Kelley Nature Preserve — Attraction in Miami Township

Kelly Nature Preserve is an absolute gem, especially if you’re looking for a convenient place to park your car and enjoy a day of tubing on the river. The preserve is beautifully maintained, with easy access to the Little Miami River, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing float downstream.

The parking area is spacious and conveniently located, just a short walk from the riverbank. This makes it incredibly easy to bring your tubes, coolers, and other gear without a hassle. The preserve itself is serene and scenic, offering a peaceful setting as you prepare for your tubing adventure.

Once you’re on the river, the experience is pure bliss. The water is typically calm, making it ideal for a leisurely float with friends or family. The surrounding nature is stunning, with lush greenery and occasional wildlife sightings adding to the experience. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours or a whole day on the river, Kelly Nature Preserve is the perfect spot to start and end your trip.

In addition to the great tubing access, the preserve also has lovely trails for a walk if you want to explore more of the area. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re on the river or on foot.

For anyone in the area looking to enjoy a day of tubing, Kelly Nature Preserve is highly recommended. The convenience of parking and easy river access, combined with the natural beauty of the area, makes it an ideal destination for a perfect...

PROS ➕ Good, easy trail system ➕ View of the river

CONS ➖ Limited amenities, filthy portable potty

Date visited: 05/27/2025

I don’t remember the exact date I visited this park. I only recall the wet, chilly wind slapping into my face as I stepped out of the car. The parking lot was nearly empty—just a truck and a mother with her daughter about to leave.

It was showering outside but quiet. I could hear my wet footsteps echoing on the concrete path as I headed toward the portable potty in the corner of the lot. A wave of ammonia stench hit me as I opened the green plastic door, stained with brown and black marks from years of misuse. It wasn’t a great restroom break, but that wasn’t why I came.

I followed one of the dirt paths into a forested area; all trails eventually connected. The trail was narrow and a bit muddy, but surprisingly not slippery. It twisted and turned at every corner. Fallen trees and branches littered the forest floor—everywhere except the trail. The vegetation wasn’t dense, and I could see the river running along one side.

The trail was fairly short, and I finished it in under half an hour. I’m surprised this park is so popular based on the review count. I definitely came for the opposite reason. I guess I was just lucky—no one else seemed interested in trail walking on a...

This small nature preserve has a full time park ranger sitting here and walking the trails very frequently. My visits feel the same as having a cop follow you for several miles while you are driving. There are also multiple cameras in the parking lot.A sign warning of loitering. The feel of the place is more prison yardish. Less nature preserve. Ironically the extreme security makes me feel less safe here.

In November the park was open for extended hours several days. Apparently while open to the public it was only open to the public if you brought a dog to walk. I was threatened by the park ranger with charges because I did not have a dog. Unknown to me that meant I had no right to be in the public park during extended hours open to the public. I know how it sounds. I'm not making it up. I'm not crazy. I have no criminal record. This actually happened. 11/28/17 was my visit. 12/21/17 was the threat over my visit nearly a...