This 14-mile ride passes the City of West Carrollton's Miami & Erie Canal Park, where you'll find historic markers about the Wright Brothers testing amphibious landing and take-off capabilities of their planes on the river. Once in Miamisburg, visit the old Greek revival town market building and other historical buildings. Stop at one of the city's trailside informational kiosks to locate bike-friendly businesses in this quaint and thriving downtown.
Parking
Park at the public parking lot at the southern end of East River Road in Moraine, near where the road curves away from the river to join Dryden Road. There is a sign at the entrance that says Moraine Canoe/Kayak Access.
Attractions
Details
From the parking lot, turn right on the trail and follow it as it passes a bike stairs leading up to a paved sidepath trail through Moraine. Continuing on the trail, you will come to a public restroom and water fountain at the Kay Station on your right. Then the trail joins Marina Drive and passes the City of West Carrollton's Miami & Erie Canal Park, where there are historic markers about the Wright Brothers testing amphibious landing and take-off capabilities of their planes on the river.
Some excellent dining options are nearby as the trail turns right to follow the levee until it passes the South Montgomery County low dam, then crosses Hydraulic Road to pass a historic farm working the fertile floodplain, then the West Carrollton Soccer Complex.
Use caution when crossing Farmersville-West Carrollton Road both for the heavy trucks using the road and for the blind curve on the trail just across the road. Pass a small neighborhood playground, and then cross over Owl Creek just before the trail joins the edge of West Central Avenue – site of the former Miami & Erie Canal. You now have a straight shot into the City of Miamisburg.
You'll cross over Sycamore Creek and stop at one of the city's trailside informational kiosks to locate bike-friendly businesses and great dining in this quaint and thriving downtown. Check out the old Greek revival town market building, and other historical buildings. You can bike into town from nearby Pearl Street, a couple of bike stairs further along, or at the intersection of Linden Avenue. After enjoying this unique, historic town, bike back upstream to return to your starting point.