Miami-Erie Canal
Running parallel to the Great Miami River through Taylorsville was the Miami-Erie Canal. This hand-dug “big ditch,” completed in 1845, took 20 years to construct. A great achievement in its day, it opened the state for commerce by connecting the Ohio River at Cincinnati to Lake Erie at Toledo with a navigable channel. Remnants of the canal can still be found on the north and south sides of the dam. Five hundred feet north of the dam stands the foundation of the aqueduct. These impressive structures were large, water-filled bridges over rivers that allowed canal boats to cross.

Tadmor
Follow the Great Miami River Recreation Trail north, about 1-1/4 miles, to the site of Tadmor. In the 1800’s, this small village was Montgomery County’s busiest crossroad, standing at the intersection of the Miami-Erie Canal, National Road, Dayton-Michigan Road, and the Great Miami River. Today, remnants of this once bustling community have been identified as a significant site along the original route of the National Road.

Rock Outcrop
A short walk from the CCC picnic shelter north of the dam leads to a huge pile of Brassfield dolomite with an exposed rock face behind. In 1984, this was the site of a massive rock fall when 375 tons of overhanging stone tumbled down. The collapse was caused by the erosion of the softer underlying Massey shale, leaving the stone above unsupported. This process repeated itself in 1996 when an additional 100 tons fell, and continues today. Walk up the stone stairs and examine the small caverns created by water traveling through the stone over extended time.

Great Miami River Recreation Trail
The trail bisects the park from north to south. Stroll, run, bike or skate along more than seven miles of paved trail. Travel to the north end and discover where the village of Tadmor once stood. Go south from the dam and stand on an observation deck far above a tall grass prairie.

Walking & Hiking
Discover a rich variety of hiking terrain and numerous trail options. Loop trails are color-coded, with intersections marked by numbers that correspond to numbers on the inside map. Follow the same color to arrive back at your starting point. Trails are open year-round.

Picnicking
Choose from first-come picnic shelters, table sites in woods or meadows, and reservable shelters with tables, grills and running water. A $50 deposit is required to reserve a shelter; call (937) 275-PARK (7275).

Fishing
Fish the Great Miami River or the Poplar
Creek Ponds. A popular river spot is just below the dam. An Ohio fishing license is required.

Canoeing & Kayaking
The Great Miami River is popular with canoeists and kayakers. It is generally easy to navigate, but conditions vary. Trips often start upstream and use Taylorsville MetroPark as a destination. Watercraft are not permitted through the dam. For put-in information, call (937) 275-PARK (7275).

Winter Recreation (Sledding, Cross-Country Skiing)
With sufficient snowfall, glide down the sledding hill at the Taylorsville West Park, 1200 South Brown School Rd. Sledding is not permitted on the dam. Or cross-country ski the picnic areas and open meadows. Most hiking trails are not suitable for skiing due to steep terrain.

Camping
Groups, families, or individuals can reserve a campsite in a number of MetroParks. Most sites are primitive (pit toilet, fire ring, picnic table) and some are designed for large groups. Bring gear, food and water. Due to the threat of the emerald ash borer, do not bring firewood to any MetroPark facility. A limited supply of firewood is provided. Permits are required to camp at any of the available sites and must be obtained a week in advance. To reserve a free campsite, call (937) 277-4374 between 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.