Cincinnati has so many beautiful parks that there is really no excuse to not get outside and enjoy our area's natural beauty. If your idea of a fun afternoon outdoors is chasing waterfalls, Cincinnati is likely not your first thought when it comes to finding them - for as many hills as we have, our city is not known for its abundance of cascades. However, there is one epic waterfall hidden inside one of the oldest parks in Hamilton County that is definitely worth discovering. Sharon Woods is actually home to a few stunning waterfalls and it's a spot everyone in Cincinnati should visit as soon as possible.
Sharon Woods is the oldest park in Great Parks of Hamilton County and if you've never visited, you're missing out on one of the most naturally beautiful parts of our city.
The park has something for everyone, including hiking trails, indoor play areas, picnic shelters, boating, and festive events throughout the year. However, one of the most impressive features is its waterfalls and the fact that you can easily access them in what seems like a busy, urban area of Cincinnati.
There are three main trails at Sharon Woods: the shared-use trail, the fitness trail, and the Gorge Trail. Each one has its own appeal.
The shared-use trail is a paved 2.6-mile path that winds through the park past beautiful scenery and Sharon Lake. It's ideal for all types of activities. This trail joins up with the one-mile fitness trail, which also connects to the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail that leads you through the varied landscapes of the park.
On all of the hikes, you'll come across a variety of plant life, wildlife, bodies of water, and picturesque surroundings.
It definitely doesn't feel like you are only minutes from the highway.
In fact, when you first pull in to the park, you'll wonder if you'll even be able to relax and enjoy nature in such a busy area. But once you're on the trails, surrounded by the open fields, lakes, and woods, you'll see why this is such a popular park.
The park's popularity also comes from the epic waterfalls that dot the Gorge Trail.
Buckeye Falls and the Lower Falls are the two largest, but you may also come across other cascades during your hike.
These lush, unique waterfalls spill down over rocks and make for both an eye-catching sight and a serene sound.
The falls are sensational all year long, whether they are framed by bright autumn color, frozen in the winter, or surrounded by foliage and wildflowers in the spring and summer.
It has to be one of the most peaceful spots in Cincinnati.
If you decide to take the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail, be sure to cross the road once you reach the dam at the lake and join up with the paved trail that will then lead you around scenic Sharon Lake.
Sharon Woods is such a magical place and, with its accessibility and the wide variety of features, it's truly a park for everyone.
If you have a love for waterfalls, you don't have to go far in Cincinnati to experience an epic one - or a few - right here in Hamilton County.
Sharon Woods is located at 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241. For more information, including trail maps, visit the park's website here.
Sharon Woods is a Cincinnati treasure and an ideal spot within our city to reconnect with nature and chase a few cascades. Have you hiked to the waterfalls at Sharon Woods? Where else do you love to hike in Cincinnati? Let us know in the comments!
Don't forget to snap a few photos on your adventures to share with us on Instagram (@onlyincincinnati) using #onlyincincinnati for a chance to see your shots featured. And if you love exploring the natural beauty found all across the state, check out our Ohio Nature Lovers group on Facebook, where you'll find fantastic photos snapped by fellow Ohioans and add your own for others to enjoy!
For more waterfalls that are worth tracking down, check out our previous article featuring a few other fantastic falls in the Cincinnati area.
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