7 Of The Best Hiking Spots In The Country Are Just A Weekend Getaway From Cincinnati
By Andrea Limke|Published June 24, 2019
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Cincinnati is a great place to both live and visit. Our city offers many parks and activities that allow you to soak up the sun and some fresh air without having to travel too far from home. However, if you are up for a weekend getaway from Cincinnati and want to experience some of the best hiking spots in the country, we have the perfect list for you. These destinations are within a few hours – some even closer – and make for a great little trip. Our region is naturally diverse and full of incredible trails, and you can witness it all for yourself at these 7 hiking spots near Cincinnati.
Red River Gorge is a remarkable hiking spot that's just about two hours from Cincinnati. Here you can hike to the Natural Bridge (shown above) and witness incredible overlooks, unique rock formations, waterfalls, and more. There is a wide range of levels of hiking trails, so everyone can find something appropriate. If you need a few suggestions for where to get started, check out our previous article here.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY, 40376
Berea is a vibrant town near Lexington, less than two hours from Cincinnati. Many have heard of this college town, but a surprising number of people don't realize that it is home to some of the best hiking in the region. The Berea Pinnacles offer miles of trails that lead up a mountainside that rewards you with jaw-dropping views from the top. Of course, you must be extremely cautious along the ridge of these trails, but also relax and enjoy the views. See more of this area, which is particularly magical at sunrise, here.
Of all the places on this list, Hocking Hils is probably the best known by those who live in Cincinnati. You can reach this popular area in just a few hours and the drive is absolutely worth it. With a number of cabin rental and camping options, it is the perfect weekend getaway from Cincinnati. The trails vary in difficulty, so choose a few that work for you and expect to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. See more of this stunning area of Ohio here.
Both Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park offer several scenic trails that are actually close enough for a day trip from Cincinnati. Located near the charming town of Yellow Springs, there is so much to do in this area, so you'll want to make a weekend of it if possible. The hikes along the water and the gorge views are both highlights in this region. Learn more about these trails, as well as a wonderful restaurant to visit after hiking here.
Jessamine Creek Gorge is also located near Lexington and is a lesser-known hiking area in Kentucky. This would make for a great day or weekend getaway from Cincinnati and you'll get to experience a diverse spread of natural beauty. As a gorge, you'll witness rock formations that will make you question how close you are to the Queen City. There are also waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic, winding trails. As with all nature trails and preserves, stay on the designated path and treat the land with the utmost respect. See more of this hidden gem hiking destination here.
Head west into Indiana for this getaway destination. As its name suggests, you're in for some beautiful scenery at Clifty Falls State Park and autumn is a particularly beautiful time of year to visit. The park offers guided hikes, so keep an eye out for those if you'd like some guidance along the trails. Consider staying in nearby Madison, which is one of the best small towns in our area. See more of these scenic trails here.
For one last adventure, it's worth the drive to visit the Big South Fork National Recreation Area in both Kentucky and Tennessee. We love McCreary County in Kentucky for places like Cumberland Falls, but you should also cross into Tennessee and try the Honey Creek Loop Trail (shown above). This large area has so much to offer that you’ll need to plan several weekends away to truly take it all in. See more of this scenic area here.
If you’re willing to spend a little time in the car to reach some of the best hiking spots in the country, then check out these 7 destinations that aren’t too far from the Queen City. Plan a weekend getaway from Cincinnati and hike through gorges, behind waterfalls, and atop mountains, and be home in time for work on Monday morning. Did your favorite hiking destination near Cincinnati make the list? Any place within a few hours that we should check out next? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re looking for hiking trails that are right here in Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.
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