There are plenty of beautiful places in Cincinnati, you just have to know what your looking for. I like to spend a lot of time by myself and some of my favorite ways to fill those hours are running, bicycling and hiking. Mollie (my dog) and I have found several wonderful getaways right here in Cincinnati. I wouldn't be true to myself though, if I didn't list a few out-of-towners though, that have blown me away. In no particular order...
1. Red Bird Hollow - Indian Hill, Ohio
Best Use: Hike, Trail Run
Red Bird Hollow is tucked away in Indian Hill. The trail itself from the parking lot on Given Road to the park at the corner of Drake and Shawnee Run is just about two miles. My preference though, is to start at the Given Road lot, hike out to the country club road that intersects the trail about two thirds of the way and hop into the creek to walk back. The creek is usually low and in the high summer months, you probably won't even have to get your feet wet. Be ready for obstacles like fallen trees.
2. Rowe Woods Nature Preserve - Milford, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
This may be my favorite place in the universe. I have directional impairment and Rowe Woods has by far the most clearly marked, map-matching trails of any on this list. There is good variety too including a creek, a pond, wetlands and prairies, always giving you a new and beautiful view. If you have time, stop in the Nature Center where you can find a plethora of Charley Harper works, one of my favorite artists, as this is the cite where he sketched several of his early works.
3. Long Branch Farm & Trails - Goshen, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
Long branch farm is the sister park of Rowe Woods and it is almost as easy to navigate, making it a clear winner in my book. There is a lot of sunshine on the trails there, so it may not be the best pick for a really hot day, but great for an early autumn hike.
4. Boone County Cliffs - Burlington, Kentucky
Best Use: Hike
I have lost my direction more times here than anywhere else. It is beautiful but the map is crap and the trail is not really marked. Beware of little legs (not necessarily kid friendly) as the terrain is often steep and slippery.
5. England Idlewild Park - Burlington, Kentucky
Best Use: Hike
I stumbled upon this park while looking for Middle Creek. It appeared that there were paved trails here, but as I arrived and did a quick Google search on my phone, I saw there was a mountain bike trail that led through the woods. I opted for that and it was clearly marked and easy to follow. It was just that though...a mountain bike trail. At least twice, someone yelled behind me in warning milliseconds before a bike flew by. Scary but fun.
6. California Woods - California, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
The hiking here is great. I have been several time alone and twice with others. I have gotten lost every time alone, but of course managed to find my way out. There is a lovely stream running though most of the woods making it very picturesque. The forest is not that dense either so it is easy to wonder through the trees and see what is ahead. Beware animal lovers, no dogs allowed.
7. Buttercup Valley - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
I have to be honest. I have only hiked here one time but I know I liked it. I recall that the trees are spread far, and I know you can hear the freeway at certain points but it becomes white noise in minutes.
8. Mt Airy Forest - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
There are several trails and they are mostly easy to navigate. There is a beautiful arboretum on one side of the park with tons of different species of trees. Use caution with furry friends as only half the park allows dogs.
9. Lunken Trail - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Walk/Run/Bike
This trail has been a go-to since I moved to Cincinnati 7 years ago. It is a five mile paved loop around the airfield. You can almost always catch at least one plane taking off or landing if you're into that sort of thing. It's great for biking (if you have the dedication to do more than one lap), but also great for a walk or a run.
10. Otto Armleder Park - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Walk/Run
This trail is very short at just shy of two miles. But, the setting is beautiful and because wind can be a factor, it can be challenging. Once you have finished your run, take the time to follow the middle path back to the woods. It opens up to the Little Miami Riverbed and is one of my favorite hidden treasures in the city.
11. Big Bone Lick State Park - Union, Kentucky
Best Use: Hike
If you hike the outter path of the trails shown on the map, this hike can be better than five miles. It comes complete with a bison herd too.
12. Miami Whitewater Forest - Harrison, Ohio
Best Use: Hike/Bike
At on end of the park there is a small lot with two of my favorite trails at this park; Badlands & Oakleaf. Neither are very difficult, but great hikes nonetheless. At the other end of the park you can find the Shaker Trace trail. The outer look is a 7.2 mile paved trail great for biking.
13. Loveland Bike Trail - Milford/Loveland, Ohio
Best Use: Bike
There are over 70 Miles of paved trail and you can start and stop wherever you like. Because I almost always ride alone, I chose stretches that are manageable as out and back. I have friends that park cars several miles apart instead of pedaling round trip. My personal favorite stretch is from Bass Island on Newtown Road to downtown Loveland which is 26 miles round trip.
14. John Bryan State Park - Yellow Springs, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
It is very easy to get lost here. Not many of the trails circle around and you have probably reached the end of the trails you are on before you realize that. If you study the map well before leaving, take one with you, or just have a sense of direction that works, it is not tough though. You can hike from one end of the park through to Clifton Gorge though , which is unbelievable.
It is very easy to get lost here. Not many of the trails circle around and you have probably reached the end of the trails you are on before you realize that. If you study the map well before leaving, take one with you, or just have a sense of direction that works, it is not tough though. You can hike from one end of the park through to Clifton Gorge though , which is unbelievable.
15. Glen Helen Nature Preserve - Yellow Springs, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
There are several trails here and none are named or marked. It is easy to follow by landmark though. I prefer hiking the perimeter and always staying left at forks. The Yellow Spring, not far from one of the main trailheads off SR 343, is worth seeing.
16. Hueston Woods State Park - College Corner, Ohio
Best Use: Hike/Bike
The trails are not challenging and fairly easy to follow, but very beautiful. I recommend the Blue Heron, Big Woods and Hedge Apple trails. They are all on the same side of the park and connect but are not a loop. If you're in the mood for wheels, Main Loop Road that circles the park is a nice hilly ride.
17. Mitchell Memorial Forest - Cleves, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
The park has a 3.9 mile mountain bike trail. Its beautiful and windy (pronounced wined-ee) and its a loop. All ideal conditions for a directionally challenged hiker like myself.
18. Sharon Woods - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Run
Sharon Woods great for a quick run. There is a 2.6 Mile paved trail that is wooded and surrounding a lake. Beware though cyclists. The suburbanites that heavily populate the trail seem to be unfamiliar with the phrase "on your left."
19. Withrow Nature Preserve - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Hike/Trail Run
Best Use: Hike/Trail Run
The 2 Mile Trout Lily trail is easy to navigate and has a beautiful view of the Ohio River. It is difficult to see in the summer months due to heavy foliage. There is a staircase leading up through the forest that is great for the buns.
20. Woodland Mound - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Run
Best Use: Run
Woodland Mound has a great paved multiuse trail. Its a bit short to bike for my particular taste, but perfectly suitable for a nice stroll or run.
21. Shawnee Lookout - North Bend, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
Best Use: Hike
Shawnee Lookout is a small park with only three wooded trails. All three trails are nice, but I prefer the Miami Forte for the distance and the view.
22. Caldwell Park - Springfield Township, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
Caldwell has two lollipop trails and a loop. You should be able to complete all three in under an hour if your moving. The signage is clear and easy to understand. It is a pretty forest dense with trees and streams.
23. Ft. Wright Nature Preserve - Ft. Wright Kentucky
This is the only trail on this list that I have never hiked alone. A friend took me here for the first time and a few times subsequently. Because I never needed to pay attention to my direction, I never did. I have tried to find info on the web about it i.e. maps, distances, etc. but as you can see if you click the lame link above, there is not much out there.
24. Winton Woods - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Run/Walk
The 2.6 Mile paved multiuse trail is great for running. As is the case with Sharon Woods, bicyclists should beware of stroller-bearing soccer moms that are not familiar with bike etiquette.
25. Middle Creek - Burlington, Kentucky
Best Use: Hike
If you check the map before you go, its easy to navigate. My favorite trail is trail number one. One turn gets tricky depending on at which point you enter the trail, but you can rarely get more than 20 feet without seeing a red #1 pinned to a tree so if you have taken a wrong turn, you are aware of it very quickly. I saw a baby deer in its nest here once. It let me get within arms length. It should be noted that if you Google Map directions to get to the park, follow the bicycle directions rather than the automobile. Its a much lovelier drive out Rte 8 and up Rte 20. (I realize lovelier is not a word, but I like it).
26. Five Mile Trail - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Run/Walk
Part of the trail is along a busy road so if you're looking for peace this isn't the place, but it does delve into light woods for a bit. There are a few great hills and bikers galore.
27. French Park - Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Use: Hike
Not the longest hike, but very easy to get around and sufficient enough rolling hills to really feel it in your calves and butt the following day. There is an absolutely lovely stream that goes right through the middle. I tend to hike the perimeter then go up through the middle just to admire the waterfalls along the way. This means you have to repeat part of the trail or return through the parking lot but its worth it. Patrons of the park located in Amberly Village are super friendly and never mind if your pup is off leash.
28. East Fork State Park
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/eastfork/tabid/732/Default.aspx
Best Use: Hike
There are so many miles of trails here, it is difficult to pick a favorite. Because camping is so readily available here, I recommend that if you are going to make the drive, it is worth staying a day or two to see more than one part of the park through the hikes it has to offer.
29. Glenwood Gardens - Cincinnati, Ohio
http://greatparks.org/parks/glenwood.shtm
Best Use: Hike/Trail Run/Run
Glenwood Gardens is a nice little get away plopped right in the middle of an urban setting. I suggest taking the paved path around to the left and connecting to the nature path and following that back around to the other side of the paved trail. Sidenote: if you have or are with children, check out the Highfield Discovery Garden. Lots for little minds to take in.
http://greatparks.org/parks/glenwood.shtm
Best Use: Hike/Trail Run/Run
Glenwood Gardens is a nice little get away plopped right in the middle of an urban setting. I suggest taking the paved path around to the left and connecting to the nature path and following that back around to the other side of the paved trail. Sidenote: if you have or are with children, check out the Highfield Discovery Garden. Lots for little minds to take in.
30. Ault Park - Cincinnati, Ohio
http://cincyparks.com/parks-events/east-region/ault-park/
Best Use: Hike
Ault Park, tucked between Hyde Park and East Hyde park is one of the more picturesque in Cincinnati. There is an observatory at one entrance to the park and a large pavilion often used for weddings and concerts as well as a flower garden. I, of course, am more interested in the trails and there are a few. There is a nice loop at the north end of the park that begins and ends at the paved road with the most easily accessible parking.
http://cincyparks.com/parks-events/east-region/ault-park/
Best Use: Hike
Ault Park, tucked between Hyde Park and East Hyde park is one of the more picturesque in Cincinnati. There is an observatory at one entrance to the park and a large pavilion often used for weddings and concerts as well as a flower garden. I, of course, am more interested in the trails and there are a few. There is a nice loop at the north end of the park that begins and ends at the paved road with the most easily accessible parking.
Out-of-Towners Worth Seeing
Red Rock Canyon Park - Topanga, California
Natural Bridge State Park - Slade, Kentucky
Malibu Creek State Park - Malibu, California
Griffith Park (Particularly the Mineral Wells Trail) - Los Angeles, California
Lime Ridge Open Space - Walnut Creek, California
Arches National Park - Moab, Utah
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ReplyDeleteBest summary of the areas hiking I have seen - thanks. My wife and I have hiked Rowe woods and red bird hollow and we live near the loveland bike trail. We agree those are great. Looking forward to hiking many others on your list!
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