Rivers, Parks & Trails

Best Parks in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati region boasts five rivers covering nearly 6,000 stream miles, an impressive 23,000 miles of long-distance trails, 250 miles of hiking trails, 80 miles of on-road bike lanes, and 60 miles of mountain bike trails. We’re also home to the Little Miami Scenic Trail—the third-longest paved trail in the country.

Explore the Outdoors
Top 10 best park system in the country view the stat.
Home to 306 parks within city limits. See the map.

THE CROWN

The CROWN is a vision for Cincinnati’s first-ever urban trail loop – a 34-mile, multi-use paved trail that connects our city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Once complete, The CROWN will connect more than 356k people in 54 communities to major destinations like parks, schools, and centers for employment, retail, recreation, and entertainment.

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The Crown Logo
82% of residents live within a ten minute walk of a park according to the Trust for Public Land
14% of land is used for parks and recreation. view the stat.
man carrying paddleboard overhead for Ohio River Paddlefest

Rivers

Bordered by the Ohio River, and with the Little Miami flowing through it, the Cincinnati region is the perfect place to spend a day on the water!

Join thousands of other kayaks and canoes during Ohio River Paddlefest, the largest paddling event in the country, or explore the most exciting parts of the Little Miami River with Scenic River Canoe Excursions. If you’re an adrenaline junky, follow the Flat Rock River to Indiana’s White Rock park and spend a day cliff jumping!

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Trails

Whether you’re a beginner hiker or experienced mountain biker, the Cincinnati region has the trail for you. Here you’ll find 115 hiking trails that can take you up a mountain, over some old train tracks, or through a creek. Cincy is also home to some amazing bike trails including, the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the nation’s third-longest paved trail!

Explore the Little Miami Scenic Trail
couple riding bikes through Cincinnati

VIBES

Speaking of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, local blogger and Cincy resident, Courtney Kraemer, has put together a website for all the fun vibes around the bike trail and river. Follow along the path with her here, for the best outdoor experiences, breweries, delicious spots to eat, shops, and places to stay the night.

Pathside Vibes
another one of the best parks in cincinnati is summit park located in the blue ash area

Visit One of Cincy's Most Unique Parks

What used to be an airport is now known as Summit Park! Located twenty minutes from downtown Cincinnati this 130-acre park includes a free observation tower, a catch-and-release fishing pond, dog park, playground, and four local restaurants. The park also offers seasonal activities like farmers markets, movies in the park, and ice skating!

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