Bicycling Through Dayton

Dayton, nestled within the green embrace of the Miami River Valley, is home to over 350 miles of bike trails. These miles are dotted with more than just trees, stones, and buildings, they also host the memory of centuries of history. To some, these stories of heroes, villains, and those in between are lost and overlooked. For you, however, this guidebook is an opportunity to be immersed in this history of tragedy and triumph. From the most experienced cyclist to the first-time explorer, this book offers twenty-one expertly crafted tours across the trails and tales of Dayton. Even the armchair reader can’t help but be engrossed in the adventure.

This book, written by the experienced cyclist and historian Kathleen Smythe, journeys to locales designed to bring history to life such as Sunwatch village and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. It travels to sacred ground such as Chief Blackhoof’s grave and the African Jackson Cemetary. It also includes natural locations like Beavercreek, Gallagher Fen, and the Spring Run Conservation Area. Farms, forests, cabins, and colleges are all part of this adventure across Dayton.

Bicycling Through Dayton is published as part of the Thinking About Ohio series as a collaboration between the University of Cincinnati Press and Ohio University Press.

Bicycling Through Dayton is funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission through a Buckeye Grant.

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Kathleen Smythe is a professor of history and sustainability at Xavier University.