Miami County: Nature Trails, History and Special Places

A 20-foot cascade waterfall, paths through forests and wetlands, and historic buildings give Miami County many different sides. Nature experiences range from short walks along waterways to longer routes; museums and historic sites tell stories of settlement, the canal era, and regional aviation history. You can weigh which of these themes you want to shape your stay by considering the specific destinations.

Nature Between Waterfall, Forest and Prairie

Charleston Falls Preserve encompasses more than 216 acres of prairie and forest. Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area combines a 20-foot cascade waterfall with almost a mile of trails. Visitors can also walk past historic remnants of the former electric mill that once stood on the site. At 92 acres, this area is smaller than Lost Creek Reserve, which encompasses 457 acres of landscape.

At Lost Creek Reserve, a 5.75-mile trail passes fields, winds through wooded areas, and follows Lost Creek. Garbry Big Woods Reserve offers more than 170 acres and 2.2 miles of trails. An educational arboretum featuring a variety of Ohio native trees adds to the nature experience there. At Brukner Nature Center, you can see more than 50 representatives of Ohio native species in indoor and outdoor exhibits. The center’s six miles of nature trails pass through forest, wetland, and prairie areas. The options therefore differ not only in trail length, but also in the landscapes and nature themes they feature.

Trails for Cycling, Running and Walking

The Great Miami River Recreational Trail offers 32 miles of bike trail through Miami County and is suitable for cycling, running, and walking along the Great Miami River. Compared with the trails at Lost Creek Reserve or Garbry Big Woods Reserve, this is a much longer route. This distinction can help with planning: here, the focus is on an extended bike trail, while the other options are trails through individual natural areas. In the Troy Section of the Buckeye Trail, the route follows canal towpaths and passes near a monument commemorating the Wright brothers’ first flight.

History, Architecture and Culture

Brukner Nature Center is also home to the Iddings Log House. Built in 1804, it is the oldest building in Miami County still standing at its original location. This historic building offers a different focus from the center’s nature trails and exhibits. At Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, the story reaches further back: the presentation spans 2,000 years of history, from ancient earthworks built by Indigenous peoples to Ohio’s 19th-century canal era. The site includes the restored Johnston House and several outbuildings; the museum also presents the history of the Eastern Woodland Indians in Ohio. A ride on a replica 19th-century canal boat travels along a restored section of the historic Miami and Erie Canal.

Different historical themes also come together in Troy. Troy’s Public Square is a traffic circle dating to 1807, surrounded by restored Victorian-era buildings. The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is housed in a Romanesque mansion built in 1914. Free art and regional history exhibits are presented there year-round. The WACO Air Museum and Learning Center shares the legacy of the Waco Aircraft Company through a collection of original biplanes and gliders, as well as interactive exhibits. A tour at Indian Creek Distillery traces the journey of whiskey from the Grist Mill built in 1818, through historic distillery buildings, to the present-day distillery. Reservation requirements may change; check the latest information before planning.

Events Throughout the Year

Troy, Ohio PorchFest is a free annual music festival in the Southwest Historic District, featuring dozens of bands. The WACO Homecoming and Fly-In takes place every September. Dates and programs may vary from year to year; if you want to plan your trip around an event, check the details for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Piqua, Union, Portage County, Montgomery, Sandusky County, Huron County, Wayne, Franklin.

For the broader travel overview: Ohio.