TRAIL The trail is an approximately 5-mile-long out and back and takes 2 to 3 hours to walk. The trail is handicap accessible. The typical hike starts at the Wright Memorial and Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center (HPFFIC) (See Notes) and proceeds along paved paths and roads to the Huffman Prairie Flying Field. At Huffman Prairie, the National Park Service has recreated the Wright Brothers hanger and workshop and a launching derrick. There are informational markers for a number of sites. After walking around the points of interest, you will return to the HPFFIC the same way you came. Those hiking the trail and performing a service project for the National Park Service may purchase a special patch and/or a medal. For more information see the trail brochure and the registration / award application on the Wright Memorial Trail tab under forms & links. In addition, the National Park Service offers its own patch for extended service with the park service. Check with the ranger. (NOTES 1) The Huffman Prairie Flying Field is a national park so bring your passes to have them stamped. The Interpretive Center is a small museum with interactive displays. Its hours are variable. (Check here for seasonal hours.) They show a 30-minute video which explains how the Flying Field was so important to the development of the Wright Brothers' airplanes and the training of other pilots. PLUS, it has indoor facilities. 2) For those visiting the National Museum of the Air Force, please note they are screening at entry. They do not allow backpacks, pocketknives and outside food. The cafe offers food service.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the past, due to an increased security levels at WPAFB, the gate on the trail between the Interpretative Center and the Flying Field has been temporarily locked and then the 5-mile loop hike is unavailable. If the gate is locked, the Flying Field is usually still open and accessible by car. There are about 2.5 miles of the trail available for hiking around the Flying Field. Trail awards are still available by hiking around the Flying Field roads and performing a service project for the National Park Service.
The Wright Memorial Trail was conceived in 1963 by the Boy Scouts of Troop 162 and is located near to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) Ohio. Hiking the trail provides Scouts and other groups with an opportunity to visit Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center. At Huffman Prairie Flying Field, the Wright Brothers developed the technology of their airplanes and practiced and taught real flying skills. Both of these sites are close to the National Museum of the Air Forces, a storehouse of aviation related artifacts and history.
The overlook at the at Wright Memorial provides a view of Huffman Dam, one of five dams built as a result of the devastating 1913 Dayton flood. Huffman Dam is 3340 feet long and was completed in December 1921. When a big rain event occurs, the three conduits through the dam limit the flow of water and protect the area downstream from flooding.
CAMPING Many out-of-area units camp in the local area, see below for a few options. See the Links page for distance information and other local activities.
1. Camp Hugh Taylor Birch is the home camp for Tecumseh Council, and it located just outside of Yellow Springs Ohio. It has 440 acres of woodland and operates on a year-round basis. It is adjacent to John Bryan State Park, Clifton Gorge and Glen Helen Nature Preserve, all combined with more than 2000 acres of accessible woodlands. If you have questions regarding Camp Birch facilities or want reservations click here. For questions, please contact the Tecumseh Council Service Center or call 937-325-6449 x100. 2. Scout Camp on Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The base has very specific requirements for base entry and use of the camp. This is a long lead time (> 30 days) action. Their web page has links to the forms they use. Follow this link: https://wrightpattfss.com/outdoor-recreation/ and then call about the Scout Camp. 3. John Bryan State Parkhas group camping sites. It is just outside of Yellow Spring Ohio and is adjacent to Camp Hugh Taylor Birch, Clifton Gorge and Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
Some recent visitors to our trail: 3/15/2026 Troop 110 Farmington MI Photos 2/22/2026 Troop 777 Northville MI Photos 11/23/2025 Troop 51 Waynesville OH 11/15/2025 Troop 7332 Columbus OH Photo 10/25/2025 Troop 804 Zionville IN 8/31/2025 Troop 6046 Marion OH Photos 7/28/2025 Troop 162 Fairborn OH Photo 4/26/2025 Crew/Troop 179 Farmington Hills MI 4/16/2025 Troop 113 Webster NY Photos 11/24/2024 Troop 51 Waynesville OH Photos 11/24/2024 Troop 416 Saline MI 9/21/2024 Troop 359 Lebanon IN 8/3/2024 Troop 900 Cincinnati OH Photo 5/25/2024 Troop 345B Grand Rapids, MI Photos
PICTURES FROM THE TRAIL... (Scroll up for Recent Visitor List) CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LARGER IMAGE, THEN CLICK RIGHT OR LEFT MARGIN TO GO FORWARD OR BACK
