trees on the edge of the river at Little Miami State Park in autumn.

More than 50 miles of scenic trails for paddling, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing lie just outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Little Miami State Park offers visitors access to this trail corridor that extends from Avoca Park to Xenia plus opportunities to boat, fish, picnic, and bird watch.

This picturesque Ohio state park also lies along the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the Miami Valley trail system, a 300 mile trail that stretches from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Guests may explore these trails by land or paddle along the National Scenic River Trail.

Three nearby state parks provide overnight accommodations and more: Caesar Creek State Park, East Fork State Park, and John Bryan State Park.

Activities

Bring your canoe, kayak, mountain bike, and a sturdy pair of hiking boots and plan to spend some time exploring nature as you enjoy the trails inside Little Miami State Park. The extensive paved trail winds through the woods along the river and features restaurants, vendors, restrooms, picnic areas, benches, parking and trail access along its route.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Little Miami State Park:

Boating at Little Miami State Park

Canoe, kayak, and paddle along the historic river inside Little Miami State Park. The scenic Little Miami River flows for 105 miles and provides access into the Ohio River. Guests enjoy paddling, nature watching, and braving the often dangerous undercurrents as they explore some of this breathtaking water trail.

Five separate areas located inside the park provide visitors with parking and access to the river. Be aware that life jackets are required for all boaters.

Hiking at Little Miami State Park

During your visit to this serene state park you will also discover a riverside trail corridor that includes 50 miles of paved trails that extend from Terrace Park in Hamilton County to Hedges Road in Greene County. These picturesque trails are open for hiking, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing (in season). Restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, benches, parking and trail access are located along the trails.

Fishing at Little Miami State Park

Pick up an Ohio fishing license, grab your angling gear, and spend a quiet day on Little Miami River. You may catch catfish, bass, drum, and longnose gar from boat or shore.

Birding at Little Miami State Park

Take a walk alongside the river (or paddle) and you may see a Little Blue Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, King Rail, Purple Gallinule, White Ibis, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, or a Northern Parula.

Nature and Wildlife at Little Miami State Park

This scenic Little Miami River Valley that winds through the park and neighboring communities contains many historic sites along its banks. This protected area (river and trails) flows through 4 counties of farmland, towering cliffs, steep limestone gorges, oak-hickory woodlands, wildflower prairies, marshy grasslands, and swampy forests of sycamore, elm, and black gum trees.

White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, groundhogs, foxes, waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, snakes, lizards, and many other wildlife species may be seen throughout these rustic areas.

Pets at Little Miami State Park

Pets are welcome inside Little Miami State Park. If visiting with your pet, keep them close and be sure they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Camping Near Little Miami State Park

Enjoy a few hours hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking at Little Miami State Park and then spend the night nearby. These nearby state parks close to offer overnight accommodations:

  • Caesar Creek State Park, located at 8570 OH-73 in Waynesville, has a large family campground, boat camping areas, and a primitive equestrian camping area, plus a pioneer village, a Marina with concessions, boat launches, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and bridle trails.

    The pet friendly campground has 252 Electric campsites and 35 full hookup campsites near showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. There’s also a playground, basketball court, boat ramp, beach area and a seasonal Camp Store that carries snacks, ice, firewood, and kayak rentals.

  • East Fork State Park, located at 3294 Elklick Rd in Bethel, has a large family campground nestled within the woods and near the lake. This pet friendly campground has 23 full-hookup sites and 376 electric campsites near showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. Seventeen of the electric campsites are available for equestrian campers.

    A beach area, boat ramp, playground, mini golf, basketball court, canoe, kayak, and bike rentals, and a Nature Center are located near the camping areas.

Park Location

Little Miami State Park
39 South Maple Street
Waynesville, OH 45068
Phone: 937.382.1096

Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several sections of the bike trail at Little Miami State Park: