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Great Hiking Spots Near Cincinnati

One of the reasons that Cincinnati is such a good place to live is its abundance of green spaces. From Ault Park and Smale Riverfront Park to the numerous nature preserves and locations for outdoor recreation, there are many paths and trails just waiting to be explored. Therefore, hikers of all skill levels have plenty of opportunity to enjoy this activity. To help you plan for your next excursion, this guide shares some potential hiking destinations near Cincinnati.

5 Hiking Destinations Near Cincinnati

Hiking locations on the outskirts of Cincinnati offer quick travel time, while the ones slightly farther afield may give you the break from the city that you may be craving. From downtown Cincinnati, the list below covers locations in all directions for hiking near Cincinnati, as well as a few of the standout features for each site.

• California Woods Nature Preserve: With its towering trees and abundant wildlife including snapping turtles and great horned owls, be inspired by the wonder of your surroundings during a hike at this location on the southeastern outskirts of Cincinnati. During your visit, you might also enjoy the butterfly and hummingbird garden by the nature center. Be advised that dogs are NOT allowed at this location. 
• Devou Park: Located across the Ohio River in Covington, KY, Devou Park is a 700-acre park set in the hills. With scenic views of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River as well as its own natural beauty, Devou Park is a popular destination for individuals looking to spend some time outdoors. Hikers of all levels will find the perfect path for them with their many choices of paved paths as well as natural surface trails. This location also features summer concerts and other events, playgrounds and a picnic area, as well as golfing and fishing opportunities. Whether you live in a Cincinnati neighborhood or another nearby Kentucky location, such as Southgate or Fort Thomas, it’s a short drive to hike at or otherwise enjoy this park. 
• Bender Mountain Nature Preserve: Travel to the western edge of Cincinnati to enjoy the Bender Mountain Nature Preserve, which is part of the Western Wildlife Corridor. Walking through these woods, you might take a more relaxed journey and explore the many different plants, such as native wildflowers, or hike some of the more challenging trails. On some of these trails, you may also enjoy beautiful views of the Ohio River. Want to bring a furry hiking companion with you? Leashed dogs are welcome, and you and your pup won’t have to compete with bikes or horses for space – this location is for foot (or paw) traffic only. 
• Long Branch Farm and Trails: If you are looking for a “members-only” hiking experience, the 5+ miles of trails at this Goshen, OH location are only accessible for Cincinnati Nature Center members. At the center’s main location – Rowe Woods in Milford, OH, members and nonmembers have access to more than 14 miles of hiking trails through both forest and farmland. For a hiking-related challenge, check out the “Hike for Your Health” program or meet fellow hikers and other nature enthusiasts by joining one of the available clubs.
• Caesar Creek State Park: In about an hour, Cincinnati residents can enjoy all that Caesar Creek State Park has to offer, whether they visit for the day or set up camp at its campground! When enjoying the park’s many hiking trails, you may wind through meadows and forests, cross a swinging bridge, or encounter scenic waterfalls and lake views. In addition to designated hiking trails, there are also trails specified for biking and horseback riding. If you visit in the summer, relax and cool off after a day of hiking at the park’s 1,300-foot beach.
• Additional resources: Are you looking for even more recommendations to try? Featuring some of these hiking spots and many others, City Beat offers a list of more than 20 popular hiking destinations in the Cincinnati area. For individuals who are particularly interested in hikes along the Ohio River, Ohio River Way provides specific trail recommendations in multiple sites. Additionally, AllTrails offers a helpful search tool for exploring hiking trails near Cincinnati or any other location. This company’s app can also be used for this purpose, as well as navigation, tracking, and logging hiking experiences.

From one of North American Properties apartment communities, it’s easy to enjoy hiking near Cincinnati and the many other incredible things to do in and around this city. Our leasing experts are available to help you find the right home for your needs. Please contact our team today for help with your search!