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/ (https://daytonhikers.com/faq/)

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+)

8:30am start time, Half Marathon Caesar Creek Hike - Moderately Brisk

Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center

Start time: 8:30am. As a courtesy to the other hikers, please arrive 5-10 minutes early so we can begin hiking at the scheduled time. Thank you.
[masked] MPH, moderately brisk pace. Caesar Creek Perimeter Trail +. We will start at the Visitor Center, then hike the Perimeter Trail in a clockwise direction (so we hike the hills first). We should end up hiking around[masked] miles, which includes either the Gorge Trail or portions of the red/blue/green trails. Or, if the group desires, we may optionally do both, for 14.5 miles.

The pace should be approximately[masked] MPH (18-20 min/mile). This is not a slow pace. If the pace is too fast for you, please be prepared to hike on your own back to your car.

Please note that some GPS units in cars will not route you properly to the start of the hike. Instead, in the Meetup app for the hike, tap the Google icon and follow the routing.

This is a difficult hike due to the terrain - full of roots, rocks, and little tree stumps - all perfect for tripping on. It is also absolutely incredible due to the beautiful lake, rope bridge, rock face, and the quaint pioneer village we traverse though and the super cool people who participate in this hike.

Please bring an adequate amount of water and/or electrolytes based on temperature as well as a snack. We'll stop briefly 6 miles from the start and at Pioneer Village to eat and hydrate. We will meet at the Caesar Creek beautiful Visitor Center where they have clean rest rooms. If you have any questions please feel free to message me through meet up or text me at[masked]. Happy Hiking! Jim

Build Boardwalk at Dave Nolin Wetland Reserve!

Backridge Court

We are making good progress on the beautiful new boardwalk at Dave Nolin Wetland Reserve! Let's keep it rolling! Join us this Wednesday to apply Joist Tape to the New Boardwalk Frame!

Wednesday, March 29

  • Location: Dave Nolin Wetland Reserve
  • Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Activity: Applying Joist Tape to the New Boardwalk Frame
  • Parking: SEE MAP – Meet at the Dane Mutter Prairie observation deck at 1:00pm. The best access point is the lane off Backridge Court. A high chassis vehicle could drive in. Others may park in the street and walk in. There are some walkways in from Pacer Trail, too.
  • Tools: If you have a utility knife, please bring it
  • Notes: Due to recent flooding, workers should expect to be in 6″ – 1ft. of water or more and should wear boots that are adequate for these conditions.

All field volunteers must sign the BCWA liability waiver. If you have not signed it for 2023, 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. Need more information about BCWA volunteer hour submission? Click here

***Dayton Hikers- Be sure to checkmark "Yes! I am a Dayton Hiker!" on your BCWA volunteer hours form! All Dayton Hiker, land management volunteer work that benefits the Spotted Turtle Trail, affords your group credit towards Spotted Turtle Trail Sponsorship $$$! ***

The Hobblers are now Strollers!

E. Milo Beck Park

Hello,
I recently had foot surgery and I am starting out with short hikes that should progress to longer hikes. Will try to repeat every two weeks. Time and days may change please refer to this site for updates .

This will be a 1.5 mile moderately paced to slower hike (?[masked] miles/hour) mostly flat hike in a meadow next to a pond and creek. Very pretty area but steep descent to actual meadow on paved switchbacks which is fairly short. Trail is non paved and you can expect mud/frozen on the trails at times . Bring water and dress for the weather. It is a fairly open area so the sun will keep you warmer but at this time it will be setting. Can be windy at times making it feel colder. Hiking boots or tennis shoes recommended. If it is really cold and rainy, I may cancel. Will try to do this 30 minutes prior.

The Legal Stuff: Your hike leader is just a fellow member volunteer. By participating in this hike, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in hiking activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in a condition fit to participate. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and park rules during your participation on this hike.

2
MetroParks: Backpacking 1: Water Treatment

Germantown MetroPark

Registration Required With Five Rivers MetroParks.

Signing up here does not register you for the event.

AGE: 14 and up | $15.00

Join the outdoor recreation team of Five Rivers MetroParks in learning all about water purification. From boiling to filtering, UV to tablets; We will teach you everything you need to know in order to ensure safe and potable water on your next outdoor excursion. No prior experience is required.

Register Here: https://www.metroparks.org/programs-events-finder/?program_number=M85&api=programs&type=program

Past events (10,889)

MetroParks: Bicycle Touring: Bikes & Bags

Possum Creek MetroPark