Xenia To Yellow Springs on the Little Miami Scenic Trail

Trail Review The trail to Yellow Springs starts at the Xenia Station at right. The Station is a replica of the station that stood in the old freight yards that once was here. The trail to Yellow Springs is at the right of the photo. The trail is Route 1. See Yahoo Maps for a satellite view of The Station. The station is the X-shaped place at N. Miami Street and N. Detroit Street, directly below. You can navigate to see the 5 trails leading from the station.	Click on picture for larger image
In order to get to Yellow Springs you can follow the trail (Route 1) North from Xenia Station downtown. You follow the yellow line North which is painted on the sidewalks. You have to cross US68 at Shawnee Park to get on the trail proper but then you are out of downtown and on your way. Alternate Route. (See below for detailed description and pictures) The other route is to take the Creekside Trail (Route 2) West from the Station (left of station in picture )and just after you cross US 35 you'll see a sign for Route 1 on the next street crossing which is Market Street, that will take you one block up to Church Street that will intersect with US-68 at Shawnee Park.

Here we see the beginning of the trail. On the sign it says: "To Yellow Springs." Below it also says: "To Springfield"	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	After about 100 yards in deep shade and crossing over one bridge we come out in downtown Xenia heading North. From here on until we get to the trail proper at Shawnee Park we will be following sidewalks through Xenia. We also see another green sign: "To Yellow Springs" Watch for them. The trail is well marked.

You can tell (mostly) that you are on the bike trail downtown because there is a yellow line (faded) running down the middle of the sidewalk on the West side of Detroit Street (US-68) and there are occasional yellow cyclists on the pavement as you can see at right.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	Just a bit North we come to a new local bicycle shop: Surf N Cycle Xenia 150 South Detroit St. Xenia, Ohio 45385 937-376-7873 surfncyclex@aol.com

After a few blocks we get to the main street of Xenia. This is the intersection of US-35 (East & West) with US-68 (North & South). US-68 is also called Detroit Street while you are in Xenia. The beautiful landmark you see at right is the Greene County Courthouse. You can see it from all over Xenia and it is a good landmark to orient you in direction from downtown Xenia.	Click on picture for larger image

Featured Merchant Oasis Cafe is just across US-35 from the Courthouse (See above)	Make Oasis Caf� your rest stop in Xenia. We feature specialty sandwiches, plus homemade soups, salads and cookies. This historical1867 bank building adds to the Oasis Caf� dining experience. Oasis Caf� is located right on the Little Miami Scenic trail in the center of downtown Xenia at SR-68 and Business US-35, across from the Greene County Court House. (See Map) Oasis Cafe 13 E. Main St Xenia, OH 45385 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am � 8pm : Sunday Noon - 4PM (Summer) (937) 372-6500 Advertisement

Click on picture for larger image	A block or two from downtown Xenia is the corner of Church Street and Detroit Street at left. We are looking back downtown (South) in this picture. At this corner you cross Church Street to the North (Behind me) and then cross Detroit Street (to my left) to get to the East Side of Detroit. Then you travel North on the trail that goes by Shawnee Park. Also if you turn right going South you can bypass downtown Xenia by using the Creekside Trail. More information below.

Here we are again at Church Street at US-68 (Detroit Street). This time we are looking North and these cyclists are trying to cross Detroit Street to get to the East side of the road so they can join the trail proper and go by Shawnee Park in about 100 yards. Be careful crossing. There are crossing buttons you can use. Use Them!	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	At left is Shawnee Park. The picture is taken from the trail which is about 10' above the Park. At Shawnee Park there is parking, indoor restrooms and water. You can leave your car here while you use the trail. It is located about 1/2 mile North of Xenia Station on US 68 at Weaver Street. Also at Weaver Street you can see a National Guard Armory.

Here we are looking South towards Xenia Station. Shawnee Park is on the left of the picture in this photo. There is also water available on the trail as this photo shows. Well. You can't really see the water fountain in the picture but trust me it's there.	Click on picture for larger image
After we leave Shawnee Park we cross over a number of City of Xenia roads until we get out of Xenia proper. After the Park the crossings are: Ankenny Mill Road. (Fairgrounds Road). If you turn left cross US-68 you'll come to the Greene County Fairgrounds. You can cross Fairgrounds there at the James Ranch and connect with the Creekside Trail to Beavercreek. Wilson Road is the next crossing in about 1/4 mile. If you turn right (East) you'll reach Greene Memorial Hospital in about one mile. Country Club Road is the next crossing in another 1/4 mile or so.
Click on picture for larger image	The next major crossing (at approximately 1.5miles from downtown) is Kinsey Road. You won't have to remember the name because at Kinsey at US-68 is a large McDonalds' with picnic tables and bicycle racks in front. They are bicycle friendly. This is the last crossing in downtown Xenia.

Old Town Reserve is about 2 miles North from downtown Xenia., at the junction of Old Springfield Pike at US- 68. See the photo of the stop sign at left. There is a spur from the trail to the Staging Area. There is ample parking, a picnic shelter, water and a portable restroom.	Click on picture for larger image

Photo: Dennis Coello Click on picture for larger image	North of the Old Town Reserve you cross Brush Row Road and just after that is the Massie Creek. It is about 3.5 miles from downtown. At left is a photo of the bridge over Massie Creek taken by Mr. Dennis Coello a photojournalist who took photos of the trail in the Xenia are to document the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. A nice touch on this trail is that all the bridges and road crossings are identified

After about 4.5 miles from downtown you cross Clifton Road and then after that an old railroad bridge with an overhead span (at right). This bridge crosses the Little Miami Scenic River. It should be noted that South of Xenia the bicycle trail parallels the Little Miami for about 50 miles. This is another Dennis Coello photo that he took as a part of his work documenting the: Underground Railway Bicycle Route You can read about it and order maps from Adventure Cycling Magazine	Photo: Dennis Coello Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	After about 5 miles from Xenia you pass a derelict factory. I have been told by a source in Yellow Springs that it once was a gunpowder factory. The trail to this point has a lot of shade. But here and for a few miles the trail is bathed in sunlight.

We are almost to Hyde Road just South of Yellow Springs. This family of grandpa, grandma, and grandson and family friend looked like they were having a great time. We stopped to say hello.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	This overhead bridge is at Hyde Road. When we reach Hyde Road we are approaching Yellow Springs at 7.9 miles from Xenia

At 8.2 miles from Xenia we cross Carry Road. Note the couple on a tandem in matching togs crossing Carry Road. In the background you may be able to see riders exercising horses at the stables on the right.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	At left you see the crossing at Grinnell Road. We are about 8.6 miles from Xenia. What is interesting is that Grinnell Road is the beginning border of Glen Helen a nature reserve owned by Antioch University in Yellow Springs.

Just slightly North of Grinnell Road we come to the Yellow Springs Women's Park. There is a brick trail along side the bicycle trail with flowers, benches and this beautiful sculpture of a bunch of flowers. It runs by the trail for about a quarter mile. You can take you bicycle through the park but you must WALK your bike.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	At about 9.1 miles from Xenia Station is one of the main entrances to Glen Helen. There is parking inside as well as a Trailside Museum. "Yes Virginia there is really is a "Yellow Springs". It's in The Glen. At the Trailside Museum you can get a map of the Glen and go see the "Yellow Springs". We are now in the Village of Yellow Springs!

As we get close to downtown Yellow Springs we pass on our left the campus of Antioch University. In the distance you can see the first campus building on the "Quad."	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	We have just passed (looking South) at what was the Caboose Bike & Skate Company which closed 30 October 2004. The cabooses are still there and I'll let you know what happens to them if I find out.

At right we can see a couple crossing US 68 in downtown Yellow Springs at 9.6 miles from the Xenia Station. It's called, Xenia Avenue locally. Just ahead is the Yellow Springs Station. Traffic is thick at this crossing. Be careful.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	At left is the Yellow Springs Station (looking South) It houses the Chamber of Commerce. It has restrooms open year round and water. The water fountain is on year round as well. It order to keep it from freezing the water is routed to the fountain from inside the building. So it takes a few second for the water to reach the fountain after you press the button. Be patient. You will get water. There are a lot of nice restaurants in downtown Yellow Springs. The natives "are friendly."

Across the trail from the Yellow Springs Station is: Peach's Grill 104 Xenia Ave. Yellow Springs, OH 45387 937-767-4850 They are known for their food and 20+ kinds of draft beer.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	At the right is the logo for ExploreYellowSprings. Click here or on the picture to be taken to their website. They have good information on restaurants and lodging in Yellow Springs.

Just North of the Yellow Spring Station (which is just behind us on right) is Dayton Street. When you cross Dayton Street you are out of Yellow Springs and on your way to the trails end near Springfield in about 7 miles. At right (out of the picture) is a large yellow sandstone building. It holds the Yellow Springs Village Offices. There is ample parking for your car here as well as water and restrooms. There is a spur from the parking lot to the trail about 100 yards North in this picture. About 1.75 miles North of here is Young's Jersey Dairy. Not to be missed! Turn right at the Jackson Road crossing and go to US-68. Turn right and it's a 100 yards or so.	Click on picture for larger image



Returning to Xenia Station Alternate Route 1

As we return to Xenia we reach Church Street just South of Shawnee Park. If you want to avoid riding the sidewalks downtown you can take the alternate route on the Creekside Trail. Just follow Church Street West and after riding sidewalks for a while and crossing High Street you'll join a short bicycle trail that will soon swing to the South.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	Here we are at Church Street and Market Street. Across the street you see the local Holiday Inn 300 Xenia Towne Sq. XENIA, OH 45385 Toll-Free:1-800-465-4329 Tel: 1-937-372-9921 They are very bicycle friendly and many cyclists who want to ride in the area stay there. We cross Market Street and then Cross Church Street. Notice the fine signage on the trail. To Route 2 which is the Creekside Trail


Cyclists wishing to stay near Xenia but desiring a unique lodging experience might also consider the Hearthstone Inn & Suites country inn in the village of Cedarville. It is located right on the Prairie Grass Trail (AKA Ohio-to-Erie Trail) just 8.6 miles northeast of Xenia. The hotel is on SR-72 at the trail across from Main Street Station Restaurant in Cedarville (See Map) Hearthstone Inn & Suites 10 S. Main Street Cedarville, Ohio 45314 (937) 766-3000 1-877-OHIO-INN (toll free) 1-877-644-6466 (toll free) Advertisement	Featured Merchant When making your reservations tell them you saw the ad on miamivalleytrails.org


Click on picture for larger image	At left you are looking at the Creekside Trail where it crosses Market Street in downtown Xenia. We are looking North on the Creekside Trail. The Holiday Inn is at our right downtown Follow the trail South (behind me in the picture) and in a block you'll cross US-35. There's a McDonald's on the corner and there are several restaurants on US-35. We will cross four more streets to get to the Xenia Station

We cross out last street and enter the Xenia Station from the back on the Creekside Trail. The Station is in the background and we are back to where we parked our car. There is ample parking, restrooms and water at the Station. There are even bicycle lockers you can use.	Click on picture for larger image

Alternate Route 2 Xenia Station to Yellow Springs AKA Fairgrounds Recreation Center Spur

Click on picture for larger image	n order to avoid riding on the sidewalks of Xenia from the Xenia Station North to where the trail starts again at Shawnee Park here is another and maybe a lot more scenic route. First take the Creekside Trail (West of building) from the Xenia Station. You'll cross US-35 (I call this "hamburger row" for all the fast food restaurants). The trail turns West after a mile or so and you'll see this sign on your left. It says "James Ranch Spur". At right you'll see the orange bridge. Turn right and go over the bridge.

Here you can see my bicycle and the bridge. Turn right and go across the bridge. That will take you to James Ranch. It is a Greene County Park facility which was an old farm.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	This picture was taken looking down from James Ranch to the Creekside Trail that you just left. There is a farm pond next to the trail. Downshift. This 100 yards or so is very steep!

We are at the front of the James Ranch. At right is Fairgrounds Road. We are going to cross it into the Greene County Fairgrounds. At left of the picture is a community flower garden called "Greene Thumb Garden".	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	Here we have crossed the road and are looking North into the Fairgrounds. At the Stop sign ahead you will turn left and follow the road for about 100 yards. At the end of that road turn right to follow the road to the Fowler Swimming Pool. The trail is just West of the pool The cyclists had just come back from Yellow Springs.

Here you can see the trail going behind the pool. We are in what is called the "Fairgrounds Recreation Center." The trail continues North through the "Center"	Click on picture for larger image

Here is a link to Yahoo Maps. You can see the fairground, the track and the pool to left. You can see Fairgrounds Road and just across it is James Ranch. You can't really see the Creekside Trail but you can see the trees around it and the bottom left corner of the photo. You can also see the trail and navigate to see more.

Click on picture for larger image	Here the trail makes a "Y". If you continue straight you'll come out onto the entrance to the "Center" from Purcell Avenue. Turn right and continue through the "Recreation Center."

n this picture you have continued to follow the trail and some "Center" roads and have come out on Alameda Drive. You will follow Alameda for one block to Purcell Avenue and turn right.	Click on picture for larger image

Click on picture for larger image	This photo is looking beyond the corner of Alameda Drive and Purcell Avenue. You have turned right onto Purcell. "Friend wife" is ahead waiting patiently for me to finish the photo.

After a 100 yards on Purcell Avenue you will come to Hollywood Blvd. Turn right and in about 100 yards you'll come to SR-68 North of Yellow Springs with a large McDonald's across the street. Cross the street and turn left and you're on your way to Yellow Springs via "Alternate 2."	Click on picture for larger image

	Xenia Bike Shop in Xenia 203 S. Detroit St (US 68) about 250 yards North of the station 203 South Detroit St. 937-372-8303

K& G Bike Center 594 N. Detroit St.(US-68) in Xenia about 1000 yards North of the Xenia Station just North of Shawnee Park. K&G rents bicycles and is open on weekends. They will do emergency repairs on your bicycle.

	The Village Cyclery- Just off the trail in Yellow Springs just East at 110 Dayton Street; The Cyclery is open on weekends and will do emergency repairs on your bicycle.

Caboose Bike & Skate Company, 197 Corey St. in Yellow Springs This bicycle shop on the trail closed in 2004. It remains to be seen what will become of the two cabooses. I am leaving this information in because when you see the cabooses riding North to Yellow Springs you are downtown.

Place	Location	Restrooms	Water?	Parking?
Xenia Station	1 mi S. of U.S. 35 at U.S. 68	Inside	Yes	Yes
Shawnee Park	1/2 mile North of Xenia Station	Inside	Yes	Yes
McDonald's	U.S. 68 at Kinsey Rd	Inside	Yes	No
Old Town Reserve	U.S. 68 at Old Springfield Pike.	Portable	Yes	Yes
BP Gas Station	Yellow Springs	Inside	Yes	No
Yellow Springs Station	Yellow Springs	Inside	Yes	No
Yellow Springs Village Offices	Yellow Springs	Inside (24 hr)	Yes	Yes
Ellis Park	1/2 mi. North of Yellow Springs	Portable	Yes	Yes