Cincinnati takes pride in its stunning location on the banks of the Ohio River among hilly surroundings. Popularly, it is called the “Pearl of the West”. It offers many cultural and recreational activities and attractions, appealing specifically to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you are into arts and culture, you will love the historic Cincinnati Union Terminal, which has served as home to Cincinnati Museum Center since 1990. This complex houses three museums— Museum of Natural History & Science (MNS), Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and Cincinnati History Museum. If you are fond of the great outdoors, you can visit attractions like Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Eden Park, Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory, and Smale Riverfront Park. For scenic nature views, check out our list of the best walking trails in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1. Ohio River Recreation Trail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Ohio River Recreation Trail on Sunday, August 23, 2020
Being developed by dedicated volunteers, Ohio River Recreation Trail is envisioned to offer a 441-km (274-mi) land and waterway, self-guided trail. It aims to create recreational opportunities that will allow visitors to discover and appreciate Ohio River, essentially promoting local tourism. Plenty of activities can be enjoyed along the trail and on the river, such as cycling and paddling. Ideally, bike rides begin from Portsmouth and end in Louisville. These bike rides are available on numerous routes covering many local breweries, campgrounds, ice cream shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Ohio River Recreation Trail
Address: W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/hJCYkcxuvj8P8Pa99)
Website: Ohio River Recreation Trail
2. Everybody's Treehouse Trail
Everybody’s Treehouse Trail is a short, 0.19-km (0.12-mi) trail with a breathtaking forest setting. Perfect for both novice nature lovers and skilled outdoor enthusiasts, it is often used for leisurely walks and nature trips. Accessible throughout the year, it leads to Everybody’s Treehouse, a coveted, magical treehouse hidden in Mt. Airy. This treehouse is a favorite photoshoot location among couples getting married, thanks to the picturesque lake and mountain views.
Everybody's Treehouse Trail
Address: 1212 Trail Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45223, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/Lcwm1AzJGkpdoJqF8)
3. Lunken Airport Loop
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Situated a few minutes away from Fort Thomas, Lunken Airport Loop is an 8-km (5-mi) trail with moderate traffic. It is ideal for individuals of any skill level, so it does not matter if you are not an experienced enthusiast. Mainly, it is frequented for biking, running, and walking. You may also take your dogs here, provided that they are on a leash at all times. The best time to try it is any time from March to November.
Lunken Airport Loop
Address: Cincinnati, OH 45226 USA (https://goo.gl/maps/SiYNobiq2xFUjJYY8)
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Nearby walking trails
4. Bender Mountain Loop Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bender Mountain Loop Trail is famous for its stunning wildflowers. As a 3.7-km (2.3-mi) trail located a few minutes away from Downtown Cincinnati, it usually has heavy traffic. Usually, it is used for bird watching, hiking, and nature trips. It is accessible throughout the year and provides convenient access to everything that Bender Mountain Nature Preserve has to offer. If you wish to hike or walk with your dogs, this trail is perfect for you because it is dog-friendly too.
Bender Mountain Loop Trail
Address: 6320-6468 Bender Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/qT2d5NRs2wE9cQps5)
5. Beechwood, Quarry, and Red Oak Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located near Downtown Cincinnati, Beechwood, Quarry, and Red Oak Trail is a 6.8-km (4.23-mi) trail open throughout the year. It is, however, subject to seasonal closure for hunting. Featuring beautiful wildflowers, it usually has heavy traffic. It is dog-friendly, so you can definitely take your dogs here as long as they are on a leash at all times. Moreover, it is child-friendly. It is frequented for various activities, such as bird watching, cross-country skiing, hiking, running, nature trips, and walking.
Beechwood, Quarry, and Red Oak Trail
Address: Cincinnati, Ohio USA
6. Sharon Woods Lake Trail to Gorge Trail Loop
Sharon Woods Lake Trail to Gorge Trail Loop is a 6.8-km (4.23-mi) trail with moderate traffic. It is perfect for activities like bird watching, hiking, nature trips, and running. Conveniently situated near Downtown Cincinnati, it features a majestic lake that attracts many outdoor enthusiasts. Ideally frequented between April and October, it caters to all skill levels. Kids are also welcome. It is dog-friendly, so you can bring your beloved dogs with you as long as they are on a leash at all times.
Sharon Woods Lake Trail to Gorge Trail Loop
Address: Sharonville, OH 45241, USA (https://goo.gl/maps/funfAMepEcxXcNeP6)
7. Caldwell Nature Preserve Trail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Caldwell Nature Preserve on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Ideally visited from March to October, Caldwell Nature Preserve Trail is a relatively short, 1.4-km (0.9-mi) trail near Cincinnati. If you wish to take your dogs to see the great outdoors, try this dog-friendly trail. Just make sure that your dogs are on a leash at all times. It attracts moderate traffic, featuring wildflowers you would not see just anywhere and surrounded by a lush forest. It is suitable for bird watching, hiking, nature trips, running, and walking.
Caldwell Nature Preserve Trail
Address: 430 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45216, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/FXh4s9QFuDv8eNTM9)
8. Trout Lily Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For the best experience, visit Trout Lily Trail anytime between April and October. A 2.7-km (1.7-mi) trail, it boasts a convenient location near Downtown Cincinnati. It is dog-friendly, so you have nothing to worry about if you wish to take your beloved dogs with you during your visit. Perfect for individuals of different skill levels, it is an excellent choice for activities like bird watching, hiking, nature trips, and running. It is beautifully surrounded by lush greeneries, offering a nice, nature-filled scenery.
Trout Lily Trail
Address: Cincinnati, OH 45230 USA (https://goo.gl/maps/HDzvUB6C8ZwKwV3AA)
9. Glenwoods Gardens Trail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Glenwood Gardens on Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Open throughout the year, Glenwoods Gardens Trail measures 4.2-km (2.6-mi) long. It has moderate traffic, so you will appreciate it if you wish to avoid crowded trails. Located near Downtown Cincinnati, it is also dog-friendly; you are allowed to bring your pets with you as long as they are on a leash at all times. Mainly, it is perfect for hiking, nature trips, and walking. It is viable for individuals of all skill levels, including kids. You will also find many wildflowers in the area.
Glenwoods Gardens Trail
Address: 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/Yf1Qa8gfNpahmdYn9)
10. Ault Forest Loop Trail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The sunset bench at the end of the Ault Commons accessible path. Go there with someone you love. #getoutthere
Posted by Ault Park Cincinnati on Sunday, January 10, 2021
Ault Forest Loop Trail is a 2.1-km (1.3-mi) trail a few minutes away from Downtown Cincinnati. Good for various activities like hiking, mountain biking, nature trips, running, and walking, it usually has heavy traffic. Nonetheless, it is pretty easy to navigate even for kids. You can go here with your beloved dogs, provided that you keep them on a leash at all times. It features a river and numerous wildflowers, so it is the perfect place for a breath of fresh air.
Ault Forest Loop Trail
Address: Cincinnati, Ohio USA
Take a breather in the scenic Pearl of the West
If you need a breather and a chance to reconnect with nature, visiting Cincinnati is an excellent idea. The city is known for its scenic, natural beauty, so make sure that you check out these walking trails in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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