Things to do
Natural Areas
The Miami University Natural Areas are located around the campus and they comprise over 1000 acres with 23 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can hike, jog, research, bird watch, dog walk, explore, learn, discover, meditate, or “just be.” We encourage you to make these areas an important and regular part of your Miami experience.
Explore the Natural Areas
Places to visit
1,000 acres
of natural areas around campus
23 miles
of hiking trails
Bringing the Song to Life
Miami University Natural Areas and Four Mile Creek featured in Men's Glee Club professional music video.
Natural Areas in the News
Anne E. Davenport Natural Areas Support Fund established with $100,000 endowment
The Natural Areas are ‘part of the extracurricular ambiance that makes Miami so different and so special,’ said donor Anne Davenport ’78, MBA ’83
Following the trail: Caretakers of our Natural Areas
A small natural areas team dedicates their time every week to ensure the trails are safe and enjoyable for everyone. Natural Areas Manager Rob Atkinson and four Miami students are in charge of addressing the trail maintenance.
Grants, gifts help keep the Miami University Natural Areas open for all
A recent gift of $15,000 from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous and a $5,300 grant from the Greater Oxford Community Foundation will support bridge and trail improvements in the Miami University Natural Areas. "This benefits tens of thousands of trail users every year," Nancy Feakes, natural areas manager, said. (2025)
Champion white oak in Natural Areas
Towering white oak in Kramer Woods named champion in Big Tree Contest
Management
Management activities that are currently ongoing include deer, invasive species, and trail management.
Join a Student Organization
Miami University offers diverse student organizations and clubs that utilize its natural surroundings for outdoor activities, conservation, and environmental education, thriving within the campus's picturesque landscapes and ecosystems.
First bobcat photographed in Miami University’s Natural Areas
A trail camera placed and monitored by Miami University students captured a video of a bobcat, the first known image of this elusive and solitary animal taken in the Miami University Natural Areas.
Biology and Sustainability junior investigates effects of the overabundant deer population on local ecosystems
Elea Cooper ‘24 is working to analyze the severity of impact and what this could mean for Oxford in the future.
Fires, hunting, bicycling, and camping are not permitted in the Natural Areas.