Little Miami River Valley Outdoor Recreation Corridor Little Miami Trail Network, Hamilton County, OH

CORA, in collaboration with Great Parks, Cincinnati Parks, Anderson Township, Anderson Park District, Hillside Trust, City Of Cincinnati Government, and Cardinal Land Conservancy, has partnered with Applied Trails Research to bring the region’s first large-scale, multi-ownership natural surface multi-use trail to life. Led by trail experts Dr. Jeremy Wimpey and Scott Linnenburger, the team has completed an opportunity study for the Little Miami Natural Surface Trail Corridor, bringing world-class, sustainable trail design to our area.

This feasibility study, made possible by The Harold C. Schott Foundation and United Dairy Farmers, outlines some exciting benefits: expanding recreation opportunities in the Little Miami River valley, utilizing the paved greenway system as a backbone to link natural surface trails and river access points, and providing new ways for families and outdoor newcomers to experience our natural assets. Additionally, this project will offer bike-friendly access close to downtown, serving underrepresented communities in Cincinnati.

With plenty of trailhead parking and conserved land connected along the river, this project will significantly boost recreational access across the region—without the need for a car. While it will take a few years to fully implement, partners are already making progress, with initial sections underway at Avoca Preserve, Great Parks, and Columbia Township.

We’re thrilled to see this vision becoming a reality and look forward to the continued development of this trail network! We extend our gratitude to all partners and supporters for their dedication to making this trail network a reality.

Clear Creek Bike Park Little Miami Trail Network, Hamilton County, OH

Why Clear Creek? Location, location, location. Trails and bike facilities need to be in communities if they are going to thrive and connect with youth and neighborhoods. They cannot be limited to rural areas that create access barriers.

Our region would benefit immensely from a place for children who don't normally have access to mountain biking have the opportunity to recreate outdoors safely. With a facility that is accessible to neighborhood children comes the ability to develop programming that can reach deep into the community, i.e., to get kids outside and on bikes. MVMBA provided assistance in determining how to create a bike park similar to the Dayton Bike Yard with paved low-maintenance all-weather progressive flow trails, and a bit of something for everyone’s riding style. Though it’s being developed with bikes in mind, all appropriate wheeled uses will be welcome, including adaptive equipment, one-wheels, and skateboards.

Thanks to Senator Stephen Wilson and Representative Rachel Baker, CORA and Anderson Park District were awarded $380,000 in state capital funds! Further funding sources will be sought for this park which we hope will come to fruition within the coming years.

SARGEANT PARK Dayton, KY

CORA is thrilled to collaborate with the City of Dayton, KY, and Groundwork Ohio River Valley to bring this urban trail to life. Thanks to the support of a L'Oreal Foundation Watershed Improvement Grant and a Recreational Trails Project (RTP) grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the park will soon become a prime destination for local youth and families. Volunteers have been hard at work removing honeysuckle and clearing existing trail corridors, while CORA has engaged with the Dayton Park Board to gather valuable community input for the park's design. With construction anticipated to begin in 2022, the project aims to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and connectivity of the trails by fall 2024. The initial phase includes a mile-long loop, with trails linking Lincoln Avenue to Covert Run Pike and connecting Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas, and unincorporated Campbell County!

EAST FORK STATE PARK Clermont County, Ohio

CORA, in collaboration with Clermont County, has received an Appalachian Community Grant from Governor DeWine’s Office of Appalachia to develop a comprehensive trail improvement plan for East Fork State Park. This grant will support updates aimed at enhancing user experience and creating sustainable, low-maintenance trails that minimize erosion. CORA has been working with ODNR, Clermont County Port Authority, CT Consultants, and ORCA to advance this project, which is now moving closer to the planning phase.

Additionally, trail plans for a gravity park near the campgrounds are in development, though implementation funding is still pending. The Army Corps is studying the area for potential trail development as part of a broader initiative to expand recreational opportunities and support local tourism in Appalachian Ohio. Approval is awaited for connecting trails around the lake, the Williamsburg-Batavia Bike Hike Trail, and proposed campground trails.

STONELICK STATE PARK Edenton, Ohio

PROJECT UPDATE: Construction is officially underway!

CORA and ODNR are collaborating to enhance Stonelick State Park in Edenton, Ohio, by developing shared-use trails around the campground and lakeside areas. The project features a nine-mile lakeshore trail for fishing access and a doubletrack loop around the campground for easier hiking and biking. Future plans include a bike-only section west of the dam for advanced riders.

Initiated at the end of 2023 and set for completion in 2026, the project was conceptualized by CORA and presented to the community with ODNR’s Mark Allen. Americorps is assisting with staffing, and CORA will host volunteer Trail Days to support the project.

Interested volunteers can find opportunities and sign up for Trail Days at Stonelick on our website: https://www.mobilize.us/coratrails.

MOUNT AIRY SKILLS PARK Cincinnati, Ohio

PROJECT UPDATE: Phase one will include a perimeter flow trail!

CORA, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and Cincinnati Parks, is proud to support the construction of the Mount Airy Bike Skills Park. This exciting initiative involves partnering with Progressive Bike Ramps, renowned for their inclusive courses, to design the park.

The Cincinnati Park Board has allocated funds for over half of the project, which will include essential amenities such as a comfort station with flush toilets and sinks, as well as an ADA-compliant concrete pathway along the skills area. Additionally, phase one will include a perimeter flow trail, elevating the park’s appeal for riders of all levels.

Located centrally in Mount Airy, the park offers easy accessibility for residents from across the city. This urban site presents a unique opportunity to engage an underserved and diverse community.

The project contract with Progressive Bike Ramps will be set this fall with the goal of breaking ground next year. The project partners are grateful for all of the community's interest and energy and are excited to bring this new amenity to Mount Airy Forest!

GOLTRA PRESERVE East Westwood, Cincinnati, Ohio

PROJECT UPDATE: The first trail has been completed!

We’re excited to announce new multi-use MTB approved trails adjacent to Mt. Airy in East Westwood. Working with Groundwork Ohio River Valley and East Westwood community on Hillside Trust Preserved property, the finished project includes over two miles of trails between Brokaw and Montana Avenues that connect to the nearby neighborhood. The Goltra trails are also in close proximity to the Mt. Airy MTB trails. As the Mt. Airy Skills Park project moves forward, the community envisions connecting the two for easier access to both.

NIGHTHAWK BIKE PARK Nagel Middle School; Anderson Township, OH

Inspired by Mr. Weaver, we launched the Grand Opening of Nighthawk Bike Park on Friday, July 26th, 2024, with a strong show of support from our community donors, who generously covered all the funding needed for this project. Local news outlets Local 12 & Fox 19 featured the event, which received enthusiastic feedback from the community—one parent even shared, “I took my kids there and they LOVED it.” We extend a special thank you to MTB Cincinnati for their fantastic video capturing the highlights of the evening.

The new Nighthawk Bike Park is a central hub for the Anderson Township community, offering students a dynamic space to develop biking skills and connect with others. This facility allows students to challenge themselves while learning the skills to navigate the woods, rocks, and varying terrain. It also supports the Riding for Focus program, promoting a lifelong sport that benefits physical and mental well-being. Having these types of amenities in the region will help with talent retention for their working parents and guardians.

Special thanks to our patrons: Forest Hills Foundation for Education, Sutphin Family Foundation, The Ben Kimble Foundation, Mercy Health Foundation, Robert H. Reakirt Foundation, IMBA Shimano Dig-In Program, Total Quality Logistics, SECO Electric, Thinh Ha & Linda Keck, The Rosselot Financial Group, Brian & Alexis Weaver, Mary Gaertner, Mark Martines & Hillary Justice, Joe Hoskins, Dead Low Brewing Company, Jeff Behling, Josh Gerth, The Thaman Family, Sue Wood, Lisa Neumeister, and Andrew Orahoske.

We are grateful for your support in helping us build a stronger outdoor recreation community in Greater Cincinnati.

Check out the latest trail conditions at coratrails.org/trails and facebook.com/nagelbikepark

DEVOU PARK Covington, KY

PROJECT UPDATE: Dirt Artisans refreshed the Josh Brenneman Memorial Trail in honor of Josh’s memory and endless volunteerism for our community. Check out TrailForks for the new trail additions!

Greenways and trails can be catalysts for community revitalization, transforming eyesores such as abandoned rail corridors or neglected waterfronts into community centerpieces. Community trails often become a focus of community pride and a means of preserving and celebrating what is special about a community. (ConservationTools.org)

Considered one of the region’s best mountain biking destinations, Devou Park saw this kind of revitalization while building multi-use trails there.

In the past, Devou Park had a reputation for being a scary place. Our trails reduced illicit use of the park significantly, almost totally eliminating inconspicuous spaces. By daylighting the spaces and circulating mountain bikers, hikers and runners throughout the park, it became a place for recreation where safety concerns are no longer a main consideration in visiting.

Now it’s an award winning destination that brings pride, improves local property values, and helps our region with talent retention.

Generous financial contributions from our community have been critical to the success of this project and have enabled CORA and The Devou Park Trail Collective to work with the City of Covington to subsequently secure a $97,000 grant from the RC Durr Foundation and $53,000 from the Devou Park Advisory Council. Trails are currently being built and are almost complete. Thank you to all CORA members and supporters.

SIXTH STREET TRAILS Newport, KY

Long seen as a golden opportunity for a year-round, dirt-jump mecca, Newport’s Sixth Street is well underway! CORA Membership dollars have been used for equipment rentals to move existing dirt and gravel piles while volunteers sculpt berms and jumps.

The Sixth Street Trails include a cross-country course, a BMX dirt jump area, a skills course, a kids' pump track, wood features, and dirt berms! Development continues.

FOX RUN Independence, KY

CORA is excited to work with Kenton County Parks and Recreation to develop new trails at the Fox Run Park. Originally a golf course, the park was purchased using Land Water Conservation Funds more than two decades ago.

Kenton County Parks and Recreation Department hired Human Nature and Dirt Artisans to collaborate on the comprehensive plan. In conjunction, CORA is working to identify ways to link nearby neighborhoods and existing greenspace to Fox Run and Lincoln Ridge Parks. Connecting communities maximizes the health and economic benefits to the community. Fox Run Park is currently open for passive recreation, including hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife observation, and walking from dusk to dawn.

Implementation planning is currently underway. In the meantime, get out and enjoy the unused cart paths left from the closed golf course.

Kenton County continues to move ahead on their plan and has recently announced an Request for Proposals for the owner's representative

https://linknky.com/news/2024/09/25/kenton-county-park-manager/

HUESTON WOODS College Corner, OH

The five-year expansion of the mountain bike trails into the acreage north of the Service Road is complete with 7.5 miles of singletrack.

Upcoming projects will add little mileage, but create some huge connections. The Campground Loop across from the cabin will add a .75 mile "easy" section, including an alternate creek crossing route in lieu of traveling across the covered bridge. A new .75 mile “Top-of-the-Levee” section will be added and several other potential additions and improvements to the Equisetum Trail.

Help Support Trail Expansion

Projects in the Works