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Hiking Trails

Women's Recreation Association (WRA) Cabin Loop

This twenty-six acre tract of land is north of Bachelor and Reinhart Reserves and is located on Oxford-Milford Road. One half of the land is a mature woodlands providing access to Harker's Run Creek. The other half of the land is an excellent example of old-field succession. A circular trail rewards hikers with the pleasures of the scenic woods. Access is available by reservation only.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

0.61 mi

Kramer Loop

Paul and Edith Kramer donated this twelve-acre tract of land to the University in 1987 that is typical of a mature wood-lot in southwest Ohio. It is maintained in its natural state. Hiking trails are continuous with those of the Bachelor Reserve. Kramer Woods' trail provides a variety of hills and slopes for hikers to climb. Upon reaching the top, hikers are rewarded with a stunning view of the forest below.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

0.51 mi

Reinhart Loop

In 1991, Dr. and Mrs. Roy Reinhart donated 45 acres of land adjacent to the intersection of Oxford-Milford Road and Bonham Road. Amenities include old-growth woodlands, meadows, springs, streams, and scenic overlooks. The trail also touches the north half of Bachelor Pond.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

1.59 mi

Bachelor Loop

During the twenty years that Dr. Joseph M. Bachelor served on the Miami faculty, he accumulated land adjacent to the University. He lived on the land, farmed it, and in 1947, gave 416 acres to create the Bachelor Wildlife and Game Reserve, the backbone of the natural areas. The Bachelor Wildlife and Game Reserve is managed to establish and preserve habitat diversity for native plants and wildlife. Various animals live in the Reserve including beaver that frequent Bachelor Pond.

This land encompasses several interesting features and attractions. Some of these include the scenic Harkers Run Creek spanned by a 45' swinging bridge, wood ducks nesting at Bachelor Pond, pinewoods, and old-growth woodlands of beech, maple, and oaks.

3 trails (pine, north, and east loops) connect and span over six miles.

Marcum Trail

The Timothy Marcum Memorial Center and Trail have been made possible in part by a gift from Joseph L. and Sara Sloneker Marcum of Hamilton, Ohio in loving memory of their son Tim. Directly behind the Marcum Memorial Center is the Timothy J. Marcum Trail. It runs through a tract of steep slopes and flood plains that extend south to State Route 73. This natural area is extremely important because it lends additional protection to Four Mile Creek, and contains excellent habitats for study and research. The views from the trails are inviting in all seasons.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

1.08 mi

Western Loop

The Western Woods comprises approximately one hundred acres located on the eastern and southern sides of Western Campus. There is a hiking trail through this beautiful woodland area that travels hills and valleys through a magnificent stand of oaks, beech, and maples. Access is from Western Campus.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

2.12 mi

Silvoor Biological Sanctuary Trails

At approximately 5 acres, the Silvoor Biological Sanctuary is the smallest of Miami’s Nature Preserves. It is comprised of a mosaic of lands owned by the University and those owned by private landowners. It features a small stream, a short hiking trail, songbirds, and other wildlife, but is known for its abundance of spring wildflowers.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

0.51 mi

Peffer Woods Trail

A small portion of the land is a recreational park. The balance is maintained as a natural area to promote outdoor recreation, education, and research in the natural sciences. Common activities include hiking, snow skiing and bird watching.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

1.59 mi

College Woods Loop

College Woods is a 16 acre second growth wood-lot with many trees that had been a part of Western College for many years. Over time, the area became landlocked and was not assessable until an easement agreement with the City of Oxford was established in 2004. This opened up the area for hiking trails (Built by Matt Dean; Boy Scout Troop 999) and the opportunity for the public to enjoy this beautiful area. Many of the trees are over 100 years old. The woods contain many interesting species including: white ash, american beech, black cherry, slippery elm, shagbark hickory, American hop-hornbeam, chinquapin oak, shingle oak, pawpaw, sassafras, black tupelo and black walnut.

Skill Level

Easy

Distance

1.05 mi