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Best Hiking Trails In and Around Cincinnati 

For the exercise or one of the many other benefits of hiking as shared by the National Park Service, you may be looking for Cincinnati hiking trails (and other nearby locations). Fortunately, opportunities for this type of outdoor recreation in and around Cincinnati are abundant. From the trails in Cincinnati Parks to the ones in the Great Parks of Hamilton County and elsewhere, there are many miles of trails available for your next hiking adventure. Keep reading to find out more!

6 Cincinnati Area Hiking Trails to Explore

Looking for hiking near Cincinnati or in the city itself? In addition to other outdoor recreational activities like disc golf or biking, you’ll find many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels in the area. Whether you are planning a solo hike or one suitable for multiple skill levels, there may be multiple Cincinnati hiking trails to explore near you. The following offers a brief overview of 6 great trail locations to consider as you start to plan your future hikes.

1. Mt. Airy Forest: Hikers looking for trails will find a range of options at Mt. Airy Forest, currently described as the largest Cincinnati Park. Here, you may see incredible scenery along your route and perhaps other notable features, like Everybody’s Treehouse. Mt. Airy Forest features more than 10 different trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels for visitors. This trail map may be useful in planning your upcoming hike.
2. Ault Park: Ault Park is located in the Mt. Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati. To supplement the printable map of the trails in this Cincinnati Park, the Ault Park Advisory Council also offers detailed information about what to expect in hiking each trail. For example, spotting a marine fossil in a limestone block is a possibility on the Shattuc Trail, while tree enthusiasts may prefer the many different tree species present along the two different Tree Trails – one of which is designed with kids in mind.
3. Miami Whitewater Forest: While there are many hiking trails and walking paths available in various Cincinnati Parks, there are also over 80 trails to choose from across the Great Parks of Hamilton County. The Miami Whitewater Forest features nature trails and paved paths, as well as trails for bicyclists and equestrians looking for their own trail adventures. Hikers in search of a longer journey may be interested in the shared use Shaker Trace Outer Loop Trail (rated moderate) which totals almost 8 miles. On the other hand, the Oakleaf Trail offers a shorter hike which may be accompanied by the sight or sounds of hawks in the area.
4. Winton Woods: Another hiking destination that is part of the Great Parks of Hamilton County, Winton Woods also offers many different types of trail experiences. While awaiting the completion of the 3+ miles of the Glenwood Gardens to Winton Woods Trail, hikers might enjoy the Kingfisher Trail – an approximately one mile trail through forested areas and other picturesque settings. If you are considering a hike here, you might also want to make some time to enjoy the other outdoor activities at Winton Woods.
5. Bender Mountain Nature Preserve: Offering spectacular views of the Ohio River and easier as well as more challenging hikes, the hiking trails at Bender Mountain Nature Preserve are located to the west of downtown Cincinnati. This trail guide from the Western Wildlife Corridor includes a brief overview of each of the 6 trails on site, as well as a history of the Bender Mountain Nature Preserve.
6. Caesar Creek State Park: According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, there are more than 70 Ohio State Parks to explore. While driving to Caesar Creek State Park may take a bit more time than to some of the other Cincinnati hiking trails, you may find that the number of available trails and outdoor activities to enjoy make the journey worth it. It’s also a popular camping spot near Cincinnati, if you want to take a few days to experience all that this park has to offer! In addition to the swinging bridge and stunning waterfalls and other scenery at this hiking spot, there are even special hiking-oriented events that may take place, such as the Perimeter Hike – a 13-mile guided long-distance hike!

The Cincinnati area hiking trails included here are just a few of the possibilities to consider for your next excursion. Do you want to learn more about the many other things to do in Cincinnati? Are you trying to find an apartment in the area? Contact our leasing experts today!