With the start of summer coming up on June 21, that means it's time to get outdoors!
Dayton is known as the “Outdoor Adventure Capitol of the Midwest” for good reason. Whether your outdoor happy place is on land or water, you’ll find it here! Greater Dayton boasts the nation’s largest network of paved trails — 350+ miles — perfect for biking, rollerblading, jogging or walking. Plan multi-day trips to explore the trails while taking in nearby attractions and finding respite at Dayton-area hotels.
And you don’t have to go to a coast to “hang ten!” Dayton offers man-made water features where you can surf on the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Surf Dayton provides rentals and classes so you can perfect your technique. Dayton’s rivers and lakes provide ample spaces for boating, kayaking, canoeing, crewing and SUPing, as well as fishing.
Five Rivers MetroParks, a nationally recognized MetroPark system with 16,000 acres of diverse habitats in over 20 different parks, gets its moniker from the five major waterways converging in Dayton, including the nearly 160-mile Great Miami River. Five Rivers MetroParks’ programming provides a myriad of opportunities to commune with the great outdoors. Visit their website to learn more about the parks and upcoming programs.
If you're an angler, you'll love the 2024 Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge! Registration is now open for this family-friendly tournament spanning June 15 to July 22. You'll utilize an app to send in your catch. Last year's catch-and-release tournament logged more than 18 trophy-sized fish. Prizes are included!
Gardeners come from near and far to explore Dayton treasures such as Cox Arboretum, Wegerzyn Gardens, Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, and Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.
We've only just scratched the surface ... check out more outdoor recreation opportunities!
