Images courtesy Great Miami Riverway
The Great Miami Riverway recently shared an update regarding the current status of the Great Miami River Recreation Trail (GMRRT). As of July 2026, approximately 92.8 of the trail's planned 102.2 miles are currently open, meaning about 91% of the trail is open and ridable. While riders can already enjoy an extensive network of paved trails throughout the Miami Valley, a few gaps remain before the trail becomes fully connected.
The largest continuous section stretches nearly 86 miles connecting communities from Hamilton in Butler County all the way to Piqua. Over the past several years, additional connector projects have expanded the trail even further:
- Rentschler Forest MetroPark soccer fields to Reigart Road (0.8 miles), added in 2017 and 2018
- Timberhill MetroPark Extension (0.7 miles), added in 2022
- The Canal Feeder Trail extension from I-75 to Kuther Road (0.9 miles)
- The original Canal Feeder Trail in Sidney (3.4 miles)
- The Island MetroPark extension from Helena Street to Keowee Street (1 mile)
Several projects are already moving forward including:
- A 3.1-mile gap between Timberhill MetroPark and Monroe. Thanks to the Butler County Commissioners, $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and a $1.1 million grant from the OKI Regional Council of Governments (OKI), this project is partially funded and moving through the preliminary design phase. Construction is expected in phases between 2029-2030 and will be led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
- A 1.6-mile gap between Monroe and Trenton/Middletown (0.9 miles of new trail plus 0.7 miles of shared roadway along Old Oxford State Road). This project is partially funded, thanks to the ARPA award from the Butler County Commissioners and an OKI grant. MetroParks of Butler County has submitted preliminary layout plans for a new alignment along the river side of a Miami Conservancy District flood protection levee, crossing over Dicks Creek on a new bridge. This project will be led by ODOT, and construction is anticipated between 2027-2028.
The final remaining gap is a 4.7-mile stretch between Piqua and the Sidney area. While the route has been identified, funding has not yet been secured for construction.
Beyond the Great Miami Recreation Trail itself, several additional trail improvements are underway throughout the region, including the Old North Dayton Trail, Troy's Riverfront Recreation Trail, the Taylorsville-to-Vandalia Bikeway Connector, and future trail extensions in Butler and Hamilton counties. Together, these projects continue to strengthen the Miami Valley Trails network, which includes more than 350 miles of connected paved trails throughout southwest Ohio.
How You Can Help Complete the Trail:
While more than 90% of the trail is complete, finishing the final gaps will require additional funding and continued collaboration between local communities, park districts, and state and federal partners. You can support these efforts by exploring the trail, sharing your experiences, and staying informed about future expansion efforts.
With each new mile completed, the Great Miami Recreation Trail moves closer to becoming a fully connected destination that benefits residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the region. This expansion represents another step toward making it one of the country's premier paved trail systems.
👉Looking for more adventures along the region’s many bike trails? Check out this blog and start planning your next adventure: https://bit.ly/4w4zbhx
This information is based on an update by the Great Miami Riverway and is shared with permission. For the complete trail status update, maps, and additional details, visit the Great Miami Riverway website.