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Miamisburg to Franklin (16 miles round trip)

This 16-mile ride begins a block from downtown Miamisburg. With numerous restaurants to choose from in Miamisburg, it's a great place to get a bite before hitting the trail or as a reward after. And don't miss the numerous historical markers and plaques along the trail in Miamisburg. This ride offers mature trees and stunning river vistas. Once in Franklin, be sure to check out the Old Log Post Office and circle a block over to Main Street to take in murals by local, award-winning artist Eric Henn. Then cross the Lion Bridge on Second Street to visit the (General Forrest) Harding Museum. 

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Parking

Public parking exists at the Miamisburg Riverfront Park, 3 North Miami Avenue, Miamisburg, OH 45342. Alternatively, there is a public Park and Ride lot off of Baxter Drive in Franklin.

 


 

Attractions

  • Miamisburg Historical Society in the Market Square building – Study the exhibits and chat with local historians on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons in this 1851 Greek Revival structure. Taste the famous Hamburger Wagon fare from this business that started after the 1913 flood.
  • Daniel Gebhart Tavern Museum – Experience 1800s tavern life every Sunday afternoon in the summer.
  • Mound Science and Energy Museum – Grasp the heritage of this former nuclear lab Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
  • Miamisburg Mound State Memorial - Climb 116 steps to the top of Ohio's tallest conical burial mound for a great view of the town.
  • Rice Field – Watch a Little League game.
  • Hutchings Station low dam – Enjoy the sound of water flowing over this low dam built to provide cooling water for the Dayton Power & Light facility on the opposite bank.
  • Crains Run Nature Park – Cool off among the big trees or grab a picnic table to enjoy your lunch.
  • Sunfish Lock 1829 Miami and Erie Canal – See the restored lock, part of the canal that connected Lake Erie with the Ohio River.
  • Harding Museum – Cross the river on Saturdays to tour inside one of the stately Victorian homes of the Mackinaw Historical District, operated by the Franklin Historical Society.
  • The Old Log Post Office – Take a tour on Saturdays of Ohio’s oldest standing post office.
  • Murals on Main – Pedal a block over to downtown Franklin to view several trompe-L’oeil murals by artist Eric Henn.

 


 

Details

Stop at one of the city's trailside informational kiosks to locate bike-friendly businesses in this quaint and thriving downtown. Check out the old Greek revival market building and other historic buildings nearby. Join the trail at the intersection of Linden Avenue.

Continue south on the trail past Rice Field, a community athletic park. You'll soon pass the Hutchings Station low dam and cross Shepherd's Run, then come to an intersection with another trail, maintained by Five Rivers MetroParks that climbs through the Medlar Conservation Area. Continuing south on the Great Miami trail, you will pedal into Crains Run Park, so be sure to enjoy the mature trees and stunning river vistas. Imagine a pedestrian bridge that once existed across the river here, linking the interurban rail line with Chautauqua on the opposite bluff. 

Continue south to enjoy more scenic and shady trail as you voyage on toward the City of Franklin. Carefully cross West Second Street at the historic Lion Bridge and continue on the side path along South River Street, stopping to read historic markers, enjoy a bench or check out the Old Log Post Office. Be sure to circle a block over to Main Street to enjoy several murals by local, award-winning artist Eric Henn. Use caution at a rail crossing near Sixth Street, walking your bike over for safety. The trail currently ends at a small parking lot at Baxter Drive on the southern edge of Franklin.