This is a trail of considerable contrast. The central part of the current trail encircles Austin Landing, a mixed-use retail district that includes retail stores, restaurants, motels, office buildings and contemporary apartments. There is lots of traffic in and around this mall as commuters enter and exit Interstate 75 at adjoining Exit 41. The trail along Austin Pike (or Boulevard, in front of the Mall) is very busy. At each intersection between trail and roadways there are crossing buttons at the crosswalks. However, with the exception of the crossing at the intersection with Springboro Pike none of these buttons work. You’ll just have to wait for the automated timing for the crosswalk signals to activate in order to cross these streets and highway ramps. My suggestion is to avoid riding along Austin Boulevard as much as possible by riding the portion of the trail that loops around Austin Landing.

There is much less traffic as you move toward either the current eastern or western end of the trail. To the east you will ride around the Miamisburg Soccer Association soccer fields and then through the Medlar Conservation Area. The conservation area is a preserve of over 400 acres that contains mature woods, fields, shrub-scrub habitat and wetlands that protects some of the last quality open space in southern Montgomery County. When you enter the Medlar Conservation Area after coming from Austin Landing it’s like you are in an entirely different world. The trail meanders through this preserve as it makes its way toward the Great Miami River Trail on the eastern bank of the Great Miami River. Once you enter the Medlar you will quickly become aware that you are dropping in elevation. That's not so bad if you are only traveling westward, but challenging if you know you will have to climb back out to return to your start. Fortunately, the planners of this trail put in enough switchbacks into this portion of the trail to make the climb reasonable for most adult riders. Young children would find this climb difficult.

The trail east of Austin Landing runs for about 2 miles along Austin Boulevard/Pike. This portion of the trail is less developed and mostly residential. It passes by Dayton Wright Brothers Airport, a small public civil aviation airport, and ends near Robert F. Mays Park in Washington Township, Ohio. This trail is intended to connect the Great Miami River Trail with the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The trail will be extended further east into either Greene or Warren County depending on the route selected to connect it to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. When this connection between the two river trails will be completed is unknown at this time.

I ride the southern segments regularly. A good mix of small towns, urban, and scenic areas. The section along the canal to Rentchler forest is one of my favorites. Hopefully, construction on the Third Street Bridge in downtown Dayton will be finished soon, as the trail is closed on both sides of the river.

Did a 50 mile out and back from trailhead start off highway 32. I’d say 80% in the shade even in the heat of the day. A few places to get water. Lots of places to eat right off the trail. Pretty easy to ride hard, not a lot of traffic. I’m not a big trail rider but this one is pretty good.

My wife and I did the section from Middletown to Miamisburg today. Parked at Carmody Road lot and traveled to downtown Miamisburg. Total time was 5 hours, however this includes a lunch break, sightseeing in Miamisburg and a historic log cabin. Scenic and well maintained we highly recommend this trail! Plenty to discover and enjoy!

I love this trail, but it is inundated with ATVs and dirt bikes. I’ve stopped walking it because it. Almost been hit several times now.

Nice shaded trail runs along water. Nice overlook spot. Plenty of benches. Track is a little bumpy and we need more bathroom stop facilities.

Most of the path is paved now, except the last 1/2 - mile from the south end near Melvin Rd. Great flat path riding thru corn fields and some tree lined areas.

I had difficulty finding a parking area near Delphos - mainly because there is no trail head there. I found a nice park in Spencerville next to the trail, but was disappointed that the trail end shortly south of there. You would need to follow roads to complete 40 miles. Spencerville to Delphos was a nice flat crushed stone trail, but ended abruptly at someone’s back yard. As another review mentioned - a diamond in the rough, will be a great trail as more miles are finished.

This connector is closed in connection with construction of a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Little Miami River at the end of Little Miami trail. I had intended to ride at Otto Armleder then take the connector to Lunken Bikepath, but no dice. I guess this won’t open until the whole bridge is done?