thousand acre park owned by Five Rivers MetroParks. Six miles of equestrian trails are also available to those able to bring their own horse.

Weslyan MetroPark
Located within the Dayton city limits, this park and its woodlands sits along the banks of one of the five rivers of Montgomery County Ohio, Wolf Creek. Hiking ,fishing and picnicking are wonderful ways to pass the time in this park.

For more information about the Five Rivers MetroParks, located in Montgomery County, Ohio, please visit the official parks web site at Metroparks.org