7/22/21 blog post

4 new mindfulness trails in Dayton for your family to check out this summer

getting outside is good for the body and mind!

“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”

– John Muir

Getting outside is a great way to get physical exercise, but did you know it can promote positive mental health as well? Being outdoors can really boost the mood of the whole family. Everyone can enjoy a bit of peace while outside, especially if they are feeling stressed or anxious. Kids can have a hard time expressing these feelings, so getting outside can be a great place to start if kids are irritable or even just feeling low.

The many benefits of spending time in nature include:

improved mood
reduced feelings of stress or anger
feel more relaxed
improved physical health
improved confidence and self-esteem
helps you be more active

Five Rivers MetroParks mindfulness trails

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month in May, Five Rivers MetroParks established new mindfulness trails to inspire walkers to be present in the moment as they enjoy their time in nature. These trails are easily accessible for the whole family. The MetroParks have placed signs throughout the trails to remind walkers to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

The new Mindfulness Walks are located at:

Eastwood MetroPark: 1385 Harshman Rd. (park entrance) or 4349 Springfield St.
- Walk on the natural surface trail along the perimeter of the lagoon.
- Near the Springfield Street entrance, take the stone bridges to the islands in the lagoon.
- While you’re at the park, you can also walk the brown trail through the prairie and the blue trail along the Mad River — which is a portion of the Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail — as well as the paved Mad River Trail.
Huffman MetroPark, 4439 Lower Valley Pike
- Park near the overlook shelter and take the short natural surface trail toward Huffman Dam.
- Continue across the dam for scenic views and a connection with the paved Mad River Trail.
- If Huffman Lake isn’t flooded, you can hike natural surface trails along the lake and Mad River.
Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd.
- Park in the Argonne Forest lot, the first right-hand turn after you enter Possum Creek.
- Hike the 1.5-mile pink trail and/or the 1-mile blue trail, both of which can be accessed from the parking lot.
- Possum Creek is home to a robust network of natural surface trails, fishing ponds, horseback riding trails, a small farm and other amenities that allow you to explore the outdoors.
- Note: The blue trail Mindfulness Walk is also available as an outing in MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. Visit metroparks.org/mobile for more.
Sunrise MetroPark, 50 N. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
- This linear park, located along the west bank of the Great Miami River, offers great views of the downtown skyline.
- Look for the Mindfulness Walk signage near the park benches and along the steps leading down to the river.
- Continue your walk along the paved Great Miami River and Wolf Creek trails.