You can ride from Springfield north to Urbana or "South" to near Cincinnati. The trail is clean and easy for the most bikers. Springfield/Beatty - Yellow Springs (about 6 miles), Yellow Springs to Xenia (about 10 miles). Xenia to Corwin (about 14 miles). Corwin to Morrow (about 14 miles). Morrow to Loveland (about 14 miles). There are numerous benches along the path to sit and take a break. The ride south of Corwin is along the river for several miles. Great ride in the fall to enjoy the colors and lots of shade in the summer to break the heat. Food and beverages available along the ride (Y.S - Xenia - Morrow). Restrooms at Y.S and Xenia, watch for port-a-john's at other locations along the ride. See google maps for a ariel view of the bike route.
The Little Miami, like most rail trails is very flat and easy for novice riders. It is very well-maintained and marked. We rode on weekdays in the Spring and there was no congestion. Several charming towns along the way. There is enough distance available that even experienced riders can get a good workout. Road crossings are few compared to many rail trails. We've done trails of this type in many states and this is one of the best.
I only walked a portion of the Trial on July 6, 2013, but the portion I walked was beautiful! I picked up the trail at Possum Rd. just south of Springfield, Ohio and walked to Yellow Springs. Most of the walk is under a canopy of trees. The trail is well paved and shared with runners and cyclists. I hope to revisit the trail with my bike, and ride all with way to Cincinnati.
Biking this trail takes me back to the Ohio of my youth. Trees all around; fields stretching as far as the eye can see; birds singing and darting; sweet smells of flora changing as you pedal forward. As other riders and walkers approach, a quick nod or "hello" is always in order. The trail is always well-cleared by parks staff. At your destination, whether it's Yellow Springs, Xenia, Springfield or Urbana (maybe beyond?), you'll find local restaurants with tasty morsels to help fuel your trip home. Try Seasons in Springfield, Williams in Yellow Springs, Cafe Paradiso in Urbana or Nicks in Xenia. These are just a few of the good places in these towns.
Loveland or Milford are great places to start this trail. Loveland has a visitor's center off the trail near restaurants and the Little Miami River. There is also a little free library standing next to the trail for the exchange of books. There are many miles of this trail, but you can rent bicycles along the way. The bike trail area in Loveland is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family or with your sweetie.
On a business trip to the area for a few weeks, someone mentioned they had been here, went on a Saturday morning, picked up a cruiser from Loveland Bike rentals, best prices and did about 15 miles there and back one way went for lunch and then did 10 miles the other way. Following day came back and did Loveland to Morrow route, they say its less than 30 miles round trip but counting the markers it looks to be around that. Really enjoyable day, only down side was a lady on a racing bike giving someone grief for not wearing a helmet, not state law and really no need for the "professionals" to do that and it was none of her business.oh yes and don't get a cruiser, for those with knee problems or someone out for a leisurely ride you really need gears :)
Day 1: We started in Springfield and left our vehicle at the hotel (Quality Inn). I am glad we did -- we discovered that Springfield might not be safe for leaving a vehicle overnight. (Alternatively, campers could start in Yellow Springs.) We stopped at Young's for ice cream and at the Riverside Cafe for dinner (about 8 miles north of the campground). We rode to Morgan's Riverside Campground - a rustic campground (all tents - no RVs) quite near the trail and next to the river. We set up camp. Day 2: We rode to Milford with breaks in Loveland for lunch and wine/music at the Trailside. Day 3: Broke camp and rode back to Springfield. Stopped in Spring Valley for breakfast (see my review for Slim's) and we shared a sandwich at the "underdog". I don't know the name of the little place. A very nice trip, and it was nice to camp for 2 nights and not to have break/create camp twice! The trail is paved, flat, well-marked, and mostly under a canopy. There are other trails too - but this was a delightful 3-day trip.
The Little Miami Trail is mostly flat terrain and as the name suggests, very scenic. Beautiful countryside trail connects you to great attractions in Springfield, and great dining and shopping in Yellow Springs.
We spent three days there and only hit a small portion of the many trails that are part of the Little Miami Trails.They are paved trails. Well maintained in most areas. there was one stretch that the stuff along the sides of the trails needed trimming back, but other than that it was nice.
This is one of the best bike trails in the US in my opinion. It goes on forever and has plenty of beautiful views along the way. There are also plenty of spaces to stop get food and water as needed. I have only done 20 or 30 miles of this but it is terrific.