Taylorsville MetroPark - Image 1
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Taylorsville MetroPark

4.7
·1k reviews·Vandalia, United States

Explore diverse landscapes from historic ruins to rugged forests along the Great Miami River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant fall colors abound

CrowdMedium
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Taylorsville MetroPark - Image 1

Taylorsville MetroPark

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant fall colors abound

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore diverse landscapes from historic ruins to rugged forests along the Great Miami River.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A scenic escape with well-marked trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature's beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Plan Your Sections

Explore all four park sections (North, East, South, West) for diverse scenery and activities.

👟 Trail Footwear is Key

Wear sturdy shoes for rugged trails like the Orange Trail.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tadmor Village Ruins

Tadmor Village Ruins

North Park

Step back in time exploring the remnants of a historic village and canal. A glimpse into the past.

Rugged East Park Trails

Rugged East Park Trails

East Park

Hike through dense forests, discover river overlooks, and marvel at rock outcrops. Challenging and scenic.

Great Miami River Views

Great Miami River Views

South Park

Enjoy relaxing views along the Great Miami River, perfect for a peaceful walk or fishing.

CCC Stone Shelter

CCC Stone Shelter

East Park

Discover a beautiful, historic stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Taylorsville MetroPark boasts a network of trails for all levels. The Orange Trail is noted for its challenge, while the Yellow Trail offers an easier experience. Wear appropriate footwear, especially if tackling the more rugged paths. Instagram+1

Explore All Four Sections

The park is divided into North, East, South, and West sections, each offering distinct experiences from historic ruins to river overlooks. Don't miss exploring them all for a varied adventure. Reddit

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Vibrant fall colors abound
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring afternoons
Why
River views are lush and full
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Kelley MaRee @Jason @Rolling Randy 🥳🛼 @Roller Rink Rats @THE $jU!€3$ Plz help me tag the others🫶🛼🥰 at @Skateworld of Vandalia #dayton #ohio for the #pregame for @HuggyBear ‘s event 🎞️by @SkateTakesEddy #skatetakes #rollerskating #shuffleskating #quadskates #genx #skatefamily #rollerrink #rollerskatingrink #vandalia #skateworld #Ohio #dance #skate #rollerskatingisfun #rollerskaters #skatingrink #s...
@skatetakesliz
5.8K likes • 148.8K views

🗺️ Plan Your Sections

Explore all four park sections (North, East, South, West) for diverse scenery and activities. Reddit

👟 Trail Footwear is Key

Wear sturdy shoes for rugged trails like the Orange Trail. Instagram+1

My favorite part about Vandalia is having multiple ways of leaving, ha! Kidding….or am I??? #ohio #laneyinohio #stereotypes
@laneyintheland
3.9K likes • 80.3K views
The first time I attempted to come to this metro park, I ended up on the wrong side of the river. Today though, wow…today was worth it to be on the actual trail side. #ohio #taylorsvillemetropark #vandalia #solohike #metropark #getoutside
kimmer_hikes
25 likes • 224 views

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for stunning river views and fall foliage. Instagram

🎣 Fishing Access

South Park offers great fishing spots along the Great Miami River. Reddit

Love running this trail. I try and switch it up but I keep coming back to this one at Taylorsville Metropark. It’s 4.88 miles long with 344 feet of elevation gain so it fits perfectly in my training plan at the moment. I will try to keep this in my training program as long as I can. #trailrunning #TaylorsvilleMetroPark #RunTrails #ohiorunning #ohioruns #getoutandexplore #alwaysimproving #consisten...
scottty_d
5 likes • 190 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Plan Your Sections

Explore all four park sections (North, East, South, West) for diverse scenery and activities. Reddit

👟 Trail Footwear is Key

Wear sturdy shoes for rugged trails like the Orange Trail. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for stunning river views and fall foliage. Instagram

🎣 Fishing Access

South Park offers great fishing spots along the Great Miami River. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Hikes

Leashed dogs are welcome on trails; enjoy hiking with your furry friend. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Taylorsville MetroPark for its scenic beauty, diverse trails, and peaceful atmosphere, especially along the Great Miami River. The park's division into four distinct sections offers varied experiences, from historic ruins to rugged forests. While some find certain trails challenging, the overall sentiment is positive, with many looking forward to returning to explore more.

"I wish I could have had more time to explore, hence the 4-star review. The trail I was on was next to a farm, and it was a bit loud at times as they did work on the field. Overall, I enjoyed the walk and the bird songs. If I am in the area, I certainly want to go back and explore more."

Bug Folk

"One Scenic Escape!
Located near Vandalia/Dayton, this large park is divided into North, South, East, and West sections, each offering something unique:

🧭 North Park – Historic Tadmor village ruins, canal remnants, and peaceful trails.
🌲 East Park – Rugged forest trails, river overlooks, rock outcrops, and a beautiful old CCC stone shelter.
🌅 South Park – Access to the Taylorsville Dam, Great Miami River Trail, and fishing near the river.
🛷 West Park – Picnic areas, sledding hill (winter), restrooms, and access to loop trails.

🚴‍♂️ The park is great for hiking, biking, fishing, and picnics. Trails are well-marked, and the views along the river are very relaxing.
📸 Highly recommend exploring all four sections if you have time – feels like visiting four mini-parks in one!"

Revanth Chowdary

"The upper section has some great trails along the Great Miami River. The water was high since it has rained a lot this spring. Still, it's beautiful there!"

Michelle Hackett

What People Like

Scenic river views
Diverse trail options
Historic ruins

What People Dislike

Farm noise at times
Some trails are challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Taylorsville MetroPark is located near Vandalia and Dayton, Ohio. It's accessible via I-70. The park is divided into four sections: North, East, South, and West, so check which section best suits your planned activities. TikTokReddit

Yes, parking is available in various lots across the different sections of the park, especially near trailheads and picnic areas. Instagram

Public transportation options to Taylorsville MetroPark are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car for the best access to all sections of the park. TikTok

Yes, each of the four main sections (North, East, South, West) has its own access points and parking areas. Planning your route to the specific section you wish to visit is advisable. Reddit

The park has well-marked trails, especially the main hiking and biking paths. However, some of the more rugged trails, like the Orange Trail, can be more challenging to navigate. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Taylorsville MetroPark is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees required for visitors. Instagram

The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours may vary slightly by season, so it's always a good idea to check the official MetroParks website for the most current information. Instagram

No advance booking or tickets are necessary for general park access. You can visit anytime during operating hours. Instagram

The MetroParks often host events and challenges, like the MetroParks Trails Challenge, which can be a great way to engage with the park. Check their official website for upcoming events. Instagram+1

Yes, Taylorsville MetroPark is open year-round. While some activities like sledding are seasonal, hiking and exploring are possible in all weather. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Orange Trail is known for being more challenging, while the Yellow Trail is an easier option. Many visitors enjoy the trails along the Great Miami River for relaxing walks. Instagram+2

Yes, picnic areas and restrooms are available, particularly in sections like West Park. Reddit

Visitors often report enjoying bird songs and seeing various bird species. The natural environment supports diverse local wildlife. TikTokReddit

Yes, the park offers trails suitable for biking, including paved sections and natural surface trails. The Great Miami River Trail is a popular choice. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The North Park section features the historic Tadmor village ruins and canal remnants, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The river overlooks in East Park, the fall foliage along the trails in autumn, and the historic Tadmor ruins offer excellent photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, especially with the river and forest scenery. Instagram

Look for the painted rocks on the Planet Earth Trail and the historic CCC stone shelter in East Park for unique shots. Instagram

Nature photography, landscape shots, and capturing the changing seasons are very popular. Some visitors also enjoy photographing the wildlife. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check the official MetroParks guidelines or contact them directly to inquire about drone policies before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Taylorsville MetroPark is a fantastic spot for families. The Yellow Trail offers an easier hiking experience suitable for younger children, and the picnic areas in West Park are perfect for a family lunch. InstagramReddit Exploring the Tadmor village ruins in North Park can also be an engaging way to introduce kids to local history. Reddit Remember to bring snacks and water, and consider the park's size; planning which section to visit can help manage little legs. TikTok

🏃‍♀️ Trail Runners & Hikers

For those seeking a physical challenge, the Orange Trail in Taylorsville MetroPark is a must-try, known for its demanding climbs and rugged terrain. Instagram+1 The park's diverse trails, including those along the Great Miami River, offer varied distances and elevation changes. InstagramReddit Participating in the MetroParks Trails Challenge can be a great motivator to explore different routes and build stamina. Instagram+1 Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, and wear appropriate footwear for optimal performance and safety.

🎣 Anglers & Nature Lovers

South Park is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts, offering access to the Great Miami River. Reddit Beyond fishing, the park is a haven for nature lovers. Birdsong is frequently mentioned, and the diverse habitats support various wildlife. Reddit The serene atmosphere, especially along the riverbanks, makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful walk and quiet observation of nature. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Taylorsville MetroPark's Trails

Taylorsville MetroPark offers a diverse trail system catering to various fitness levels. The Orange Trail is frequently mentioned for its challenging climbs and rugged terrain, making it a favorite for experienced hikers and trail runners seeking a good workout. Instagram+1 Conversely, the Yellow Trail provides a more accessible and easier hiking experience, suitable for families or those looking for a leisurely stroll. Instagram Many visitors also enjoy the trails that run alongside the Great Miami River, offering serene views and a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful walk or even some fishing. Reddit

When planning your hike, consider the different sections of the park. East Park is known for its rugged forest trails and river overlooks, while North Park offers a unique historical element with the Tadmor village ruins. Reddit It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, especially for the more challenging trails, and to check trail conditions, particularly after periods of rain, as some areas can become muddy or have high water levels. Instagram

For those interested in structured activity, the MetroParks Trails Challenge is a great way to build stamina and explore different routes within the park and other MetroParks. Instagram+1 Whether you're looking for an intense trail run or a gentle nature walk, Taylorsville MetroPark has a trail for you.

A Park of Four Faces: Exploring Each Section

Taylorsville MetroPark isn't just one park; it's a collection of distinct areas, each offering a unique experience. North Park is a must-visit for history buffs, featuring the intriguing Tadmor village ruins and remnants of an old canal, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. Reddit

East Park appeals to the adventurous spirit with its rugged forest trails, dramatic river overlooks, and striking rock outcrops. It's also home to a beautiful old CCC stone shelter, a testament to historical conservation efforts. Reddit

South Park provides direct access to the Taylorsville Dam and the popular Great Miami River Trail, making it ideal for cycling, walking, and fishing enthusiasts. The proximity to the river offers particularly relaxing views. Reddit

Finally, West Park is geared towards recreation and relaxation, offering picnic areas, a sledding hill for winter fun, and access to loop trails. Reddit Exploring all four sections is highly recommended to fully appreciate the diversity and scale of Taylorsville MetroPark, making it feel like visiting multiple mini-parks in one visit. Reddit

Seasonal Beauty and Photography Opportunities

Taylorsville MetroPark transforms with the seasons, offering stunning visual appeal throughout the year. Autumn is particularly spectacular, with the park painted in shades of yellow, gold, and orange, making it a prime destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. Instagram The vibrant colors create a picturesque backdrop for hiking and photography. Instagram

During spring, the park comes alive with lush greenery, and the Great Miami River often appears high and full, offering beautiful, dynamic water views. Reddit While some visitors note that the park might be less ideal for photography during quieter seasons due to limited activity, opportunities to capture local birdlife still exist. Reddit

For photographers, the river overlooks in East Park, the historic Tadmor ruins, and the unique painted rocks on the Planet Earth Trail are notable spots. InstagramReddit Early mornings and late afternoons generally provide the best lighting conditions for capturing the park's natural beauty. Instagram

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