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5 Great Hiking Trails To Discover In Cincinnati, OH

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Journey off the beaten path by discovering these great hiking trails in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hiking in Cincinnati is a great way to experience the natural beauty found in Ohio valley.  Discover these five unique hiking trails in Cincinnati that are bound to have you connecting with nature in no time.

HIking Trails In Cincinnati

While Cincinnati is not known for hiking, there is plenty of creeks, wildlife, and forests to discover.  Pack a picnic and discover these lesser-known hiking trails in Cincinnati

Red Bird Hollow Preserve

Red Bird Hollow in Cincinnati
Red Bird Hollow Trail

Located in the heart of Indian Hill this hidden gem is one of the best family trails that I have stumbled across. The trailhead can be located off Given Rd. Coming from Route 50 you will want to turn onto Given Rd and the trailhead is about a half-mile up to the left.

There is a little parking area usually with a car or two in it. Further up the road is some overflow parking. Another access point can be located off Drake Park in Indian Hill and there is a trail from the back parking lot of the Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church.

One of the main reasons this trail stole my heart is that it is very wide, pretty level, and makes you forget you are in the city. There are a few portions of this trail that are starting to crumble away leaving steep drop-offs and narrow passage.

Keep small kids near you while going through these parts.  Most of the areas have cones and can be spotted in enough time to wrangle in any small hikers. Many side trails allow you and your hiking companions to explore the creek and more. Red Bird Hollow This is the perfect trail for families, small children, and pets.

Dog lovers rejoice because this trail will give your four-legged friend something to wag their tail about. This trail is frequented by many dogs without leashes so keep that in mind when bringing your furry pal.

It might be one of the best hiking trails in Cincinnati for dogs!  This is not a looping trail so be prepared to walk back for a total of 3 miles.

Want more great hiking trails to conquer? Discover These 7 Great Nature Preserves In Cincinnati.

French Park: Tons Of Great Hiking In Cincinnati

French Park in Cincinnati

This wonderful park is truly underrated and should get more visitors than it does. Located in Amberley Village, off Section Rd this park has a variety of different trails that offer more of a challenge.

The trails are not that well-marked and to my knowledge, I have yet to find a map of the different trails. Therefore,  it’s easy to take a wrong turn and end up on a different trail, but the good news is that they all connect for the most part or will take you to a trailhead.

Be sure to bring sunscreen because there is a trail that loops around in the meadow which will have you burning in no time. Hiking with Baby

I was able to strap baby Soph on my back and enjoy about an hour’s worth of trails before she called it quits. The trails are moderate and there are a few good inclines that can be borderline strenuous.

There is also a trail that leads directly to the creek which is perfect for those little explorers.  Kids can easily do these trails, just be sure to bring trail mix and water.  Just in case you get turned around and it takes a little longer to get back to the car.

Be sure to drive to the top of the park to see a great view and enjoy a picnic lunch!

Ault Park Loop

This is one trail that is truly unique to the Cincinnati area. It resides in one of the prettiest parks our city has to offer, Ault Park.  The Valley Trail will take you through the woods and will lead to the abandoned railroad bridge. Be sure to keep kids close as you near the railroad tracks. The tracks are not maintained and can be treacherous for the little wanderers.

The trail is a moderate  .65 miles and is not a loop.  Other trails do connect with the Valley Trail so you can make your own adventure.  The trailhead is located at the bottom of the hill on Observatory Avenue. Look for it on the left side of the park as you enter. Here is a map to help guide you.

After the Valley Trail, we venture to on the Forest trail that winds through the forest.

Discover more great Things To Do In Cincinnati With Kids.

There are tons of other great trails and parks in the Tri-State area to explore. Feel free to leave comments on other great hiking trails in Cincinnati.

Mt. Airy Forest: Tons Of Great Hiking In Cincinnati

Download the Trail Map Of Mt. Airy Forest prior to arriving to plan out your hiking agenda. With over 1,400 acres of forest, this Cincinnati Park offers miles and miles of hiking trails. There is are trails for all levels of hiking, including shorter trails for those looking for a brief excursion.

Mt. Airy is also home to Ohio’s only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse.

Hiking Trails In Cincinnati Ohio

California Woods Nature Preserve 

With an incredible creek and home to a diverse species of trees, California Woods Nature Preserve is the ideal spot to reconnect with nature. Trails take guests through the beautiful forest, visit the nature center, and if you are lucky you will spot a wide selection of wildflowers.

Note: Pets are NOT allowed at California Woods.

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