Spring Valley, Ohio
- Trail Town dedication
- Jun 17, 2023
- Section
- Caesar Creek
- Chapter
- Miami Rivers Chapter
- County
- Greene
- Page last updated
- Nov 10, 2025
About Spring Valley, Ohio
Located in southwestern Ohio 16 miles from Yellow Springs, Spring Valley became the Buckeye Trail’s newest Trail Town in June 2023. The town’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Cincinnati-Xenia Pike and the Little Miami Railroad facilitated its development as an agricultural marketing and processing center for the surrounding area. This charming village offers a blend of outdoor adventure, small-town hospitality, and unique local experiences.
History and Geography
Founded in 1844 by Edward Walton and his son Moses, Quakers from Virginia, the village was built on a slope rising from the banks of the Little Miami River, benefiting from many natural springs in the area. The Little Miami Railroad stopped operations and has been converted to the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
Why You Should Visit
Spring Valley combines the allure of small-town life with ample outdoor activities and community events. In 1954, state Route 42 was rerouted to bypass Main Street’s steep hill, allowing Spring Valley to retain the quiet character of a 19th-century community. Align your visit with the village’s monthly summer concerts or the annual Potato Festival for a memorable experience.
Places to visit
- Slim’s Neighborhood Bar & Grille →
- George Barrett Cement House: Traditionally called the “Cement House” by Spring Valley residents, the George Barrett Concrete House is one of the first concrete homes built in the Midwest. Barrett wrote a book, Home for the Millions, about his process building the home with inflammable materials including river rock and concrete mortar reinforced with animal hair. The house is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and the Ohio Bicentennial Commission placed a marker explaining the house’s history in 2003. A museum with displays of Spring Valley historic artifacts is open during the annual Potato Festival and occasionally throughout the year.
- Spring Valley Community Library →
- Walton Park: Bordered by Elm Street, Main Street, and state Route 725, the park is named after Spring Valley’s founders, Edward Walton and his son Moses. It offers a large parking area, playing fields, and a picnic area with a pavilion.
- Funk Nature Sanctuary: Located on the Little Miami River, this 21-acre protected landscape area is owned by the Greene County Park District. It is a designated birding hot spot.
- Travertine Fen: This 21-acre site is located on the northeast of the Little Miami Scenic Bikeway, just beyond the Bellbrook Avenue Bridge. It is a protected wetland fed by springs and is home to many rare species.
- Weaver’s Apple Country Farm: A family-owned and operated business for Weaver Barns and LuxCraft Poly Furniture. During the fall, Apple Country offers specialties such as pumpkins, apples, apple cider, honey, winter squash, corn shocks, hay bales, apple and pumpkin butter.
- Bean Bag City: Made–in-the-USA bean bag store showroom, open to the public Monday through Friday.
Events
- Monthly Summer Concerts: Live music events perfect for summer evenings in Bledsoe Park.
- Annual Potato Festival: A beloved community celebration held every October, featuring food, crafts, and entertainment.
Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Hiking: The Buckeye Trail passes through Spring Valley, offering scenic routes for exploration.
- Kayaking and Camping: Constitution Park provides free camping for adventurers and public access for canoe/kayak launch on the Little Miami River.
- Birding: Spring Valley’s proximity to the Funk Sanctuary and Travertine Fen makes it a great stop to rest up before or after bird watching.
Lodging
- Vacation rentals: Find Airbnb and Vrbo listings in nearby Xenia, about four miles away from Spring Valley.
- Hotels: Chain hotel accommodations are also available in Xenia.
Community and tourism links
Trail Town news
Amenities
- Public camping area: Free camping is available at Constitution Park. Located on the Little Miami River on state Route 725, where Spring Valley’s Main Street ends, this two-acre park is operated by the Greene County Park District. In addition to a historical marker, the park offers a canoe launch, picnic table and benches, and primitive camping. In the summer, the lot fills up rapidly with kayakers and canoeing vehicles.
- Access to restrooms: Porta-potty available on trail at village intersection.
- Shower availability: No showers available.
- Grocery store: Gas station in village will have limited supply.
- Post office: 9 W. Main Street, Spring Valley, OH 45370
- Outdoor store: No outdoor store.
- Bike pump and/or repair kit: Bike repair station available at rest stop at village intersection.
- Food options: Slim’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
