Taylorsville MetroPark
Explore diverse landscapes from historic ruins to rugged forests along the Great Miami River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors abound
Taylorsville MetroPark
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors abound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse landscapes from historic ruins to rugged forests along the Great Miami River.
"A scenic escape with well-marked trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature's beauty."
🗺️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
East Park
Hike through dense forests, discover river overlooks, and marvel at rock outcrops. Challenging and scenic.
Great Miami River Views
South Park
Enjoy relaxing views along the Great Miami River, perfect for a peaceful walk or fishing.
CCC Stone Shelter
East Park
Discover a beautiful, historic stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Explore All Four Sections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ 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.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for stunning river views and fall foliage.
🎣 Fishing Access
South Park offers great fishing spots along the Great Miami River.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ 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.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for stunning river views and fall foliage.
🎣 Fishing Access
South Park offers great fishing spots along the Great Miami River.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Hikes
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails; enjoy hiking with your furry friend.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, parking is available in various lots across the different sections of the park, especially near trailheads and picnic areas.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Taylorsville MetroPark is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees required for visitors.
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.
No advance booking or tickets are necessary for general park access. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
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.
Yes, Taylorsville MetroPark is open year-round. While some activities like sledding are seasonal, hiking and exploring are possible in all weather.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Yes, picnic areas and restrooms are available, particularly in sections like West Park.
Visitors often report enjoying bird songs and seeing various bird species. The natural environment supports diverse local wildlife.
Yes, the park offers trails suitable for biking, including paved sections and natural surface trails. The Great Miami River Trail is a popular choice.
Absolutely! The North Park section features the historic Tadmor village ruins and canal remnants, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
📸 📸 Photography
The river overlooks in East Park, the fall foliage along the trails in autumn, and the historic Tadmor ruins offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, especially with the river and forest scenery.
Look for the painted rocks on the Planet Earth Trail and the historic CCC stone shelter in East Park for unique shots.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and capturing the changing seasons are very popular. Some visitors also enjoy photographing the wildlife.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Hikers
🎣 Anglers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Taylorsville MetroPark's Trails
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. 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.
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. 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
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.
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.
Finally, West Park is geared towards recreation and relaxation, offering picnic areas, a sledding hill for winter fun, and access to loop trails. 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.
Seasonal Beauty and Photography Opportunities
During spring, the park comes alive with lush greenery, and the Great Miami River often appears high and full, offering beautiful, dynamic water views. 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.
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. Early mornings and late afternoons generally provide the best lighting conditions for capturing the park's natural beauty.
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