Introducing
The Twin Valley Backpack Trail
www.metroparks.org/GetOutside/twinValleyBackpackTrail.aspx

Looking for a backcountry backpacking experience that traverses many different natural habitats with rich biodiversity and wildlife? Welcome to the Twin Valley Trail. The newest recreation experience in Five Rivers MetroParks combines the existing network of trails in Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks with a connection to create a longer, more connected rail system. Set in the rolling hills of the Twin Valley , it provides a backpacking experience reminiscent of backcountry wilderness trails with beautiful hills, babbling brooks, abundant wildlife, history and small town charm. The trail system can be accessed from trail heads at four Park locations within Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks. Overnight parking for backpackers is only available at the Boomershine Road/Sled Hill entrance in Germantown MetroPark and the Highview parking lot on Eby Road in Sugarcreek MetroPark. Multiple trail heads allow the hiker to tailor his experience from day hikes of as little as 2 miles to 22 miles. By adding the other trail loops in both parks, the available trail system is over 43 miles.

The Twin Valley Trail is a single track, fully sustainable system comprised of three main parts. The 6.8 mile Orange Trail loop at Germantown MetroPark, the 8.1 mile Orange and Purple Trail loops at Twin Creek MetroPark and a 7.3 mile connector trail that runs along Twin Creek and connects the two trail systems. Total mileage for the trail is over 22 miles. This trail is monitored and maintained by a full time trail technician and MetroParks staff in the Twin Valley Zone. 

From a conservation and ecological standpoint, the trail was designed to be a low impact, sustainable system. "An in-depth conservation assessment was done to help establish the trail route through sensitive wilderness areas," says Dave Nolin, Director of Conservation for Five Rivers MetroParks. "In several instances the trail route was relocated to protect fragile and special indigenous plant species."  The trail will also be a valuable asset to the health of the area's plant diversity by allowing park staff greater access to invasive plant species and facilitating their removal. 

The Twin Valley Trail runs through almost every type of natural habitat imaginable - from young succesional woods, mature old growth forests with towering trees to meadows, rare grassland prairies, wetlands and riparian forests. Along the trail are valleys, ravines and overlooks.  Some of the most diverse, abundant wildlife in southern Ohio inhabit the area. Rare, threatened and endangered species along with common and spectacular birds, animals and fish are abundant. Several ponds border the trail as well as Twin Creek which is rated the number one waterway in Ohio for bio-diversity and two in the state in water quality. 

Secluded camping opportunities are available at three locations along the trail system. Each location, or pod, has 3 sites with each individual site large enough for 2 small backpacking tents. These are primitive backcountry style campsites that can support up to 4 hikers per site. Each pod also has an outhouse along with a common area for cooking and hanging out that support the two individual sites and up to 12 people per night. Please check www. metroparks.org for all the rules and regulations regarding camping on the Twin Valley Trail.

For more information, contact: Five Rivers Outdoors, 937-567-4478, www.metroparks.org

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