Since 2017, Tri-State Trails has worked with land managers across Greater Cincinnati to collect usage data on regional trails. Our team aggregates year-round counts at 20 locations and collects over 100 seven-day counts throughout the year. These data are then analyzed to generate two key metrics, Average Annual Daily Trail Traffic (AADTT) and Trail Miles Traveled (TMT).

The findings from last year’s counting program are in, and we’re proud to share that trail usage was up by 6% in 2024 compared to 2023, with an AADTT of 267. Put another way, on any given day in 2024, we estimate that 267 individuals were out on the 191 miles of trail that we monitored last year. Below are some key insights into the data we collected and analyzed.

Key Findings

• Little Miami Scenic Trail: AADTT is up 3%, and TMT is up 10%. Traffic is highest from Milford to Caesar Creek State Park, with an estimate of nearly 400 users a day.
• Great Miami River Trail: AADTT is up 4%, especially in Hamilton and Middletown. As new connections in Butler County come online in the coming years, we anticipate that usage will continue to grow.
• CROWN: AADTT has increased nearly 20% overall along the Cincinnati Riding Or Walking Network, with the Ohio River Trail in Downtown Cincinnati seeing a 50% surge. Trails in the CROWN saw almost 500 users per day—nearly double the regional average. Wasson Way’s AADTT and TMT are both up 4%.
• Ohio River Trail: AADTT is up along the entire length of the Ohio River Trail by 13%, with largest increases in usage on the trail near Downtown and on Ohio River Trail West segments in the Lower Price Hill and Riverside communities.
• Riverfront Commons: AADTT has increased more than 15% in Newport and Dayton. Despite the Purple People Bridge closure, local trail activity remains strong.
• Dearborn Trails: AADTT is up 12%, and TMT has surged 33%, with Aurora showing the largest gains. Unlike other trails, which have ebbed and flowed in usage, Aurora has seen steady growth since 2020.

Why We Count 

Tri-State Trails’ monitoring program aims to:

• Establish a standardized regional trail measurement framework;
• Track trail network usage trends as new connections are made;
• Provide data to stakeholders for planning, funding, and advocacy; and
• Support investment in trail maintenance and expansion.

Take Action

Trails and bikeways are vital to our communities, offering active transportation, recreation, and economic benefits. Share your trail story with local officials—let them know how trails impact your life and why continued investment is essential. Connect with Tri-State Trails and the regional trails and bike community to learn more, get involved, and join the movement for better active transportation infrastructure.

2024 Network Metrics

• Average Annual Daily Trail Traffic: 267
• Trail Miles Traveled: 17,231,987
• Trail Miles Monitored: 191