Parks
Little Miami Scenic Trail
History
In 1958, Merrill Gilfillan wrote an article for the Columbus Dispatch proposing a trail from Cincinnati to Lake Erie. One of his hopes was that the trail would serve as an encouragement to young people to slow down and learn about their native land. Spurred on by the article, several people, including Merrill, met in Columbus in February, 1959 to discuss building such a trail. In June, they formed a non-profit organization – The Buckeye Trail Association.
The first 20 miles were dedicated on September 19, 1959 in Hocking County. Several of the founders and early leaders were among the 34 people making that dedication hike, including the BTA’s most famous grandma, Emma Gatewood. From that beginning, the trail grew to over 1,444 miles under the auspices of the BTA. It was completed near Deer Lick Cave in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area in 1980.
The purpose of the Association is to promote the construction, maintenance, and use of a state-wide trail system, within the State of Ohio, to be supplemented with side trails, campsites, and other facilities, so as to render accessible some of the historical and beauty spots of the Buckeye State. The trail shall be primarily a footpath, but certain portions may be designated for use by horsemen and/or other non-motorized users. Said corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes co-extensive with the purposes set forth in Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) including for such purposes the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under said Section.
Today, the Buckeye Trail Association is a large, strong body of volunteers who maintain and promote the trail. Though the entire route is marked, the Buckeye Trail continues to change and improve. The BTA looks for ways to move road sections off the roads, and to upgrade those off-road sections to high quality trail. (Information above from the Buckeye Trails Website.)
Restrooms
Hamilton Township has Restrooms at Foster’s Park located at the intersection of W. Foster Maineville Road and Old 3C Highway.
Trail Access and Parking Area
Hamilton Township has an access area with parking at Foster’s Park located at the intersection of W. Foster Maineville Road and Old 3C Highway.
Little Miami Scenic Trail Hotline
Call (513) 212-6958 to report downed trees or other non-emergency safety issues.
