Outside, spring is springing — and there are lots of close-to-home places where we can go for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Check out our roundup of 5 free outdoor day trips near Cincinnati:
Big Bone Lick State Park
Located just 35 minutes south of downtown in Union, KY, Big Bone Lick State Park is a hidden gem that definitely deserves a visit or two! Big Bone Lick State Park is a 813-acre state park that your kids will actually want to visit. Highlights include hiking, an interactive museum and real bison.
Clifton Gorge
Part of the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Clifton Gorge is a 268-acre preserve that protects one of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in the state. In some areas, cliff overhangs have broken off, forming massive slump blocks scattered along the valley floor.
Hocking Hills
Just over two hours away is another world that’s a must for nature enthusiasts. Hocking Hills State Parks boast 2,356 acres of natural beauty: towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep hemlock-shaded gorges.
Hueston Woods
Located in Butler County, Hueston Woods is another favorite for hiking. During the spring, the forest floor is blanketed with a luxuriant display of wildflowers including dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, large-flowered and sessile trilliums, may-apple, bloodroot and several species of violets and buttercups.
Pyramid Hill
Pyramid Hill is a true hidden gem – it’s tucked away in Butler County off a rolling country road. But to be fair, nothing about Pyramid Hill is “hidden;” this outdoor sculpture museum is big and bold. A bright red sculpture stands at the entryway; and from there, the hills and valleys of Pyramid Hill’s 300 acres are covered with larger-than-life sculptures that demand to be seen (and admired). This 60-acre outdoor sculpture park is totally awesome and especially beautiful in the spring.