Three of Our Favorite Hiking Trails

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Whether fan or foe of the area’s vertical challenges, you can’t deny our hills offer unique hiking opportunities and Instagram-worthy views. Not every hike in the Queen City, though, involves trekking uphill—paved paths provide relief for those looking to stay level.

Everybody’s Treehouse, Mt. Airy Forest

Photograph by Jeremy Kramer

Riverside Stroll
Try a casual hike along Riverfront Commons, the 11.5-mile walkway in the making that will eventually link Northern Kentucky’s riverfront cities from Ft. Thomas to Ludlow. Newport’s completed section includes a paved sidewalk from the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge to the Fourth Street Bridge to Covington. Aside from stairs leading to the top of the floodwall, this 1-mile path is flat and easy to navigate with pit stops at the Purple People Bridge, Newport on the Levee, and General James Taylor Park. southbankpartners.com/projects/riverfront.aspx

Trek Through the Woods
Just eight miles from downtown, Mt. Airy Forest is the city’s largest park, with about 1,500 acres of tree-covered hiking trails, bridle paths, picnic areas, and more. Personalizing your hike has never been easier, since the majority of walking trails intersect. The moderately elevated Beechwood Trail passes under the whimsical (and wheelchair-accessible) Everybody’s Treehouse. cincinnatiparks.com/west/mt-airy-forest

Everybody’s Treehouse, Mt. Airy Forest

Photograph by Jeremy Kramer

Mt. Airy Forest

Photograph by Jeremy Kramer

Urban Hike With a View
Fairview Park near UC has two great viewpoints along its paved path: Union Terminal and Queensgate train yard to the west and downtown to the south. Make it a 1.2-mile loop by walking up Ravine Street at the park’s exit and down West McMillan Street back to the entrance. Or take the concrete staircase to West McMicken Avenue and back. cincinnatiparks.com/central/fairview-park

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