1.
Great Miami River Trail – Hamilton loop from G. E. Condo Shelter
38.6km
02:15
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best cycling routes around Monroe
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Monroe, you know how many routes pop up, making it tough to figure out which ones are truly worth your time and effort. It’s easy to get lost in the sheer volume of options, wondering which trails offer the best views, the most rewarding climbs, or simply a great day out on two wheels. That’s where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, so we’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Monroe is defined by its river valleys, scenic reservoirs, and rolling terrain. You'll find a great mix here, from moderate climbs that get the heart pumping to flatter sections that often follow picturesque waterways like the Little Miami River. The landscape shifts between wooded areas and open countryside, offering a varied backdrop for your rides. It’s a region that truly rewards exploration, with routes catering to different ability levels.
If you only do one route, make it the challenging Kroger Hills – Little Miami Scenic Trail loop from Soak City Station. At 76.5 miles (123.1 km) with significant elevation gain, it’s a demanding ride that offers big payoffs along the scenic river trail. For something a bit more moderate but still incredibly rewarding, we’d point you towards the Hutchins State Reservoir – Miamisburg Riverfront Park loop from Miami University Middletown. This 24.9 miles (40.2 km) route is perfect for a solid half-day ride, leading you through riverfront parks and past the reservoir. With over 180 touring cyclists having explored Monroe using komoot, you can trust these routes are tried and true.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Miami River Trail – Hamilton loop from G. E. Condo Shelter | 38.6 km | 70 m | Moderate |
| Hutchins State Reservoir – Miamisburg Riverfront Park loop from Sebald MetroPark | 64.8 km | 250 m | Moderate |
| Hutchins State Reservoir loop from Miami University Middletown | 33.4 km | 120 m | Easy |
| Bicycle Ramp loop from Rivertown Station | 38.3 km | 300 m | Moderate |
| Bike loop from Lebanon | 25.8 km | 190 m | Moderate |
2.
Hutchins State Reservoir – Miamisburg Riverfront Park loop from Sebald MetroPark
64.8km
03:51
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Hutchins State Reservoir loop from Miami University Middletown
33.4km
01:57
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Bicycle Ramp loop from Rivertown Station
38.3km
02:29
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Bike loop from Lebanon
25.8km
01:35
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
Jamie S.
January 21, 2025, King Powder Company and Peters Cartridge Company Factories
This section of the trail passes by some striking remnants of the region's industrial past: the former King Powder Company and Peters Cartridge Company factories. These historic buildings have been revitalized and now house Cartridge Brewing Co. and the Peters Cartridge Factory Apartments.
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Scott
June 20, 2024, Miamisburg Riverfront Park
The park is becoming a popular venue for hosting community events. From free concerts and lively carnivals to family-friendly gatherings like "Touch-a-Truck" and the "Rock 'n Green" Tomato Festival. Kids can have a blast on the expansive 7,600-square-foot playground, while adults can relax under the shade of swinging benches overlooking the scenic river.
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oliviakellis
June 20, 2024, Hamilton
Founded in 1791 as Fort Hamilton, the city transitioned into an agricultural and trading hub. The innovative Hamilton Hydraulic System, completed in 1845, harnessed water power from the Great Miami River, attracting industries like the Beckett Paper Company. This paved the way for further industrial growth, including Henry Ford's tractor factory after WWI. Hamilton has three historic districts reflecting its diverse heritage. Though impacted by the 1913 flood and economic shifts, the city is revitalizing through an arts-centered downtown renaissance. Initiatives like the RiversEdge amphitheater, Marcum Park, and public art installations enhance residents' quality of life. Hamilton takes pride in providing competitive utilities and award-winning drinking water.
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oliviakellis
June 20, 2024, Great Miami River Trail
The Great Miami River Trail is a 93-mile paved, multi-use trail that closely follows the Great Miami River for nearly its entire route. The trail offers a diverse experience, passing through urban skylines, charming historic downtowns, picnic areas, acres of natural parklands, and gently rolling terrain. Along the way, trail users can enjoy beautiful river vistas and access nearby attractions like museums. With its paved surface suitable for various activities, the Great Miami River Trail caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to explore the region's natural and cultural landmarks.
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Grace Mulligan
November 17, 2023, Hutchins Station Reservoir
A pleasant and flat cycleway leads you past Hutchins State Reservoir, part of the Great Miami River, between Middletown and Dayton. Next to the reservoir, you can find Rice Field, an open playing area used for sports. This is a nice spot to rest the legs and perhaps enjoy a picnic.
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Matthew
November 15, 2023, Pond and Miami River Views at Crains Run Nature Park
Along with views of the Miami River at the trail junction with the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, there is also a small pond off the side of the trail near the Crains Run Nature Park trailhead. There is lots of parking in the parking lot and a playground for the kids.
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Zai👋sun🌞kyt🧰set🚴🏽♂️🥾🛶
June 16, 2019, Stone House Restrooms
Renschler Forest can be reached by riding the Trail from Waterworks Park Fairfield north. A nice ride through parks, city and farms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Monroe?
There are 7 touring cycling routes documented around Monroe, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 25 reviews.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Monroe?
Touring cycling around Monroe is characterized by rolling terrain, river valleys, and scenic reservoirs. You'll find a mix of moderate climbs and flatter sections, often following waterways like the Little Miami River, and passing through wooded areas and open countryside.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there is one easy touring cycling route available. While specific family-friendly details aren't provided, routes with lower difficulty are generally more suitable for beginners or those cycling with children. For a moderate option, the Hutchins State Reservoir loop from Trenton is a popular choice, offering views of the water.
What is the longest touring cycling route in the Monroe area?
The longest touring cycling route is the Kroger Hills – Little Miami Scenic Trail loop from Soak City Station. This challenging route spans 76.5 miles (123.1 km) and features significant elevation gain, following a scenic river trail.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Monroe?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Hutchins State Reservoir loop from Trenton is a moderate 32.4-mile path that circles the reservoir. Another option is the Hutchins State Reservoir – Miamisburg Riverfront Park loop from Miami University Middletown, which is 24.9 miles long.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural features along the touring cycling routes?
Many routes in Monroe follow river valleys, such as the Little Miami River, and pass by scenic reservoirs like the Hutchins State Reservoir, offering picturesque water views and natural areas. The region's rolling hills and wooded sections also contribute to the scenic beauty.
What is the most challenging touring cycling route in Monroe?
The most challenging route is the Kroger Hills – Little Miami Scenic Trail loop from Soak City Station. Classified as 'difficult,' it covers 76.5 miles (123.1 km) and involves substantial elevation gain, making it suitable for experienced touring cyclists.
Are there any routes that pass through riverfront parks?
Yes, the Hutchins State Reservoir – Miamisburg Riverfront Park loop from Miami University Middletown leads through riverfront parks and past the reservoir, providing a pleasant cycling experience.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Monroe?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, which includes river valleys and reservoirs, and the network of routes that cater to different ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging long-distance rides.
Is there a moderate touring cycling route that offers water views?
Absolutely. The Hutchins State Reservoir loop from Trenton is a moderate 32.4-mile (52.2 km) path that circles a reservoir, providing continuous views of the water and surrounding natural areas.
How long does it typically take to complete a touring cycling route in Monroe?
Completion times vary depending on the route's length and difficulty. For instance, the moderate Hutchins State Reservoir – Miamisburg Riverfront Park loop from Miami University Middletown typically takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, while the difficult Kroger Hills – Little Miami Scenic Trail loop from Soak City Station can take around 7 hours 17 minutes.
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