Greene: Aviation History and Nature

At Huffman Prairie Flying Field, visitors can see a replica hangar and view wildflowers in spring. Wilbur and Orville Wright developed a reliable, fully controllable aircraft there. The 84-acre site in Greene County is designated a National Historic Landmark and is part of the National Aviation Heritage Area.

Aviation, Museums and Culture

The National Museum of the United States Air Force displays more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles. Its collection brings aviation history to life through a wide variety of exhibits. The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center opened in 1988. It was the first museum in the nation to focus on African American history at the national level.

The museum’s collections include more than 10,000 artifacts and works of art, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs. The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument offers educational programs about the Buffalo Soldiers. Clifton Mill was built in 1802. Young’s Jersey Dairy has a petting zoo, and homemade ice cream and farmstead cheese are available to take home.

Hiking, River Scenery and Nature

Greene County has more than 100 miles of hiking trails in parks and nature preserves. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve encompasses 1,000 acres of forests, waterways, prairies and fields, along with 25 miles of hiking trails. Glen Helen’s Raptor Center is dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds of prey.

The Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve offers a different landscape, with dolomite and limestone gorges across 268 acres. The Little Miami River runs for two miles through the preserve. The 752-acre John Bryan State Park surrounds Clifton Gorge and offers six designated climbing areas, as well as a rappelling site on 30- to 60-foot limestone cliffs.

The Little Miami River combines nature and river history: nearly 30 miles of the river in Greene County are open to paddling. It was Ohio’s first river designated a State Scenic River and the first stream in Ohio to be named a National Scenic River. The county offers more than 100 miles of hiking trails for exploring on foot; those who prefer to get out on the water have another way to experience the landscape on the river.

Smaller nature preserves offer a range of experiences, too. Trails at the Beaver Creek Wetlands Reserve pass through marshes, wet prairies and woodland pools, and run alongside Beaver Creek. The Indian Mound Reserve has eight hiking trails and includes a restored log cabin dating from before 1825. There is an overlook at Cedar Cliff Falls. At the Narrows Reserve’s Raptor Aviary, visitors can learn about birds of prey native to the region. If you are planning a specific route, check current park information, as trail counts may change when the trail network is updated.

Biking and Other Activities

Caesar Ford Park has 10 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking; the designated trail mileage may change with future developments. The park also has a family-friendly 18-hole disc golf course and a restored amphitheater. Caesar Ford Campground offers 12 full-hookup campsites. The number of sites may change. The campground is directly adjacent to the Xenia-Jamestown Connector Bike Path.

Xenia Station is the hub of five interconnected bike trails. From there, visitors can explore the Miami Valley Trails network, with 340 miles of paved, interconnected multi-use trails. For transportation, Greene CATS offers service to Dayton International Airport; check current service conditions before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Xenia, Beavercreek, Fairborn, Cedarville, Lake, Adams County, Huron County, Scioto County.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.