If it’s warmer than 50 degrees out, you will find our family on the riverbanks of the scenic Little Miami River. Skipping rocks, collecting fossils, finding deer sheds; we love exploring nature along the banks. Grab a pail to collect shells and meet us at one of our top three Little Miami adventure spots.
Otto Armleder, Linwood
An extension of the Great Parks of Cincinnati, Otto Armleder Memorial Park is open daily with no admission fee. Otto Armleder boasts three large dog parks, a paved bike trail connecting to Lunken’s Airfield loop, a small playground and access to the Little Miami River.
Follow the winding road to the right as the fields open up to a beautifully groomed riverbank. With a large rock beach and very shallow water, kiddos and dogs love a quick splash in the river. The river does rise after heavy rainfall, refer to Great Parks website for closures. 5057 Wooster Pike Cincinnati, OH 45226
Old Milford, Milford Cash Street
A hidden gem just steps away from beautiful historic “Old” Milford shops and eateries. Milford has hit the list of hot spots as new businesses pop up around town, highlighting talents around the East Side. Nothing beats a fresh Harvest Market smoothie down by the river or an ice cream from Old Milford Parlor.
Our family always has good luck finding fossils, shells and what we call “friendship rocks;” rocks with a natural hole all the way through. This stretch of the Little Miami River features a large rock beach and is shallow enough to cross halfway. The current picks up near the bridge, enhancing river sounds and sights. A great exit point for kayakers “putting in” at Kelley Nature Preserve. Parking near Cash Street, Milford, Ohio 45150
Kelley Nature Preserve, Miamiville
The 42 acre gifted preserve sits on a quiet section of the Little Miami River with trails, a
beautiful meadow of summer wildflowers and canoe/kayak access. Along the trail, you’ll find little sections that take you to a sandy overlook of a Sycamore forested riverbank. The preserve is home to many species of wildlife including lots of birds and a bald eagle who patrols the river. With mostly flat trails, this is an excellent choice for families with younger children who need an easier hike.
As always, when visiting nature, pack out what you pack in. Keep an extra garbage bag in the car to clean up litter, respect the land around you and be cautious of inhabiting wildlife. 297 OH-126, Loveland, OH 45140
Nisbet Park, Loveland
Nisbet is an impressively large park with access to the Little Miami River just down the hill from the playground. Cool off after running around the playground or biking on the Loveland Bike Trail with a splash in the shallow water of Nisbet’s Little Miami entry point. 126 S Karl Brown Wy, Loveland, OH 45140
Avoca Park, Cincinnati
Just South of Milford, Avoca Park’s trail through the woods is gorgeous and ends on the Little Miami River. With water deep enough to wade, bring a life jacket and towels to swim and play. Avoca Park is on the bike trail and is now fully connected to 78 miles of bike trails from Springfield to Anderson Township. Little Miami Scenic Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45227
