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Bicycling
Birding
Cross-country Skiing
Hiking
Historical Features
Nature Study
Outdoor Play
Picnicking
Walking
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The programming at Hills & Dales offers a variety of opportunities for people of
all ages to rekindle their experiences with nature.
Nature hikes covering a variety of topics are offered throughout the year, including
bird walks, wildflower walks, tree identification hikes, night hikes, and owl prowls.
Parent & Preschool Programs give a place where kids 3-5 years old and their caregivers
can meet and play games, build crafts, sing songs, and explore nature together.
Whether pretending to be raccoons, using nature to teach colors, or learning how
to safely explore your own backyard, these programs redefine ‘quality time’ with
your preschooler. These programs are offered monthly April-October.
Seasonal Strolls for Adults offer a time for escaping from that asphalt coated schedule
we call life. Participants meet new friends, discuss points of interests, and explore
nature together. These strolls take place the first and third Friday mornings April-October,
starting at various locations throughout the park.
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 The 63-acre
Hills & Dales MetroPark is filled with picturesque creeks, rolling hills, dense
woods (including an outstanding example of Ohio natural forest), wild flowers, and
wetlands, all conveniently located just south of downtown Dayton. Originally a gift
from John Patterson (co-founder of the National Cash Register Company), Hills &
Dales Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm, famous
for enhancing the natural beauty of a site with their designs. MetroParks has protected
the character set forth by Patterson & the Olmsteads, but now offers amenities needed
for today’s active and healthy lifestyles. They include:
 Nature
Trails
The park has over 2 miles of wooded trails for walking, hiking & cross-country skiing.
Paw Paw trail loop is perfect for families with small children
Green Space & Playgrounds
The landscape of Hills & Dales makes a great place for an impromptu game of Frisbee,
kicking or throwing a ball around and provides a place for children to run, climb,
and find secret hiding places like we did as kids. The wealth of wildlife in the
park also makes Hills & Dales a great place for nature study and birding.
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Picnic Areas
Shelters are available at White Oak Camp, and Adirondack Camp. In addition, there
are many picnic sites available for spontaneous get-togethers.
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Reservable Picnic Areas
Shelters are available at Twin Oak and Paw Paw Camp.
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Historic Features
Hills & Dales is one of the areas most historic parks. In addition to the monument
honoring the parks founder John Patterson, the park also includes architectural
remnants of the Old Barn Club where 100’s of Daytonians came to socialize in the
early 20th century, the looming Stone Tower, and "Staged Gates", a piece of landscape
sculpture by Mary Miss that was added in 1979.
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