Stillwater State Scenic River

In 1975, the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek System became Ohio's eighth scenic river. Designated sections include the Stillwater from Riffle Road bridge in Darke County to its junction with the Great Miami River in Dayton (58 miles) and Greenville Creek from the Ohio border to its confluence with the Stillwater (35 miles). Through most of their course, the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek meander with a gentle grade across the glaciated plains of western Ohio.

With excellent habitat and good water quality, the Stillwater and Greenville Creek Scenic River system provides exceptional smallmouth bass fishing. Pollution intolerant macroinvertebrates and 59 fish species such as the Northern hog sucker, rainbow darters and many others, comprise the Stillwater's aquatic community. In addition, the river is also adorned by numerous species of songbirds and waterfowl such as the handsome wood duck and great blue heron.

Greenville Falls is located in a gorge west of Covington. Greenville Creek passes through a steep ravine and bluffs in this area and has been dedicated as a state nature preserve. A small parking lot and trail system are available. Harebell, a state endangered wildflower, is found here.

Like all of Ohio's rivers and streams, history abounds in the Stillwater valley. Shawnee and Miami Indians were living in the area when the first European traders arrived. Following the 1795 signing of the Treaty of Greenville, the valley was an important area of settlement for early European settlers. This treaty represented the first of several agreements entered into with Ohio's native Indian populations, paving the way for extensive European settlement in the years to follow.