Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature, get a great exercise, and soak in the quiet only minutes away from your backdoor. The canopy throughout the woods provides shade and beauty, which is always a bonus on those hot summer days when you still want to get outside and move around.
Did you know that Cincinnati is a central point for various trail systems? The Buckeye Trail, American Discovery Trail, Underground Railroad Cycling route, and the Little Miami Scenic River are noteworthy options for trail users to adventure, either in a multi-day trip or in segments over time. This is a testament to the importance of trails throughout our area, and an even more desirable location for trail users to visit.
Greater Cincinnati is growing in trail use, and depending on the type of activity you enjoy (or are yet to discover), there are plenty of opportunities to bite off a little adventure at a time. Trails throughout the CORA trail network are optimized for multi-use, so as you choose your hike, you might come across trail runners, mountain bikers, and sight seers.
If you are interested in going on a hike, there are plenty of trails in the area to explore.
CORA maintains various trails through volunteers, trail crew, and relationships with each park/ trail system. Not all hiking-specific trails are maintained by CORA, but many multi-use trails are.
Disclaimer: Always check the Trail Conditions before your hike.
Here are my recommended trails to hike on, open to all skill levels. Choose your progression based on your endurance ability and distance from your starting point.
Use Trailforks to navigate the trails during your experience.
Don’t have a Trailforks Subscription? Save 30% in your first year by subscribing here. Each subscription donates $5 toward local trails!
East Fork State Park:
Map: https://www.trailforks.com/region/east-fork-state-park/
Google Parking Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wV6pFdMF4fDMZg9CA
Harbin Park:
Map: https://www.trailforks.com/region/william-harbin-park/
Google Parking Directions: https://www.google.com/maps?q=39.318753,+-84.574755
Hueston Woods State Park:
Map:Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/hueston-woods-state-park/
Google Parking Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JFEB3A3dKxXSirjb6
Mitchell Memorial Forest:
Map:Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/mitchell-memorial-forest/
Google Parking Directions: https://www.google.com/maps?q=39.190551,+-84.719826
Sargent Park:
Map:Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/sargeant-park/
Google Parking Directions: https://www.google.com/maps?q=39.102259,+-84.460931
Tower Park:
Map: https://www.trailforks.com/region/tower-park/
Google Parking Directions: https://www.google.com/maps?q=39.067031,+-84.444944
Devou Park:
Map: https://www.trailforks.com/region/devou-park/
Google Parking Directions: https://www.google.com/maps?q=39.083365,+-84.551335
Over at Roads Rivers and Trails, they have all of the gear you need to get you started on your first (or next) hike. Stop by their shop in Milford for expert advice.
While you’re at it, review their page on local trails and hiking clubs! https://roadsriversandtrails.com/local-trails/
At Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA), we aim to provide pathways for all types of trail adventures. This post is designed for hikers and those visiting Greater Cincinnati for hiking adventures. These recommended trails are multi-use, so they are accessible to mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, and adaptive use adventurers!
Advice: When hiking, notify someone when you are going out for a hike. You can always share your Strava location with a pal right from the app! Water is a plus to bring with you!
Enjoy your hiking experience, and remember, it’s always fun to progress! Have fun out there!