From improving your mood to strengthening your immune system, there are many benefits of going outside and taking a walk. The Cincinnati area is full of parks and outdoor areas perfect for everyone, from hardcore hikers to casual dog walkers. 

Next time you want to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, consider visiting one of these eight beautiful parks. 

Buttercup Valley Preserve

1558 Stanford Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Located in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood, Buttercup Valley Preserve is a great option for avid nature hikers. The trails are very wooded, with steep inclines that will offer you a bit of a challenge. This trail is nestled in the middle of some of the city's best neighborhoods and is an excellent getaway that will make you forget that you're still in the city. 

You'll find lots of flora and fauna in the preserve, including some trees that are over 200 years old. There are multiple walking and hiking trails here, including one that will provide a memorable view of Spring Grove Cemetery. 

Ault Park

5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208

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As the highest point in Hyde Park, Ault park offers stunning views of the city. It's home to a 1.4-mile walking, hiking, and mountain biking trail that is one of the city's best-kept secrets. 

This trail is hilly and will offer a bit of a challenge. However, once you get through it, you'll find that the beautiful views, scenery, and wildlife are well worth the effort. Many residents and visitors agree that this is one of the most beautiful parks in the Cincinnati area. 

Ohio River Trail

Riverside Dr. & Corbin St., Cincinnati, OH 45226

You can't beat the views on the Ohio River Trail. Once it's complete, this 23-mile trail will span along the north bank of the river. It runs from Coney Island through downtown to Sayler Park. While areas are still under construction, you can still enjoy 10 miles of it now. When it's completed, it will connect downtown to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and eventually extend all the way to Lake Erie. 

There are many fun things to do here, including swinging on the 2-3 person swings, splashing in the interactive fountain, and riding the carousel. This family-friendly series of trails are ideal for running, walking, and biking. It's perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels. 

Red Bird Hollow Trail

6168 Given Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243

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An easy urban trail with a lot of foot traffic, Red Bird Hollow Trail offers a nice walk near the river with plenty to see. It's a 3-mile in-and-out trail that's popular for running, hiking, and nature walks. We recommend starting at the top of the trail where you'll find plenty of parking spots. 

This trail is also dog-friendly, although you must keep your furry friend on a leash while your walk. Generally, it's safest and most pleasant to use this trail between April and October. 

French Park

3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237

One of the area's most underrated parks, French Park offers several looping trails that are good for walkers of all skill levels. Some areas offer a moderate challenge and a few inclines that might even qualify as strenuous. 

This is an excellent kid-friendly trail. Little ones especially love heading down by the creek to explore. When you finish your walk, plan to drive to the top of the park to enjoy a beautiful view and a picnic lunch.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

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The 1,459-acre Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It offers miles of hiking trails, a multi-use mountain biking trail, and bridle trails for horseback riders. It also has an enclosed dog park, disc golf, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse. There are also picnic tables, charcoal grills, and swing sets, so you and the family can relax and spend an entire day exploring the park and taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Mill Creek Greenway Trail 

Mill Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233

The multi-use Mill Creek Greenway Trail currently spans just three and a half miles along the historic Mill Creek. However, plans are in the works to someday extend it to run over 50 miles and link to the Ohio River Trail. 

There's a lot of cool stuff to see, including the Freedom Tree Edible Garden, where you're free to pick an apple or a pear and enjoy a tasty snack. You'll also want to visit the trail after dark so you can check out the 3/4-mile Space Walk, a 3.5-billion-to-one scale model of the solar system. Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, you'll want to add this trail to your list of "must-visit" sites.

California Woods Nature Preserve

5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

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The 113-acre California Woods Nature Preserve features more than 200 species of plants and 53 species of trees. Lick Run Creek also runs through the preserve. Here you'll find small fish, kingfishers, snapping turtles, beavers, ducks, and more.

There's also a hummingbird and butterfly garden in front of the nature center. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might see some woodpeckers and great horned owls as well. When you hike these trails, there's a good chance you'll get so caught up in the scenery that you'll forget you're also exercising. 

These Shoes Were Made for Walking

Which walk-worthy park will you visit first?