Germantown MetroPark is recognized as one of the most scenic parks in the Dayton area. Elevational relief ranges from about 735 feet above mean sea level at Twin Creek by the dam to more than 910 feet. This 1,400-acre park surrounds the steep Twin Creek valley and includes 14 miles of well-marked trails through woods, old fields, and meadows. The partially-underground Nature Center has live animal exhibits, bird feeders, and a small waterfall for wildlife.

All public roads in the park are paved. There is a 500-foot raised boardwalk at the top of a ravine behind the Nature center that places you at eye-level for woodland birding. Picnic areas and trails occur northwest of the Nature Center near a restored prairie, as well as along the east side of the park by open fields and woods off Conservancy Road.

The mature woodlands, ravines, and riparian habitat attract a good diversity of breeding birds (75 species recorded in 2003, including 12 species of warblers). As in other parts of southwest Ohio, wild turkeys have moved into the park and adjacent areas. Irregular breeding rarities have included: red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, black-throated green warbler, pine warbler (pine stands near Valley Overlook), worm-eating warbler, American redstart, summer tanager, and Henslow’s sparrow. Vagrant summer visitors of note have included chuck-wills-widow (1981-1983) and brown creeper (June-July 1984).

Germantown Metropark is located about 15 miles (by air) southwest of Dayton; from I-75 and US-35 (Exit 52) in downtown Dayton, go south 8 miles to OH-725 (Exit 44). Turn right and proceed 8.3 miles west through Miamisburg and then into downtown Germantown; continue another 3.4 miles west on OH-725 and turn right onto Boomershine Road; continue north about 1.0 mile to the park entrance on the right.

Park Hours:
April 1 – Oct. 31, 8 am – 10 pm
Nov. 1 – March 31, 8 am – 8 pm
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day

Main parking by the Nature Center; other parking by various picnic areas.

Winter
Northern harrier and resident owls; at feeders eastern towhee, pine siskin, purple finch, fox sparrow, Oregon junco (irregular).
Spring
Woodland migrants.
Summer
Breeding barred owls, whip-poor-wills, northern parulas, yellow-throated warblers, prairie warblers, cerulean warblers, ovenbirds, Louisiana waterthrushes, Kentucky warblers, hooded warblers, scarlet tanagers.
Fall
Woodland migrants.

A world of wilderness awaits with an underground Nature Center and panoramic views. Elevated boardwalks and miles of scenic trails. Only 20 minutes from Dayton the park enables users to hike, kayak, fish, picnic, fossil collect and many other exciting adventures.

Germantown MetroPark is the most diverse and significant natural area managed by MetroParks. The size, quality, and age of the woodlands are exceptional. Steep topography and varied moisture gradients make for a variety of forest types and microhabitats. Many species of plants and animals here are found nowhere else in Montgomery County. The park also contains large open grasslands, cedar glades, dry hillside prairies, all stages of natural succession, several ponds, and an exceptionally high-quality stream, Twin Creek. The park also benefits from the fact that it still is surrounded largely by agricultural land and the wooded Twin Creek corridor.

Germantown MetroPark Trails
The park has more than 15 miles of wooded trails, many with some of the most challenging terrain in the region and spectacular scenery. Loop trails are color-coded, with intersections marked by a number. A favorite of many hikers is the 7.5-mile orange trail, which begins at the Twin Valley Welcome Center. It offers rolling hills and travels along the Twin Creek, through mature and old-growth woodlands where you can spot orchids, wildflowers and wild turkeys.
Red Trail – .5 mile
White Trail – .5 mile
Blue Trail – 1 miles
Pink Trail – 2.6 miles
Green Trail – 1.4 miles
Silver Trail – 1.6 miles
Yellow Trail – 1.9 miles
Orange Trail – 7.5 miles

Twin Valley Trail
Looking for a backcountry backpacking experience that traverses many different natural habitats with rich biodiversity and wildlife? Welcome to the Twin Valley Trail. Set in the rolling hills of the Twin Valley, it provides a backpacking experience reminiscent of backcountry wilderness trails with beautiful hills, babbling brooks, abundant wildlife, history and small-town charm. Total mileage for the trail is more than 22 miles, including three areas for overnight camping.

Descriptions with maps of hikes using trails in Germantown Metropark are on the AllTrails website