What we’re about
Welcome to the Dayton Hikers group! We are a community of people who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. Joining Dayton Hikers is fast, free and easy. We don’t have dues, meetings, officers or a newsletter.
Come hike with us and meet other people who share a love for hiking! All interested people are welcome to join whether you are a beginner hiker or a seasoned backpacker. Most members are from the Dayton region but anyone is welcome to join.
We don't lead drop-in hikes for the public. You must be a member. For how Dayton Hikers operates please visit: https://daytonhikers.com/faq/
By attending any events you agree to our waiver of liability: https://daytonhikers.com/waiver/
We are all about getting exercise, making friends, exploring nature, living a healthier lifestyle and making our community a better place to live!
Live To Hike … Hike To Live
Andy Niekamp
Group Organizer
Dayton, Ohio - The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest!
The 2nd Annual Spotted Turtle Trail Pancake Hike Sponsored By Dayton Hikers
Discover the beautiful Beaver Creek Wetlands with a hike on the Spotted Turtle Trail. Explore the Dayton area's newest hiking trail that winds through prairies, savannahs, and woodlands along the scenic Beaver Creek. Rise above the wetlands on a mile-long, newly built, boardwalk.
New For 2024:
Coming soon!
Hike at your own pace on one of the three, self-guided, marked, hiking routes from two to six miles. Or pick your own route. Fill up on pancakes before or after your hike. Warm up with some hot chocolate, coffee, and tea.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For all ages. Family friendly. Ample parking. Free pancakes and hot drinks while supplies last.
New For 2024:
* Live birds on display from the Glen Helen Raptor Center
* Exhibit on Ohio's fossils and ancient marine life
* Exhibit on the native dragonflies found in the wetlands
* Collect four different nature stickers
Pets on a leash are welcome but, please, no pets under the picnic shelter. Begin and end your hike when you wish but route unmarking begins at 11:30 am.
Download/print this hiking trail map: https://daytonhikers.com/Spotted-Turtle-Trail-Pancake-Hike-Map.pdf
Location Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/45RRmDB5TUXjM7U69
What to Bring: Water bottle
https://beavercreekwetlands.org/pancakehike/
Sponsored by: The Beaver Creek Wetlands Association and Dayton Hikers
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Volunteer - Cover Mapping in the Beaver Creek WetlandsSiebenthaler Fen, Dayton, OH
Meet in the Siebenthaler Fen parking lot
Join Beaver Creek Wetlands Association for a unique opportunity to help conduct a cover mapping project to determine the different types of wetlands and their boundaries within the Beaver Creek Wetland corridor.
Under the guidance of Deb McKee, a local plant expert, you will identify various wetland plant species. By understanding their habitat preferences, we can determine the specific type of wetland they inhabit. This knowledge will help us assess the overall health of the Beaver Creek Wetland ecosystem and develop effective management strategies to protect and preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations.
No experience necessary!
The last mapping of the Beaver Creek Wetlands was in 1802! Read more about cover mapping in our Spring 2022 edition of The Spotted Turtle Newsletter.
- Beerman Fen Boardwalk BuildingNeeds location
We will be working Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, October 23 - 30 and November 1
- Location: Beerman Fen
- Activity - Installing handrails along the boardwalk, building an observation deck
- Parking: Valle View parking area (next to T.J.Chump's)
- Tools: Most tools provided. Bring battery operated drill drivers if you have them. Waterproof boots needed. Arrive late or leave early as you need to.
All field volunteers must sign the BCWA liability waiver. If you have not signed it for 2024, please Submit Yours Online.
Upon arrival to a volunteer event, please submit your volunteer hours by scanning the QR Code provided by the crew leader. You may also Click Here to Submit Hours. (Need more information about volunteer hour submission? Click here)
RECOMMENDATIONS - WHAT TO WEAR & WHAT TO BRING
- Water bottle
- Tools - BCWA has some if you do not
- Long sleeves, long pants and tall socks
- Sunscreen (even in winter)
- Bug spray
- Work and/or Rubber boots
- Hat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection
Note: Most locations do not have restrooms.
- Volunteer: Pancake Hike - Friday Set UpRotary Park, Beavercreek, OH
Volunteer: Pancake Hike - Picnic Shelter Set Up
Volunteers are needed to make the Spotted Turtle Trail Pancake Hike a success! For picnic shelter set up, your duties will include:
* Help set up two 10'x10' EZ Up tents
* Install parking signs
* Hang Dayton Hikers banners from the picnic shelter
* Rope off a volunteer parking area
* Hang pennant flags
* Rearrange tables
* Create an entry way to the trail with stakes and pennant flagsMeet here: https://goo.gl/maps/45RRmDB5TUXjM7U69
Meet Andy Niekamp at the picnic shelter - 937-475-5417
What to Bring: A water bottle and dress for the weather.
THANK YOU!