The Marvelous 1.2-Mile Trail In Ohio Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Overlook
By Sarah McCosham|Published February 09, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There’s nothing like getting lost in the woods for an afternoon, and believe it or not, Ohio has lots of woods perfect for such an endeavor. California Woods is one of Cincinnati Parks’s East Side parks. It will sneak up on you; one minute, you’re cruising down Kellogg Avenue admiring planes and boats; and the next, you’re turning onto a one-lane, dirt road and into the woods. Within this wondrous hidden expanse, the Trillium Trail and Moon Valley Loop offer an easy breezy hike with lots of hidden surprises, including a little-known Ohio overlook sure to make you catch your breath.
There's nothing like getting lost in nature to remind you of how beautiful the world really is. By "getting lost," of course, we mean intentionally getting lost; finding yourself surrounded by nature in a wholly surprising and unexpected way.
California is one of Cincinnati’s 52 neighborhoods; it’s a small river community located at the confluence of the Little Miami and Ohio Rivers, between Lunken Airport and Coney Island. Its eponymous nature preserve is nestled in the center of the neighborhood.
There are six hiking trails, ranging from the .16-mile Twin Oaks Trail to the mile-long Junction Trail, so there are options for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The Trillium Trail and Moon Valley Loop is a fan favorite; a mile(ish) long loop that takes you deep into the forest.
When you finally make it to the top of Trillium Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking, 360-degree panorama of California Woods. It’s so quiet and peaceful, you’ll forget that you’re just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are actually multiple hidden overlooks along this trail. In addition to the beautiful forest panoramas you'll see as you reach the highest elevation of the trail, there are bridges and other points of interest that offer breathtaking views along the way.
California Woods is a beguiling Buckeye State treasure that's hiding in plain sight, offering folks a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life, if only for an hour.
Have you hiked to this little-known Ohio overlook before? Trillium Trail is a perfect hike for all ages that’s sure to give you a newfound appreciation for the beautiful Buckeye State.
Looking for more easy hikes to add to your Buckeye State bucket list? Here are some of our favorite trails under three miles in Ohio.
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