Posts with tag 'Outdoors'

Did you know that every June 15 is Nature Photography Day? While there's never a bad time to capture the natural beauty of Ohio, this day provides the perfect excuse to explore the scenery of your favorite communities and take some great photos in the process. Whether you're exploring glacial, urban waterfalls in Northeast Ohio, gorgeous gardens around Columbus, or an ancient, world-renowned historic site near Cincinnati, you're sure to capture something special. Start your photography journey with our guide to nine of the best places around Ohio to capture nature for Nature Photography Day.

Berea Falls Scenic Overlook

136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH 44017

One of the cool things about Ohio cities is how opportunities for nature photography are seamlessly integrated into urban landscapes. The Berea Falls Scenic Overlook, located a short drive from the heart of Cleveland, is one great example. After the glaciers receded following the last ice age, melting water formed rivers that reshaped the landscape. The Berea Falls were created by water from the Rocky River, carved through the abundant sandstone around Berea. There's so much natural beauty to capture here, with a different look every season.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264

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Also located a short drive from Cleveland is the vast Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which features some of the most spectacular scenery that you'll find anywhere in Ohio. The park is located around the Cuyahoga River, with a mix of forests, rolling meadows, and farmland, all connected with an extensive, well-maintained trail system. Brandywine Falls is one of the most popular natural sites within the park and a perfect destination to seek out for nature photography. There's a viewing deck near the falls that makes it easy to get a great photo, as well as a nearby trail that allows you to capture images from various angles.

Mill Creek Park

123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509

Did you know that Ohio is home to the second-largest metropark in the United States, behind only Central Park in New York City? Mill Creek Park covers more than 2,500 acres, with a diverse selection of attractions located within park borders. There are beautiful gardens, lush wetlands, waterfront scenery, historic structures, and so much more to capture. Spend your day near the historic Lanterman's Mill, the Fellows Riverside Gardens, or the Ford Nature Center. The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center is the ideal place to start your journey at Mill Creek Park.

Topiary Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

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If you love art just as much as you love nature, then the Topiary Park in Columbus is one destination on our list that you definitely won't want to miss. It's home to one of the world's largest, most impressive topiary gardens, with 80 perfectly maintained life-size topiaries. The topiaries are laid out in a way that recreates a painting from the post-Impressionist era painter Georges Seurat.

Historic Clifton Mill

75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316

Located less than an hour west of Columbus, you'll find the idyllic, natural setting of Historic Clifton Mill. Home to one of the few working grist mills in Ohio, Historic Clifton Mill is a great destination for blending nature and historical photography. The mill itself is a beautiful structure, which has been preserved to look and work just as it did during its heyday. The natural woodlands, serene creek, and gently flowing waterfalls surrounding the mill provide endless opportunities for capturing the perfect photo.

Schnormeier Gardens

8701 Laymon Rd., Gambier, OH 43022

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With more than 50 acres of beautifully manicured gardens to explore, Schnormeir Gardens will keep you coming back again and again for nature photography. Many of the gardens here were created in the Chinese and Japanese styles, with abundant water features blending in with natural scenery. There are lakes, waterfalls, streams, woodlands, bridges, and beautiful, exotic plants to discover. Spring and summer are ideal times to visit for photography, with so many of the plants within the gardens in full bloom.

Loveland Castle

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140

Part historic landmark, part tribute to an order of knights, Loveland Castle is unlike any other destination on our list. It is, after all, a castle that looks like it was plucked straight from the medieval era and dropped into modern-day Ohio. The castle itself is more than worthy of some dedicated time with the camera, and the natural beauty around Loveland Castle makes this a fun destination for nature photography. While you're there, check out the on-site museum to learn more about how and why a stone castle was built in the 1920s around the corner from Cincinnati.

Serpent Mound Historical Site

3850 OH-73, Peebles, OH 45660

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Here's another truly unique destination with a history that stretches back thousands of years to a time when Ohio looked very different than it does today. The Serpent Mound was built by the Adena tribe of Native Americans who called the area home thousands of years ago, stretching for 1,300 feet and built in the shape of a serpent. It's the largest effigy mound of its kind in the world and still stands out among the wooded, hilly landscape even after thousands of years. So if you want to capture something unique to Ohio which can't be found anywhere else, this is the perfect place to find it.

Krohn Conservatory

1501 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Cincinnati area is also home to some more conventional locations for nature photography, including some like the Krohn Conservatory, which doesn't even require you to leave the city. Created in 1933, the Krohn Conservatory is home to thousands of plants from around the world, with different "houses" holding plants from different parts of the world. The Palm House replicates a tropical rainforest environment, while the Desert House is attuned to plants that thrive in an arid, hot landscape with minimal rainfall. The Krohn Conservatory is also home to the Orchid House, which showcases orchids from all around the world, and the John Carroll Bonsai Gallery, which highlights the unique techniques used to grow bonsai trees.

Frame Your Next Ohio Adventure

These nine destinations are just the start of what you'll find in Ohio. From limestone caverns deep underground to the rolling, rustic landscape of Amish Country, there's so much to explore. What will you capture next?

It's finally summer in Northeast Ohio. At least it feels like summer, and that's good enough for us! Time to get outside and get moving. 

Luckily, we'll have plenty of opportunities to do just that in the Cleveland, Akron, and Canton areas over the coming months. Lace up your running shoes and get ready for these exciting summer races in Northeast Ohio this season!

Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation Parkrun

4524 E. 49th St., Cleveland, OH 44125

You'll have multiple opportunities to participate in the Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation Parkrun throughout the summer. This weekly 5k takes place every Saturday at 9 am in Cleveland's Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation. It's a fun, family-friendly event that's always free to participants. Whether you want to run, walk, jog, volunteer, or simply cheer on the participants, it's a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Stick around afterward for post-Parkrun coffee at the Canalway Center Café.

Sippo Lake Parkrun

5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

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The Sippo Lake Parkrun is another event that takes place weekly throughout the summer months, giving you numerous chances to participate. Starting every Saturday at 8 am, the Sippo Lake Parkrun follows a picturesque route through Sippo Lake Park in Canton. The course utilizes a combination of paved roads, crushed limestone paths, and hiking trails and offers some beautiful scenery. This weekly run is entirely volunteer-organized, and anyone is welcome to participate free of charge. 

National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile

288 Spicer St., Akron, OH 44304

Summa Health's Akron Marathon Race Series includes several much-anticipated races and runs throughout the summer months in Akron. First on the schedule this year is the National Interstate 8k and 1 Mile race. The event spans two days, with the 1-mile race kicking off at 7 pm on June 24, followed by the 8k run at 7:30 am on June 25. Both races begin on The University of Akron college campus and follow a course that provides a scenic tour of Downtown Akron. Registration is still open, and awards will be given to top finishers in various categories. 

Will Run for Tacos

2425 W. 11th St. #2, Cleveland, OH 44113

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Would you run a 5k for a taco? On Saturday, July 16, you can do just that and help fight hunger in Cleveland while you're at it. Will Run For Tacos is a 5k run/walk that helps raise money for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Participants will be rewarded at the end of the race with a finisher medal, t-shirt, and free taco courtesy of The South Side (additional prizes will be given to top finishers). Race day registration and packet pickup is at 7:30 on the morning of the 16th, and the walk/run gets underway at 8:30, beginning at Hermes Sports & Events.

Akron Trail Marathon

499 Memorial Pkwy., Akron, OH 44310

Also taking place on July 16, the Akron Trail Marathon is a challenging race that takes participants through some of the most beautiful parklands in the Akron area. Whether you choose to run the course as a marathon, half marathon, or 10k—the event includes all three—you'll be treated to scenery including woodlands, waterfalls, historic canal locks, and sweeping meadows. The Akron Trail Marathon helps support the Summit Metro Parks Foundation trail fund and follows a portion of the (mostly paved) Towpath Trail over varied terrain, with plenty of hills to keep things interesting!

Hofbräuhaus Cleveland Half Marathon

1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114

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Hofbräuhaus Cleveland is an amazing local German microbrewery and beer garden in Downtown Cleveland, and every year they host the Hofbräuhaus Cleveland Half Marathon, 10k and 5k run/walk. The festivities begin bright and early on Sunday, August 7, with registration and packet pickup beginning at 6 am, followed by the half marathon at 7, and then the 10k and 5k at 8. The races begin and end at the brewery, and all participants will receive a complimentary beer and bratwurst, in addition to t-shirts and finisher medals. 

Burning River Endurance Run & Relay

Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

Returning for its 16th year in 2022, the Burning River Endurance Run & Relay is not for the faint of heart. This grueling run and relay race follows a wide range of roads and trails from Cuyahoga Falls through some of Northeast Ohio's most beautiful and rugged landscapes, including Summit Metro Parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Stretching from Saturday, July 30 to Sunday, July 31, the event includes 100-mile and 50-mile solo runs, as well as a 100-mile relay.

Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316

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Akron has long been known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," in large part because the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been headquartered here since 1898. This year, August 13 will bring about the return of the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k, one of several summer events that are part of the Akron Marathon Race Series. The race starts at 6:30 am, with the starting line at the Goodyear Proving Grounds and the finish line at Goodyear World Headquarters. 

Born to Run

Where will you hit the ground running this summer around Northeast Ohio?

What's not to love about strawberries? They taste delicious, look good on a plate, and are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Add some color and sweetness to your summer eating with strawberries you pick yourself at these wonderful farms around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Aufdenkampe Family Farm

3275 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089

The property where Aufdenkampe Family Farm now sits dates back to the Western Reserve. After the Aufdenkampes purchased the farm from its original owners, they became a fixture at the Cleveland Produce Terminal, selling their fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2018, the family decided to focus on strawberries, their most popular crop. The 2022 picking season starts around June 1. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Fitch's Farm Market

4413 Center Rd., Avon, OH 44011

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Three generations of family work side-by-side at Fitch's Farm Market, founded in 1983 by Richard and wife Rita. Sons Adam and Daniel and grandfather Robert handle everything from field management and harvesting to mechanic duties. In addition to strawberries, visitors can pick their own beans, peppers, and tomatoes in season. Stop by the on-site market for other fruits and vegetables as well as flowers in flats and hanging baskets. Follow them on Facebook for information about u-pick availability. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

Maurer Farms 

2901 Batdorf Rd., Wooster, OH 44691

From its humble beginnings in 1950 on a small patch of land along Highland Avenue, Maurer Farms grew into its current location in 1961. Strawberries have been the primary crop since day one, with peaches, sweet corn, and other fruits and vegetables added over the years. Maurer Farms offers u-pick strawberries and raspberries, and their on-site market sells their own produce along with products from other local farmers. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday between late May and mid-October. Watch their website and Facebook page for updates.

Mitchell's Berries & Blooms 

9331 Mitchell-Dewitt Rd., Plain City, OH 43064

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Farmer Paul and wife Shelly, aka Berrygirl, are a match made at OSU. Together they run Mitchell's Berries & Blooms on a farm that's been in the family for more than two centuries. After son Jake doubled their raspberry production, Paul and Shelly took his advice and added strawberries to their crops. With events like Sunrise and Sunset Yoga, Dairy Day, and the Berry Fairy Summer Tea Party, Mitchell's Berries & Blooms offers fun for the whole family. Follow them on Facebook for current information on hours and availability.

Folck Family Farm

6843 State Route 54, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044

Can't get enough fresh berries? You'll be in seventh heaven with a visit to Folck Family Farm. Berry picking season kicks off in late spring with strawberries, followed by raspberries in June and blackberries in July. After growing up on dairy and cattle farms, owner Bob Folck had a successful career in sales, but he couldn't resist the call of the farming life. Bob and wife Cindy began growing berries in 2003, and in 2018 they opened a winery and tasting room selling wine made from the fruits of their fields. Visit their website and Facebook page for updates.

Doran's Farm Market

5462 Babbitt Rd., New Albany, OH 43054

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In the 1970s, Farmer Jim Doran sold his produce right out in the front yard from one of the wagons that are such a nostalgic part of Americana. Fast forward to 2022, and Doran's Farm Market is a popular destination filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods, and beverages. Customers also have the opportunity to pick their own strawberries and other select produce. Doran's Farm Market opens with the strawberry season in late May and runs through pumpkin season in early November. Check their website and Facebook page for information.

Irons Fruit Farm

1640 Stubbs Mill Rd., Lebanon, OH 45036

A trip to Irons Fruit Farm is truly an event. Since its beginning in the early 1900s, the farm has expanded to include pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and pumpkins. The on-site market and bakery is known for the signature cinnamon cider donuts and apple fritters. They also carry jam, jellies, and other specialty products made from produce grown on the farm. Follow them on Facebook for information about the vendor fair, which features local craft artisans as well as food trucks and live entertainment. Summer hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Stokes Berry Farm

2822 Center Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

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For more than four generations, Stokes Berry Farm has been a fixture in the Cincinnati area. Visitors can pick strawberries and black raspberries from the lush fields or preorder white Georgia peaches, tart Michigan cherries, and other fruits for convenient pickup. The whole family can enjoy a stroll along the creek or catch-and-release fishing in the six-acre lake. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch! There is a $25 fee for a three-hour fishing pass. In-season hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Watch their Facebook page for posts about the current schedule.

McGlasson Farms

5832 River Rd., Hebron, KY 41048

Located in a scenic rural area, McGlasson Farms is rich with family history. After moving west from Virginia in the 1860s, the McGlassons built a log cabin and began farming the land. While the family had success selling to various markets, they discovered there was even more potential in creating a produce stand on their own property. Today, McGlasson Farms even has a devoted following of customers from all around the region. Visitors can join in the fun picking their own strawberries, blackberries, and other fresh produce. In-season hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends. Watch the website and Facebook page for schedule information.

Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberries and cream has been a tradition at the classic Wimbledon tennis tournament since it began in 1877. What's your favorite way to eat strawberries?

Going on a picnic with either a significant other or your family is a tried-and-true tradition that's become a national pastime throughout the ages. There are plenty of great parks in the Columbus area where you lay out a blanket or sit at a table for a nice meal and even nicer company. Here are some of our favorite picnic hotspots for National Picnic Day April 23.

Scioto Grove Metro Park

5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

You could spend nearly the entire day at Scioto Grove Metro Park because there are so many things to do. In addition to picnic shelters that will keep you off the ground, you can burn off some calories with a nice walk along one of its eight trails. You'll also find a sizable event space, archery ranges, disc golf course, and beautiful river views.

Topiary Garden Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Situated next to the Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch, Topiary Garden Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic with friends or family. The spot is also unique because it's home to the only existing topiary interpretation of a painting. This makes it great for art lovers or people looking to snap a cool picture for their Instagram.

Franklin Park Adventure Center

1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

As one of the many iconic parks in Columbus, Franklin Park Adventure Center is perfect for couples and families who are interested in having a picnic or simply spending time together. After your feast, feel free to head over to the conservatory where you can explore several types of environments and plants. You'll need to purchase admission, but it's a small charge and worth every penny.

Columbus Park of Roses

3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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As you can probably guess from the name, the Columbus Park of Roses is an absolutely gorgeous spot for a picnic. This 13-acre park is also known as Whetstone Park and the landscape changes throughout the seasons depending on which flowers are in bloom. Every park on our list is beautiful and unique, but this is arguably the most romantic in the Columbus area.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215

Whether you're in the mood for a gorgeous view of the city or prefer a river view, Scioto Audubon Metro Park has more than enough options. In addition to a healthy amount of picnic tables, you'll find a dog park, rock climbing area, obstacle course, picturesque water tower, and more. There's even a playground for kids of all ages and a mister to keep them cool on hot days.

Goodale Park

120 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Perhaps one of the greatest things about Goodale Park—Columbus' first public park—is that it's situated near quite a few restaurants, which means you can grab food at one of those instead of cooking yourself. While you're there, you'll surely be enthralled by the architecture of Victorian Village homes and can find plenty of things to do between the park's pond, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and playground.

Hoover Reservoir Park

7701 Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

With more than 4700 acres, Hoover Reservoir Park has many great spots to enjoy a picnic. There's wildlife in many areas of the park to enjoy. If you're lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle. There are also many types of water sports available and families often spend some time on the water before returning to land for a picnic.

Genoa Park

303 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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For fans of skylines, Genoa Park is the place you want to be because you'll get some stunning views of Downtown Columbus. The first things most visitors will notice, however, are the humanized deer sculptures that are enjoying a day at the park just as you will be. This park is also home to an amphitheater that holds concerts and other events throughout the year.

McFerson Commons Park

218 West St., Columbus, OH 43215

Often referred to as Arch Park thanks to the iconic Union Station Arch that's found there, McFerson Commons Park is what you might consider an urban oasis. Surrounded by a wall of trees that provides plenty of shade, this is a popular spot for annual festivals, 5K races, casual sports leagues, and more. 

Life is a Picnic

What picturesque surroundings will make your Columbus picnic-perfect?

Spring is in the air, and it's a mighty fine time of year to go for a bike ride in Ohio. Here in the Cincinnati area, we're blessed with hundreds of miles of trails and greenways where cyclists can let loose. 

From flat bike paths that offer smooth pedaling to rugged parks crisscrossed by challenging mountain bike singletrack, you'll never run out of trails in Cincinnati. We're excited to share our favorite places for a family bike ride in the area.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Mt. Airy Forest is one of America's oldest reforestation projects, originally established in 1911. Today, this 1,400-acre tract of reclaimed woodland is an amazing resource for Cincinnati residents looking for outdoor adventure. The terrain and trails in Mt. Airy Forest are also a bit more rugged and challenging than a typical city park, which makes this prime territory for mountain biking. The forest includes several multi-use trails as well as a 3.9-mile singletrack loop that was designed with mountain bikers in mind.

Little Miami Scenic Trail

3811 Newtown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244

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Arguably the most well-known bike path in Cincinnati, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is also the longest, following the course of its namesake river for 78 miles between Newtown and Springfield. Along the way, it crosses five counties and is accessible through dozens of parks and trailheads in the Cincinnati area. The Trail is also paved, well-maintained, and for the most part, quite flat, making it ideal for cycling. The Avoca Trailhead and the Bass Island Trailhead are great places to start, both offering restrooms and ample parking, with access to a stretch of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that meanders through some lovely riverside city parks. 

Ohio River Trail

Corbin Street, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Following the bank of the Ohio River through the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River Trail offers one of the city's best urban bike rides. You can take in some great views of the river and the city skyline along the way. There are several access points, but the parking lot on Corbin Street, near the Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ball Fields, is a good place to start. The Ohio River Trail is also a work in progress. Around 10 miles are currently open, but it will stretch 23 miles end-to-end once completed, and provide a vital link from Downtown Cinci to many other parks and trails throughout the city. 

Miami Whitewater Forest

9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030

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The largest unit in the Hamilton County Parks system, Miami Whitewater Forest encompasses over 4,600 acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, creeks, and lakes. The park includes many miles of multi-use hike-and-bike trails for cyclists of all skill and fitness levels. The paved, 7.8-mile Shaker Trace Trail is great for a fairly easy bike ride over gently rolling terrain, but Miami Whitewater Forest also offers several shorter, more challenging dirt trails that twist and turn through the woods. The park also includes campgrounds and a 9-hole golf course. 

Lunkin Airport Bike Path

Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226

The Lunken Airport Bike Path is a 5-mile loop that encircles Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. It's a flat, paved pathway that's just a short trip from Downtown, making it an easily accessible loop for city residents. The path sits atop a levee that protects the airport from flooding. It connects with the Ohio River Trail and is also linked to the trail system in nearby Otto Armleder Memorial Park, so there are plenty of options if you want to alter or extend your route.

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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Just a 30-minute drive east of Cincinnati, East Fork State Park is one of the great destinations in the region for outdoor adventures of all kinds, biking included. A little over 4,800 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in Ohio and offers about 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that follow the ridges overlooking East Fork Lake. With numerous switchbacks, steep climbs, hills, and gullies, these trails offer some exciting terrain for mountain bikers, as well as sweeping views across the lake. Most park roads are also open to cyclists, and the park includes a campground, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing pier. 

Mill Creek Greenway

Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232

The Mill Creek Greenway is a beautiful paved bike path that follows the banks of Mill Creek through western Cincinnati. At present, only 3.5 miles of the trail are completed. But more ambitious plans are in the works, which will extend the trail over 50 miles along the banks of the creek that gives it its name, eventually connecting it to the Ohio River Trail and Winton Woods. For now, the existing segment provides a pleasant bike ride through Salway Park and long the edge of the Northside neighborhood, where you might be tempted to stop for a drink at beloved local watering holes like the Northside Yacht Club, which is just footsteps from the trail.

Mitchell Memorial Forest

5401 Zion Rd., Cleves, OH 45002

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Located way out on the far west side of Cincinnati, Mitchell Memorial Forest is widely regarded as the best destination in the area for experienced mountain bikers. This 1,600-plus-acre park includes approximately 8 miles of challenging mountain biking trails, divided into two loops of around 4 miles each. The terrain is rugged and densely wooded, and the trails are tight singletrack with plenty of twists, turns, steep ascents and other challenges to keep the ride interesting. 

A Beautiful Ride

Where's your favorite place to ride around Cincy?