15 Amazing Cincinnati Hikes Under 3 Miles You'll Absolutely Love
By Andrea Limke|Updated on June 21, 2022(Originally published June 16, 2022)
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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.
The Queen City is filled with bustling neighborhoods, historic buildings, and towering skyscrapers, but there are also plenty of spots to get away and escape the city/suburban life, as you’ll soon see with this list of the best hikes in Cincinnati. This list of trails within and around our city are all under three miles, are rated easy to moderate, and all of them provide a relaxing way to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen City. Take a look and see how many of these best hikes in Cincinnati you can cross off your hiking list!
1. Ault Park Trails - Ault Park - 5090 Observatory Ave. Cincinnati, OH, 45208
Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Cir, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA
Ault Park is known for its pavilion, spring cherry blossoms, and stunning views, but there are also exciting trails to explore! You'll stumble across many photo-ops, including an old railroad bridge. These trails are a surprising oasis in the middle of a bustling area of the city.
2. Fernbank Park - 50 Thornton Ave. Cincinnati, OH, 45233
Over on the West Side of Cincinnati, Fernbank Park offers two short hikes to meet everyone's needs. The 2.2-mile paved trail along the river is scenic and great for exercise. If you want to get into the woods, try the mile loop, Sycamore Trail, for a little more escape into nature.
The Cincinnati Nature Center has many wonderful hiking trails and these two connected hikes are a highlight. Both are a good balance of relaxation and exploration and are well-maintained. There is a fee to visit the center and trails, but better yet, become a member to support this natural gem in our city.
This 2.3-mile loop trail may be one of the more difficult hikes in Cincinnati on the list, but the view from the top is worth it. The trail is a bit wild, so if you're looking for an adventure close to the city, check this one out.
Miami Whitewater is known for its family-friendly Shaker Trace trail, but we suggest giving the Badlands Trail a try. This 1.7-mile loop will take you into the forest and up and down hills for the perfect amount of challenge.
6. Johnson Hills Park Trail - 7950 Bridle Rd. Cincinnati, OH, 45244
Johnson Hills Park in Anderson has a few trails that are great on their own or combined for more of a challenge. They offer the perfect opportunity to wind down and have a relaxing walk in the woods.
7. Wood Duck Trail - Mitchell Memorial Forest - 5401 Zion Rd. Cleves, OH, 45002
Mitchell Memorial Forest, 5401 Zion Rd, Cleves, OH 45002, USA
OnlyInYourState/Andrea Limke
Mitchell Memorial Forest in Cleves is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but there is also a lovely, mile-long loop trail that makes for the perfect family hike. You'll walk along a creek and eventually end up with a view of a small pond.
Caldwell Nature Preserve is a hidden gem with some of the most unique hiking opportunities. While parts of the trails are closed at times, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore this Mill Creek valley.
This 2.6-mile trail at California Woods Nature Preserve includes a variety of terrain and enough challenge to keep it interesting. The surrounding woods are beautiful and it's another quiet escape from the nearby city.
This 2.4-mile stretch of trail is actually a part of the much longer Little Miami Scenic Trail. It's a great section of this popular trail for both hiking and bike riding.
This 1.1-mile loop trail within Winton Woods makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. You'll forget about the nearby neighborhoods and highways and focus on the peaceful surroundings.
This favorite trail within Sharon Woods is a 0.7-mile, gravel trail that takes you out and back, for a total of 1.4 miles. It's one of the most scenic trails on this list with wooded views, lake views, and even a stunning waterfall.
13. Miami Fort Trail - Shawnee Lookout - 2008 Lawrenceburg Rd. North Bend, OH, 45052
Within French Park in Amberley Village, you'll find a 2.9-mile-long trail that provides a surprising amount of variety. Its location makes it a convenient stop for a quick hike and the scenery and creek will give you the natural escape you're seeking.
The trails at Woodland Mounds (a popular playground in Cincinnati, too!) take you through the woods, as well as along paved walkways with sweeping views of the river. This gem of a park offers many activities; the hike is just one of several ways to enjoy Cincinnati's natural beauty.
How many of these Cincy hikes have you tried? Did we miss any of your favorites? What are your picks for the best hikes in Cincinnati? Share with us in the comments so we know what to check out next!
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Best Hikes in Cincinnati
Sarah M.|June 21, 2022
What are the best waterfall hikes in Cincinnati?
There are some pretty fantastic falls to chase in and around the Queen City, and we share some of our absolute favorite waterfall hikes in Cincinnati in this article. We may not have any major falls within our city limits, but there are some pretty spectacular ones close to the Queen City. In fact, seven of the best waterfalls near Cincinnati are all within an easy three-hour drive! They are totally worth the chase and you’ll want to keep these nearby natural wonders on your road trip radar!
Some of our top waterfall trails are the Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills (you could spend days waterfall chasing in this beautiful state park, located just two hours east of Cincinnati!); Cumberland Falls in Corbin, Kentucky, which is home to the world-famous moonbow!; and the waterfall trek to Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County, Ohio.
