5 best hiking trails near Centerville

It’s the height of the summer, and while the weather can be unpredictable, getting outside and experiencing nature when able to is a great choice for those wanting to make the most out of the season. There are many great parks and outdoor areas in and around Centerville, and these are just a few of them.

For all of the parks below, dogs and other domesticated animals are allowed provided they are on a visible leash that is 8 feet or less, though other parks may have different rules.

Bill Yeck Park and Forest Field Park

Adjacent to one another, these two parks have numerous hiking trails, with the shortest being around 0.25 miles and the longest being just under two miles, providing options for hikers of varying experience levels and preferences.

**Visitors enjoying Bill Yeck Park in the fall.** CENTERVILLE-WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT

The parks also feature a memorial fire circle, an arboretum, several natural play areas, multiple picnic areas, a rain garden and much more for guests of all ages.

**A map of Bill Yeck and Forest Field Parks.** CENTERVILLE-WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT

There are four entrances to the parks: 2100 East Centerville Station Road, 2230 East Centerville Station Road, 7893 Wilmington-Dayton Road, and 8798 Rooks Mill Lane.

Black Oak Park and Black Oak East Park

Another pair of parks that are adjacent to one another, these natural areas feature a dense forest and lush stream, and are less settled and more wild compared to the other parks featured here.

**A play area at Black Oak Park.** CENTERVILLE-WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT

Containing several challenging and less traveled hiking trails, these parks are a good fit for those who want to be a bit more daring without being reckless. At the same time, near the Ambridge entrance to Black Oak Park there is also a playground and a swimming pool.

There are two entrances to the parks, 1552 Ambridge Road and 7766 Bigger Road.

Grant Park

Those who grew up in Centerville may be familiar with Grant Park, as it connects to several schools and features many programs for children who want to learn more about the natural world.

The park has a number of trails ranging from 0.25 miles to 1.3 miles, and additionally has a 1.1 mile natural history hike that provides visitors with detailed descriptions of the various sites in the park and the overarching history and growth of the park over the years. Grant Park also has a number of facilities such as the Kennard Nature Nook that can be rented out for various events and gatherings.

**A map of Grant Park in Centerville.** CENTERVILLE-WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT

Grant Park has two main entrances, 6588 McEwen Road and 501 Normandy Ridge Road.

Iron Horse Park

Long ago there was a railroad that ran through Washington Township, and the north end of the track bed is preserved at Iron Horse Park, which is where it gets its name.

In addition to the main trail that is just under two miles long, Iron Horse Park features several baseball diamonds and soccer fields, as well as play equipment along with several other facilities that make it an ideal place for visitors of all ages to have a fun time. The park also has a large number of different tree species, including a wide variety of maples, oaks, and evergreens.

The entrance to the park is located at 6161 Millshire Drive.

Yankee Park

The most noticeable feature of this park is its large playground that is enjoyed by many children in the area. But it also has a 0.8 mile long perimeter trail along with a wooded area in the back and several pickleball and tennis courts. While not the best option for hikers, it’s a good option for those just looking for someplace to hang out and relax with friends or family.