< BACK TO BLOG

Exploring the Trails, Golf and More at Sharon Woods

In addition to the Cincinnati Parks, area residents can also enjoy the many sites that are part of Great Parks (previously known as Hamilton County Park District). In fact, Sharon Woods is the first official Great Parks’ location and about a 20-mile drive from any of the Saint Xavier Park apartment communities in downtown Cincinnati. Find out more about this incredible park below!

5 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors at Sharon Woods

The beautiful scenery is just one of the reasons that people may be eager to spend time in nearby parks. At Sharon Woods, you’ll also find many opportunities to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Remember to check out the website for this park or any others if you are planning to visit, as you may find events that you don’t want to miss or improvement projects that may result in closures to certain park features. As you start to plan your excursion to Sharon Woods, here are some opportunities that you may want to consider!

  1. Head out on the trails.

With difficulty levels ranging from easy to moderate, there are four trails to enjoy at Sharon Woods, including fitness, shared-use, and nature trails. On the School Trail, which winds through the woods, hikers might see colorful wildflowers as well as birds, deer or even a fox! On the longest of the four trails, the Sharon Lake Loop Trail, bikers and hikers alike might enjoy scenic views of the Sharon Woods Lake. Exercise stations are posted along the Sharon Woods Fitness Trail, while the Gorge Trail may be of particular interest to visitors interested in geology and birdwatching!

  1. Go golfing.

Opened by celebrated golfer Bobby Jones in the late 1930s, the Sharon Woods Golf Course has a long and noteworthy history. Golfers have the option to play either 9 or 18 holes, which they can either walk or travel by cart. Group or private lessons are also available.

  1. Enjoy the water.

Sharon Woods Harbor is a prime destination for park guests. There is a snack bar and a playground located in this area. While you can take in the scenery from a comfortable spot on land, you may also want to venture out on the water. You might choose to go fishing or rent a kayak, mini pontoon boat or one of the other types of available watercraft to enjoy.

  1. Visit the playground near the Sharon Center or the Heritage Village Museum.

At the Sharon Center, visitors may access exhibits, events or assistance in navigating the park. A brand new addition that is much bigger than the old installation, the recently-completed playground is also located just outside of this building. Although its website indicates that it is not affiliated with Great Parks, the Heritage Village Museum is also located on the property of Sharon Woods, behind the Sharon Center. This living history experience includes multiple buildings to explore on Self-Guided or Guided Tours. You may also be interested in the unique Village Events that take place during the year.

  1. Attend a park event.

At various Great Parks, special events occur throughout the year. Some of these events are free to participants, while others may require a fee or tickets. Some of the free events at Sharon Woods take place on the trails, such as the History Hike, while others are activity-based learning experiences, like a Wee Wonder About Owls (and various other subjects), that take place at the Sharon Center.

Other Great Parks to Explore in Cincinnati

Sharon Woods is just one of the Great Parks destinations to explore. If you are looking for a horse trail, archery, and camping, as well as golfing, fishing and boating, Winton Woods offers a variety of outdoor experiences. While both Winton Woods and Sharon Woods have trails that are available for cycling enthusiasts, Mitchell Memorial Forest has “the first purpose-built mountain bike trail [which was] designed and built to International Mountain Biking Association Standards,” as highlighted on the park website. As the largest of the Great Parks, Miami Whitewater Forest offers multiple trails including horse trails, fishing and boating opportunities, and so much more! If you are looking for new places where you can enjoy your favorite activities, it may be time to explore the many Great Parks, including Sharon Woods.

For hiking, kayaking, golfing and other outdoor fun, consider a visit to Sharon Woods. Living in or near Cincinnati means that this is likely not the only park within easy driving distance or possibly even a walk from your residence. For help finding a new apartment in the Cincinnati area, contact our leasing experts today!