Not sure how to spend your Fall Break? We have some ideas! Fall is the perfect time to see the leaves change colors, feel the temperatures drop, and make new memories. One great way to make memories is by visiting local parks and hiking trails! Oxford is known for its beautiful natural areas. Here are 3 trails to consider visiting this weekend or any time you want to get outdoors
Bachelor Loop – East Loop Trail
If you are looking for a variety of trails on campus, this is the place to go. Bachelor Loop consists of three trails that span over six miles: North Loop, Pine Loop, and East Loop. If you choose to explore the 1.4-mile East Loop trail, you’ll experience a 274-foot elevation gain and find the Suspension Bridge over Harkers Run Creek. The Bachelor Loop is also home to the Bachelor Wildlife and Game Reserve where hikers can see a variety of native plants and wildlife. This trail is located at 5239 Oxford Milford Rd.
Oxford Area Trails – Black Covered Bridge Connector
If you’ve ever seen old postcards featuring Oxford, you may have stumbled over an image of the Black Covered Bridge. This historic bridge is recognized as one of the longest covered bridges in Ohio! It also connects to the first phase of the Oxford Area Trails System which is currently about 20% complete as of 2022. The 1-mile Black Covered Bridge Connector will take you from Kelly Drive to Leonard G. Howell Park near Yager Stadium. The Oxford Area Trail System is open from dusk to dawn and pets are allowed under the control of a leash. This wheelchair-accessible trail is located at 5401 Corso Rd.
Hueston Woods – Mud Lick Trail
If you want to venture off campus, Hueston Woods is a great option to explore nature. For all you mountain bikers, Hueston Woods offers a 12-mile Mountain Bike Trail with an easy-to-difficult skill level. For avid hikers and leisure walkers, the 2.2-mile Mud Lick Trail offers views of Hueston Woods’ Four Mile Creek and plenty of trees with colorful leaves. The fun doesn’t stop at the end of the trail at this state park. Hueston Woods also offers a variety of things to do like camping, boating, archery, and disc golf! The main office for this park is located at 6301 Park Office Rd. Learn more on the State Park website.
To learn more about Miami University’s 17+ miles of trails, visit the Natural Areas page to see where else you can hike and get access to a virtual map of all the trails. If you would like to learn about visiting the Oxford Area Trails, check out the Area Trails Map to see all of the current trailheads. If you are thinking about exploring Hueston Woods, check out the Visitors Bureau with trail names, distances, and levels of difficulty. Parking is available for all of these trails. We hope you can find time to explore and enjoy all of the trails Miami and Oxford have to offer this fall!
Adrianna Parker, Class of 2023
