Published April 7, 2025
Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Micro-Adventures in Your MetroParks
We are just wrapping up another amazing Adventure Speaker Series with tales of rock climbing and traveling to all of the National Park sites and all over the world. Hopefully you are inspired to get out and scratch that itch for adventure. Lucky enough, your local MetroPark, is brimming with opportunities for thrilling micro-adventures! Perfect for squeezing in a dose of nature and excitement into your busy schedule.
What’s a Micro-Adventure?
Having an adventure that fits your schedule and takes minimal time or money to do. It’s about finding adventure close to home, within a few hours or even a lunch break. It’s about breaking up the routine and experiencing something new.
Five Rivers MetroParks: Your Micro-Adventure Playground
Here’s just some ideas of how to plan your own Micro-Adventure
- Sunrise/Sunset Hikes at Cox Arboretum MetroPark:
- Start your day with a peaceful sunrise hike through the diverse plant collections, or wind down with a stunning sunset view from the Tree Tower.
- Perfect for: Photography, meditation and a quick nature reset.
- Kayak or Paddleboard Excursion on the Great Miami River:
- Launch your kayak or paddleboard from RiverScape MetroPark or Eastwood MetroPark and explore the scenic waterways. A section of the Great Miami River is one of the 28 trails to complete in the MetroParks Trails Challenge.
- Perfect for: Getting some exercise, enjoying the water and spotting wildlife.
- Mountain Biking at MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA):
- Challenge yourself with the varied trails at MoMBA, from beginner-friendly dirt paths to more technical lines. Ride the Hilltop Flow, Twisted and Voodoo trails to cross off three trails in the MetroParks Trails Challenge.
- Perfect for: Adrenaline rushes, fitness and improving your bike handling skills.
- Nighttime Stargazing at Twin Creek MetroPark:
- Escape the city lights and marvel at the celestial wonders. Twin Creek MetroPark’s High View area offers excellent stargazing opportunities.
- Perfect for: Learning about astronomy, enjoying quiet time and connecting with the universe.
- Birding at Germantown MetroPark:
- What better way to enjoy the MetroParks Birding challenge, than by going on a hike in Germantown MetroPark? Stop by the Twin Valley Welcome Center’s Window on Wildlife, presented by Wild Birds Unlimited of Kettering & Huber Heights, which features a bird blind and feeders, making it one of the best birding areas.
- Perfect for: Trying a new trail, adding a new challenge to your hike and connecting with nature.
The MetroParks Trails Challenge is presented by Huffy, with additional support by Wright State University, Dayton Children’s and Miller Valentine Construction.
Tips for Your Micro-Adventure:
- Plan Ahead: Check park hours, trail maps and weather conditions. The MetroParks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, is a great tool for planning your trip.
- Pack Light: Bring essentials like water, snacks and a first-aid kit.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the environment and pack out what you pack in.
- Share Your Adventure: Take some pictures and tag Five Rivers MetroParks and Get Out and Live on Facebook.
- Safety First: let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to be back.
Upcoming Events:
- Check the Five Rivers MetroParks website for guided hikes, paddling events and educational programs.
We’re just over a month away from MetroParks’ annual Bike to Work Day pancake breakfast celebration. Bike to work on Friday, May 16, 2025 and let us treat you to a delicious pancake breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark from 7 to 9 a.m. Enjoy flying pancakes, live music, meet fellow cyclists, learn about community cycling resources and how you can be kinder to the environment by opting to bike to work.
Bike to Work Day is presented by MVRPC’s Rideshare Program, with additional support by Dayton Cycling Club, Winans Coffee & Chocolate, Wagner Subaru and City of Dayton Water Department.
