Ohio Camino - Way of the Saints - Second Half ✝️

Join us for an unforgettable four-day, three-night pilgrimage along the Ohio Camino - Way of the Saints! This 75-mile journey from Dayton to Maria Stein is the second part of a two-leg adventure, offering a unique opportunity to walk in a Jubilee Year.

You'll traverse a diverse landscape, from city sidewalks and quiet roads to scenic bike paths and natural surface trails. The route closely follows the historic path of the former Miami and Erie Canal, offering a chance to connect with the region's rich history.

Whether you join us for this leg or for both, you'll be part of a meaningful pilgrimage experience.

Day 6: 10/11 - Dayton to Tipp City. 20 miles. Holiday Inn Express

Day 7: 10/12 - Piqua. 17 miles. Comfort Inn

Day 8: 10/13 - Fort Loramie. 26 miles. Dairy Queen Motel

Day 9: 10/14 - Maria Stein - 12 miles

✝️ The Ohio Camino - Way of the Saints begins at the Ohio River in Cincinnati at Sawyer Point and ends at the Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein. It is about 150 miles long.

✝️ The route of the Ohio Camino - Way of the Saints closely follows the historic Miami and Erie Canal, which once linked the Ohio River to Lake Erie. The first batch of relics at the Shrine of Holy Relics were transported by canal boat from Cincinnati in 1845 by Father Brunner of the Society of the Precious Blood. Hence, the name Way of the Saints or Camino de los Santos in Spanish.

✝️ The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics is home to the second largest, documented Holy Relic Collections in the United States and the epicenter of the historical Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches. The Shrine houses over 1,200 relics of the Saints and five relics of the True Cross. It is a magnificent destination for the Ohio Camino - Way of the Saints.

✝️ A Jubilee Year happens once every 25 years and is a special time of tradition in the Catholic Church. Jubilee Year 2025 is marked by special opportunities for grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, local pilgrimages and the Jubilee Indulgence. The next Jubilee year is 2050.

📌 Anyone attending this pilgrimage must be in good physical condition, capable of walking 20+ miles per day on hard surfaces in all types of Ohio October weather. You are responsible for making your own lodging reservations and finding a ride home. Most of this pilgrimage is on hard surfaces.

📌 Along the way we will travel through the towns of Tipp City, Troy, Piqua, Lockington, Newport, Fort Loramie, and Minster.

📌 The event host might be able to assist with baggage transfer between hotels each day.

📌 Important Things To Know:

🔸The Ohio Camino is not a marked route.
🔸This is not a guided hike. It is a route finding hike.
🔸Daily mileages are estimated and could be much higher or lower.
🔸Most of this trek is on hard surfaces.
🔸You will need Google Map navigation skills.
🔸You will need to navigate on your own if you walk faster or slower than others.
🔸No pets. No guests.
🔸Points of interest and places of worship will be visited along the pilgrimage.

📌 Reach out to Andy Niekamp at andyniekamp@gmail.com for much more information.

✨ Ohio Camino - Way of the Saints Map: https://outadvcon.com/ohiocamino

✨ Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics: https://mariasteinshrine.org/

✨ Jubilee Year 2025: https://catholicaoc.org/jubilee-2025

✨ Miami & Erie Canal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_and_Erie_Canal

Dayton Hikers FAQs: https://daytonhikers.com/faq/

The Legal Stuff: The event hosts are just fellow member volunteers, not your hiking guides or guru. By participating in this event, 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 hiking rules during your participation on this hike. By participating in this event you agree to the Dayton Hikers legal waiver here: https://daytonhikers.com/waiver/