
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!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Backpacker Campfire: Backpacking Loops Of OhioCox Arboretum MetroPark, Dayton, OH
Bring your family and friends to Dayton’s original Backpacker Campfire, featuring adventure, nature and travel programs. The programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. The programs are usually on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm and last about 90 minutes.
Program: Backpacking Loops Of Ohio
Presenter: Jim Rahtz
Description: He’s baaaaack … .with one of our most requested programs “Backpacking Loops of Ohio” !! Many backpackers dream of epic, once in a lifetime thru-hikes that take months to walk and cover thousands of miles. Rather than just dream, how about getting out on one of many great backpacking trails right here in Ohio? Options range from easy strolls to challenging 50+ mile hikes that travel through surprisingly impressive scenery. In addition, most of these 2-3 day hikes are loops, greatly simplifying logistics. Join us as we tour over a dozen backpack trails where you can immerse yourself in nature without ever leaving the Buckeye State.
Biography: Jim Rahtz spent a career in park and recreation management in Ohio. Once retired, he followed the advice to “go take a hike” and rediscovered backpacking. In addition to backpacking every trail he could find in Ohio, he’s also thru-hiked several longer trails such as the Colorado Trail, Long Trail and Sheltowee Trace. As a freelance writer and photographer, his work has won multiple awards; appearing in national publications and websites such as TheTrek.co, TrailGroove.com, The Boundary Waters Journal and Camping Life. He is Past President of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio and has written five books on backpacking
More info: https://www.backpackercampfire.com/
- Try Winter Hiking: SugarcreekSugarcreek Metro Park, Bellbrook, OH
Registration Required With Five Rivers MetroParks.
Signing up here does not register you for the event.
AGE: 16 and up | FREE
Just because it is cold outside, does not mean you have to stay indoors. Join the MetroParks Recreation Team this winter for a guided hiking experience on the beautiful trails. This is a great opportunity to learn about winter trails, meet other hikers, stay active and get outside. Please be prepared with multiple layers and water. Weather Dependent.Register Here: https://www.metroparks.org/things-to-do/hiking/