Discover Moraine

Moraine lies along the Great Miami River, south of Dayton. The area offers travelers a range of options: trails and natural areas, places commemorating Johnny Appleseed, an early seaplane base, and activities on the Miami River. You can tailor your stay to your interests—whether you want to spend time outdoors, explore local history, or plan time on the water.

Trails and Nature

A 4.5-mile section of the 37.1-mile Great Miami Valley Recreational Trail runs through the city. Access is available via the Main St. Bridge Bikestairs, East River Road, and Carillon Boulevard. For planning locally, the section in Moraine is the relevant point of reference; 37.1 miles describes the entire trail. These named access points can help you find your way if you want to include the trail in your stay.

The Johnny Appleseed Hiking Trail offers a shorter route: It is 0.6 miles long, rated easy, and starts at Johnny Appleseed Park. The two trail sections mentioned therefore differ in both length and stated difficulty rating. You can also take a walk in the woods at the Nature Preserve on Pinnacle Road and Main Street. These three places offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

Traces of History

Johnny Appleseed Park & Hiking Trail combines a trail with specific commemorative features. It has a memorial plaque renewed in 2010 and four second-generation apple trees descended from the original trees planted by Johnny Appleseed. Appleseed Park is the historic site of an apple orchard established by Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman in the 1820s. The plaque and trees commemorate him in a different way from the orchard’s historical setting.

Another historical highlight is the Wright Seaplane Base. It was located on the riverfront in Miami Shores, near the southeastern end of Moraine Airpark’s runway area, and was one of the first seaplane bases in the world. This connection to early seaplane aviation adds a distinct topic in local history to the Johnny Appleseed sites.

Water Activities and Events

East River Landing is on East River Road, at its intersection with the Miami Valley Recreational Trail. There is a launch ramp for jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, and fishing on the Miami River. If you want to include water activities in your travel plans, this is a specifically named location with several listed uses.

Moraine hosts an Independence Day Celebration with rides, games, and fireworks. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the specific event date in advance. Together with its trails, natural areas, and historical connections, Moraine offers several possible focuses for a stay; which ones suit you depends on what you want to do while you’re there.

Discover more destinations: Huber Heights, Brookville, Englewood, Germantown, Vandalia, Miamisburg, Centerville, Dayton

For the main travel overview: Montgomery.