Before setting off for a walk along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, it helps to start with a little R&R.  Here, R&R refers not to Rest and Relaxation, but to Rights and Responsibilities.  Whether you’re walking alone or with others, you have the same right (yes, the same right) to enjoy the trail as anyone else (see All Users Are Equal).  As a user of the trail with full-fledged rights, you also have responsibilities to keep fellow trail users and yourself safe.  Among these responsibilities are the following:

·         Stay on your side of the trail and better yet, stay “tight right” to allow others easily to pass.

·         Preferably, walk single file.  If you choose to walk two abreast, pay attention and move to a single file formation when others approach from the front or rear.

·         When stopping to converse with someone you meet on the trail, move off of the trail surface.

·         When walking your dog, use a hand-held leash no longer than six feet.

These responsibilities might be summed up in four words—"be courteous to others.”  As a multi-use trail, the Little Miami Scenic Trail provides recreation for many types of users, including walkers.  No matter how you choose to use the trail, treat others courteously and both they and you will enjoy all the trail has to offer safely.

Friends of the Little Miami State Park recently initiated a trail sentinel program, enlisting volunteers to monitor trail safety conditions and provide selective assistance to trail users.  This program, the brainchild of Don Hahn (thanks, Don!), now includes 10 sentinels—that’s 20 eyes, 20 ears, 10 voices and 20 hands—devoted to trail safety, a significant commitment.  And yet, there’s no way that these 10 sentries can completely cover over 50 miles of trail 7 days-a-week.  That’s where you come in.

Currently, Trail Mail reaches 2,300 readers—that’s 4,600 eyes, 4,600 ears, 2,300 voices and 4,600 hands.  Here’s how you and the other 2,299 readers of Trail Mail can assist the Friends to keep the trail safe:

1.  Take the time to clear the trail of large sticks.  Before bending down to pick up a stick, scan the trail for fast approaching cyclists. Toss sticks well clear of the trail.

2.  Report downed trees and other hazards by calling or texting the Trail Hotline at (513) 212-6958.  Include a description, location (milepost number) and a picture (if appropriate).  Add the hotline to your mobile phone contacts list now.

3.  Model safe behavior including calling out “on your left” when passing, coming to a complete stop at intersections and slowing down in congested portions of the trail.

4.  Speak up to address unsafe behavior to the extent you feel comfortable.  I recently approached a woman walking a dog off leash.  After I had to nearly stop my bike to pass, I said “ma’am, trail regulations require that dogs be on leashes no more than six feet long.”  I have taken to calling out “on your right” to remind passing cyclists who don’t announce their presence of that need.  In any case, be courteous and respectful, since safety and not confrontation is the objective.

If you are interested in becoming a trail sentinel or simply learning more about the program, contact Don Hahn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Trail sentry or not, you can contribute your eyes, your ears, your voice and your hands to help the Friends pursue its number one objective—providing a safe experience for all trail users.

by Erick Wikum
June 2019

A lifelong dream has come true for two local women. In June 2018 Elizabeth Wabnitz and her daughter Kelly Stahler completed the purchase of The Corwin Peddler located in Corwin, Ohio. It was a dream of theirs to one day open their own restaurant. Elizabeth, a retired nurse, and Kelly, who worked in the food industry for over 10 years, spent years searching for the perfect restaurant opportunity. They visited numerous properties, but The Corwin Peddler had the right amount of charm and opportunity. The pair were determined to offer the right food, at the right price, with the right atmosphere.

They spent the entire summer of 2018 cleaning the property, painting, and making several updates to the building. In October they were ready to open. The weather, however, turned quickly and by the end of the month, the restaurant was once again closed until the spring brought warmer weather. As of April 7^th, 2019, The Corwin Peddler is once again open.

The quaint restaurant features indoor as well as outdoor seating. The covered patio is perfect to sit and enjoy a break from the sun. The outdoor picnic tables provide ample seating for families. The Corwin Peddler went back to its roots and serves ice cream. The soft serve frozen treat is a creamy delicious staple of summer. On the menu are several sandwiches, burgers (angus beef as well as the vegan Impossible Burger), salads, a kids menu, and drinks. The owners pride themselves on having fresh, locally sourced food. A fan favorite is already emerging! The Rachel sandwich is crafted with sliced turkey, Swiss cheese and chipotle mayonnaise topped with creamy coleslaw piled on sourdough bread and toasted. Fans of ice cream can find endless topping combinations! The Corwin Peddler offers a wide array of toppings from the standard rainbow sprinkles to the delicious crushed Oreos and sauces such as peanut butter, hot fudge, marshmallow, and more!

Check out the Corwin Peddler at 69 Maple St. Corwin, Ohio 45068 located right on the Little Miami Bike Trail. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm but will be extending hours in the summer. You can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecorwinpeddler.