Now that summer is here and school is out, these next few months are the perfect opportunity to get out with your family and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Family hikes are the best way to have an outdoor adventure.
Here are some of the best hiking trails and parks in Cincinnati.
Ault Park
Tree Trail is our favorite!
Location:Â 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Length:Â 0.7 miles
The Tree Trail offers 23 different tree species along its path with identification tags on the trunks of each. Challenge yourself to see if you can identify which tree is which at the end of the hike! It doesn’t get better than a beautiful hike with breathtaking views that also includes educational information about the trees and wildlife. Click here to learn more about the tree species!
Caldwell Nature Preserve
We love the Ray Ambercrombie Trail!
Location:Â 430 W. North Bend Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45216
Length:Â 1.1 miles
Caldwall Nature Preserve offers a mix of old forest growth and new plants. In addition to its wooded acres, there is a variety of wildlife to see including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. After hiking on a variety of trails which spans from an easy troll to a true workout, check out the Nature Center and the amphitheater to learn even more.
Burnet Woods and Trailside Nature Center
Make sure to check out the Barred Owl Trail!
Location:Â 3251 Brookline Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45220
Length: 0.71 miles
Near the University of Cincinnati, this 90-acre park has a plethora of activities to choose from. From hiking trails and picnic areas to a fishing lake and a disc golf course, you will never be bored at Burnet Woods. In addition to those fun activities, visit the Wolff Planetarium which is the oldest planetarium west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Barred Owl Trail will take you around a majority of the park, so don’t miss out on this nature adventure!
Buttercup Valley & Parkers Woods
We recommend the B Loop Trail!
Location:Â 4400 Haight St. Cincinnati, OH 45223
Length:Â 1.42 miles
Located in Northside off Hamilton Avenue on Haight Street, Buttercup Valley & Parker Woods is filled with nature and history! The edge of Parker Woods was the original limit of the 266-acre farm that was purchased by the Langlands in 1822 who later sold 27.5 acres of that to the Park Board in 1953. Many of the original trees that covered the forest back in the 1800s are still standing. After taking the B Loop Trail, feel free to play on the playground or have a picnic among the wild flowers.
Bender Mountain Nature Preserve
Make sure to try the Ridge Trail and Sisters Hill Trail!
Location:Â 6320-6468 Bender Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233
Length:Â 0.3 miles and 0.9 miles, respectively
The Bender Mountain Preserve is owned by Delhi Township and the Western Wildlife Corridor and offers many trails, views, and lots of native wild flowers! The Ridge Trail is the most picturesque trail they have featuring many gorgeous views of the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky. The Sisters Hill Trail is for those seeking more of a longer walk as it is almost two miles round trip. Additionally, it is almost all paved so it is a great trail for the whole family!
Withrow Nature Preserve
We love the Trout Lily Nature Trail!
Location:Â 7075 Five Mile Road Cincinnati, OH 45230
Length:Â 1.7 miles
Withrow Nature Preserve is a 271-acre park that is filled with trees, birds, and a fun and picture-worthy gazebo! Withrow is one of the more scenic parks in Cincinnati as it is known for hosting many weddings throughout the year. Whether you are interested in doing a photoshoot, having a picnic, or taking a hike, Withrow will never disappoint.
Sharon Woods
We like to bike on the Shared-Use Trail.
Location: 11450 Lebanon Rd Sharonville, OH 45241
Length: 2.6 miles
Sharon Woods is a 730-acre park that will never leave you bored! From various trails to hike, ride bikes, bird watch, and take pictures to a two-story indoor play area for children, there is something for everyone. The park surrounds a beautiful lake that invites you to fish, try a pedal boat, or even a stand up paddleboat! Sharon Woods is definitely one of the hidden gems of Cincinnati.
Mitchell Memorial Forest
Try the Wood Duck Trail!
Location: 5401 Zion Road Cleves, OH 45002
Length: 1.0 miles
The 1,649-acre park offers activities for the whole family to enjoy. Including over eight miles of challenging mountain biking trails, a fishing pond, hiking trails, picnic spots, a playground, and even a camping spot, the Mitchell Memorial Forest will not disappoint. We recommend hiking on the Wood Duck Trail to glimpse into all the wildlife the park has to offer including owls, deer, and lightening bugs in the summer!
Glenwood Gardens
Make sure to try out the Wetland Loop Trail!
Location:Â 10397 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, OH 45215
Length:Â 1.6 miles
Glenwood Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 335-acre park that features beautiful views of nature wherever you look. The park offers prairies, forests and wetlands, formal gardens, and trails for the whole family to enjoy. One of the hidden gems of this park is the Highfield Discovery Garden which features 12 acres of beautiful flowers, bridges, frogs, and more! The Wetland Loop Trail provides a unique insight into the wetland ecosystem. Be on the lookout for butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, birds, and more!
Miami Whitewater Forest
We love the Timberlakes Trail.
Location: 9001 Mt. Hope Road Harrison, OH 45030
Length:Â 2.1 miles
As one of the largest parks in the area, this 4,670 acre park is something you don’t want to miss. Enjoy the 9-hole disc golf course, picnic areas, the native prairie and wetland habitat, soccer fields, or the 11-acre dog park! The Timberlakes Trail offers scenic views of a small lake and unique wildlife such as blue herons, turtles, and beavers.
