Posts with tag 'Outdoors'
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12
8 Walk-Worthy Parks for Spring Around Cincinnati
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?
18
When the Snow Flies: 10 Sled Riding Spots Around Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio area is known for its vast number of recreational opportunities that make it a great place to live or visit. There's plenty to do outdoors throughout the year, but when the snow starts to accumulate, the real fun begins. Sledding is a popular activity for all ages, and you'll see young kids, as well as adults, zipping down local hills with abandon all winter long.
Fortunately, you can find many sledding hills to visit throughout the area, so you probably won't have to visit the same place twice in a season – unless you want to, of course! From the tamer hills that are appropriate for kids or beginners to steeper ones that will appeal to the more adventurous, Northeast Ohio has sledding hills to suit every age and comfort level.
Grab your sled, bundle up, and check out the following 10 sled riding spots in Northeast Ohio that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping:
Goodyear Heights Metro Park Sled Riding Hill – Summit Metroparks
2077 Newton St., Akron, OH 44305
Goodyear Heights Metro Park's sledding hill is extremely popular, so you may want to try it during off-peak (early morning) hours to get the best experience. The hill is large and steep and has a rope along the side to help you get back up to the top, and you'll also find fire barrels along the way to help you warm up. And if you'd like to sled in the dark, Goodyear Heights has lights for nighttime sledding.
Punderson State Park Sled Riding Hill
11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065
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One of northeast Ohio's premier winter sports parks, Punderson has not only sledding but also cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. There's even a cabin to warm up in and a lighted hill if you want to sled under the stars. And if you'd like to stay the night, family cabins, as well as a resort manor house, are available.
Chapin Forest Reservation
9938 Chillicothe Rd. (Rt. 306), Kirtland, OH 44094
If you have young kids, they may not be ready for some of the area's larger sledding hills. But the small hill at Chapin Forest Reservation is perfect for young sledders. It's frequented by cross-country skiers to practice their control skills, but it's also used for sledding. You'll find the hill off the Hobart Road entrance to the park.
Riverview Park Sled Riding Hill – Lake Metroparks
4895 Bailey Rd., Madison, OH 44057
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You'll find Riverview Park Sled Riding Hill conveniently located next to the parking lot, so you'll have an easy trip from your car before you can enjoy some fun sledding. This is the park district's steepest hill, and you can whiz down it until 11 p.m. If you need to warm up, there's a fire ring with firewood near the picnic shelter.
Cascade Park
387 Furnace St., Elyria, OH 44035
You'll find one of Lorain County's most popular sledding hills at Cascade Park in Elyria. The large hill is visible from the main entrance, and you'll also find a small playground and restrooms conveniently located at the bottom of the hill – two things that will come in handy if you're bringing the kids along.
Firestone Metropark – Sled Hill Drop-Off – Summit Metroparks
55 E. Warner Rd., Akron, OH 4431
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Firestone Metropark is great for all ages and for those who are thrill-seekers as well as those who would rather sled on a smaller hill. That's because it has a large hill that has steep sections as well as those with a slower incline. The hill isn't lighted, so come earlier in the day if you're ready to make your way down.
Boettler Park Sled Riding Hill
5300 Massilon Rd., North Canton, OH 44720
Summit County's Boettler Park Sled Riding Hill is large and is appropriate for a wide range of ages since the hill has varying inclines. There's also a 30,000-square-foot playground located nearby on Heritage Hill, as well as places to snowboard and cross-country ski. You'll also find heated restrooms conveniently located near the riding hill.
Sand Run Metro Park – North Hawkins Area Sled Riding Hill – Summit Metroparks
800 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, OH 44313
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North Hawkins Area Sled Riding Hill has been popular for generations of sledders and is still a go-to destination for those who are looking for a large sled-riding hill. Go after dark if you'd like since the hill is lighted. You can also cross-country ski on trails or ice skate on a pond once it's frozen over.
Vermilion River Reservation – Mill Hollow Sled Riding Hill – Lorain County Metroparks
51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
Zooming down a large sled riding hill at Vermilion River Reservation has been a popular activity for many years, and that remains true. The large hill is on your right as you enter the Bacon Woods area of Vermilion River Reservation, and when you get too cold, you can warm up in a nearby shelter that's partially enclosed.
Kendall Hills Sled Riding Hills – Cuyahoga Valley National Park
5465 Quick Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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You'll find several hills of varying inclines to slide down at Cuyahoga Valley National Park once you go deep into the park (about a mile east of Akron Peninsula Road). There's a separate area for sleds and toboggans, and you'll find a burn barrel to help you warm up at the top.
Get Your Thrills on Sledding Hills
Which hills will you be zooming down this season? Bundle up and get ready to have some fun!
7
8 Places Around Ohio to Take In Fall Scenery by Zipline
You've probably used the expression "bird's-eye view" dozens of times, thinking it's just a metaphor. But thanks to the thrills of ziplining, you can gain a new appreciation of the landscape around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati as you "fly" high above it. Get your "bird's-eye view" of Ohio's colorful fall scenery with one of these popular ziplining tours.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (182 miles) | Columbus (43 miles) | Cincinnati (136 miles)
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Highly acclaimed by sources such as USA Today, Discovery Channel, and the New York Times, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours proudly bills itself as Ohio's first "world-class" zipline adventure. The attraction gets high marks for innovation and a commitment to safety while maintaining respect for the environment. In addition to the popular Original Tour, HHCT offers several specialty options, including night ziplining and kid-friendly adventures. Get a different perspective with one of the guided Segway® off-road nature tours. HHCT is open seven days a week.
Tree Frog Canopy Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (90 miles) | Columbus (68 miles) | Cincinnati (175 miles)
Located in Ohio's spectacular Mohican region, Tree Frog Canopy Tours recently made the top ten in USA Today's list of Best Aerial Adventure Parks. Tree Frog's 2.5-hour course is the only one in the state using a dual-cable system to provide a faster and smoother ride. Travel across more than 4,000 feet of cable as you ride seven ziplines and cross two skybridges. Each tour is led by two guides who create a safe environment and share fascinating information about the different sights. Tours are scheduled daily, with Mondays and Thursdays designated as "Kids' Days."
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Distance From: Cleveland (19 miles) | Columbus (127 miles) | Cincinnati (233 miles)
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As the name implies, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park recreates the storybook exploits of Tarzan and his faithful companion, Cheetah. Frolic through the forest at a height of 50 feet with their popular Treetop Adventure, which begins with a climb up a rope ladder and progresses through 40 exciting obstacles, including bridges, ziplines, and breathtaking Tarzan swings. Indulge your competitive spirit by combining your treetop tour with a ground-level session of axe throwing. Three-hour Treetop Adventure sessions are available Friday through Sunday, while hour-long axe-throwing sessions may be booked for Saturday and Sunday.
Wilds Zipline Safari
Distance From: Cleveland (141 miles) | Columbus (75 miles) | Cincinnati (178 miles)
If a ziplining safari isn't on your bucket list, it should be. The Wilds is an impressive and innovative conservation center dedicated to finding solutions for problems impacting wildlife and the environment. Part of their mission is educating the public with activities such as Wild Zipline Safari. A series of 10 ziplines provide incredible opportunities to view giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other endangered species rarely seen in the United States. If you don't have the time for the full 2-1/2 hour tour, check out the Overlook version. This modified tour lasts 1-1/2 hours and doesn't actually enter the pastures, but still offers unparalleled views.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
Distance From: Cleveland (134 miles) | Columbus (16 miles) | Cincinnati (120 miles)
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Urban ziplining? Yes, it's true. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is an oasis of nature in the heart of Columbus. Situated on the grounds of Camp Mary Orton, ZipZone offers a two-hour tour over 20 acres of forest. The Adventure Park, opened in 2017, adds a new dimension to your ziplining experience. Choose from five different climbing courses, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, and make your way through the challenging elements. Guides provide 30-40 minutes of instruction beforehand, and all participants are locked to a lifeline cable with double-connected safety clips. Wee ones can join in the fun at the Kids Park, a modified version of the Adventure Park. Courses are only a few feet off the ground to make it easy for kids between aged 4 to 7. Canopy tours are offered Friday through Sunday, while Adventure Park and Kids Park are open Saturday and Sunday.
Ultimate Zipline Adventures
Distance From: Cleveland (191 miles) | Columbus (52 miles) | Cincinnati (152 miles)
As a kid, did you ever dream of joining the circus to perform on the high wire? The full course at Ultimate Zipline Adventures is even more satisfying than your childhood fantasy. After a training session, you'll head up into the trees to tackle 16 ziplines and 23 high rope activities, completing many of the obstacles while suspended in the air. Zipline purists may prefer the Apex course, which skips the first half of the full course. You'll still get a lot of action packed into seven zip lines, including a set of dual racing lines. Kids under the age of 10 have their own fully supervised course, which features three ziplines and 12 rope activities. Ultimate Zipline Adventures is open Wednesday through Sunday for all courses.
Valley Zipline Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (176 miles) | Columbus (37 miles) | Cincinnati (137 miles)
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Regular ziplining not exciting enough for you? Valley Zipline Tours has the answer. Their course starts with five fairly conventional lines, ranging from 15 to 40 feet above ground. Then you move to the 1,000-foot-long "monster" line, which hovers 120 feet in the air. Speeds can reach up to 40 MPH. The next leg pits you head-to-head against another member of your group on side-by-side 700-foot racing lines. Finish your tour gliding at upwards of 50 MPH on the signature 1,400-foot line spanning the entire course. Newbies can opt for the Tree Top Tour, consisting of the first six lines of the main tour. Having too much fun to stop? Upgrade to the main tour on the spot. Mini Zip tours are available for kids aged 5-7.
Sports Plus Zipline Park
Distance From: Cleveland (237 miles) | Columbus (95 miles) | Cincinnati (17 miles)
Feel the adrenaline rush of ziplining during any season of the year at Sports Plus Zipline Park. The family-friendly indoor facility houses three state-of-the-art ziplines that cover more than 200 feet. With ten 30-foot rock-climbing walls and 10,000 square feet of trampolines as well, you may never come back down to earth! Sports Plus is open Friday through Sunday with three available time slots each day.
Up, Up and Away
From Superman to Captain Marvel, flying is the iconic superpower. If you could fly, where's the first place you would go?
2
9 Places to Rent a Cabin for a Fall Weekend Getaway Around Ohio
Are your weekends sometimes so activity-packed that you welcome Monday's return to work just to catch your breath? As Mother Nature shows off her splendor one last time before winter sets in, fall is a great time to plan a restful weekend getaway far from the bright lights of the big city. Recharge your batteries at one of these delightful cabins within convenient distance from your home in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Distance From: Cleveland (198 miles) | Columbus (58 miles) | Cincinnati (138 miles)
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Getting back to nature doesn't have to mean giving up your favorite leisure-time amenities. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls features charming 1840s cabins nestled deep in a natural setting that includes trees, caves, rock formations, and waterfalls. A log cabin also houses Kindred Spirits, the Inn's casual fine-dining restaurant with an open kitchen layout and seasonally enclosed patio. Enhance your feeling of serenity with a massage, body wrap, and other pampering treatments at the onsite spa. Visit the website for information on special packages and promotions.
Antler Ridge Cabin
Distance From: Cleveland (174 miles) | Columbus (92 miles) | Cincinnati (193 miles)
Get up close and personal with nature at the appropriately-named Antler Ridge Cabin. Sightings of deer, turkey, foxes, and other wildlife let you know you're miles away from the city. At night, sit on the deck and relax to the ambient sounds of owls, frogs, and crickets. Semi-guided deer and turkey hunting tours are offered in season. Antler Ridge has three luxury cabins, the newest of which sleeps up to 12 people. Amenities in all three include air conditioning, washer/dryer, TVs and DVD players, outdoor gas grills, and fully-equipped kitchens.
Ash Ridge Cabins
Distance From: Cleveland (190 miles) | Columbus (48 miles) | Cincinnati (127 miles)
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Looking for some quality time with your significant other? With four cabins built for two, Ash Ridge Cabins is designed with couples in mind. Located minutes from Hocking Hills State Park but far from urban life, Ash Ridge is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities by day followed by a quiet evening indoors. Furniture in all four cabins is custom-built by local Amish craftsmen. Maple Lane, Lovers Loft, and Sweetheart Cabins are equipped with brand-new game rooms and indoor hot tubs, while Cuddle Bug Cottage has a game room and open-air hot tub. Spacious windows in all units allow plenty of natural light along with spectacular views.
Tranquil Acres Cabins
Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (87 miles) | Cincinnati (194 miles)
Do you feel like it's impossible to truly get away in our wired world? With no TVs or WiFi service, Tranquil Acres Cabins lets you go off the grid and tune in to nature. The five cabins are situated at least 350 feet apart for a welcome sense of solitude. For larger groups, Sleepy Bear Cabin has a new basement suite that includes a second bathroom and kitchenette. Another recent addition is a pavilion overlooking the catch-and-release fishing pond. Spend the day exploring the nature trails on the grounds, then unwind in your private hot tub or sitting in front of your remote-controlled gas fireplace.
Mohican State Park
Distance From: Cleveland (83 miles) | Columbus (72 miles) | Cincinnati (179 miles)
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Like many areas in Northeast Ohio, Mohican State Park owes its spectacular scenery to the Ice Age. More than 14,000 years ago, glaciers traveled across the landscape, carving gorges and creating mineral and rock deposits. Mohican's centerpiece, Clear Fork Gorge, plummets 300 feet deep and measures more than 1,000 feet across at its top. The park has several recently remodeled two-bedroom cabins along the Clear Fork River, some where pets are permitted, that sleep up to six guests. Anglers flock to Mohican for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and brown trout. If you want more active pursuits, check out the park's numerous hiking and biking trails, some of which pass the Gorge as well as two waterfalls and a covered bridge.
Punderson State Park
Distance From: Cleveland (33 miles) | Columbus (157 miles) | Cincinnati (265 miles)
Anchored by a stunning 150-acre natural "kettle" lake, Punderson State Park offers a wide range of activities to satisfy all ages. Rent a boat at the marina for a day of fishing or sightseeing out on the water. If you want more lively pursuits, challenge family and friends to traditional golf, disc golf, volleyball, basketball, or horseshoes. Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike and hit the 11 miles of trails, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife or bird sightings. Each of the park's 26 cabins sleeps up to six guests and pets are allowed at some.
Possum Lodge Cabins
Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (107 miles) | Cincinnati (211 miles)
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Could there be a more authentic name for a rustic cabin than Possum Lodge? While the cabin itself is in a woodsy, secluded setting, the location offers easy access to a diverse assortment of activities. Nearby Salt Fork State Park, bookended by two lakes, provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Zipline tours, wineries, and quaint towns to explore are all within a 30-minute drive. The roomy cabin is designed to be a "home away from home" with a luxurious great-room layout that includes a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace and satellite TV. Front and rear covered porches hold a gas grill and tavern-style seating so you can enjoy the views while dining or simply lounging with a cold drink and good book.
Kaspar's Lake Breeze Cabins
Distance From: Cleveland (79 miles) | Columbus (123 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
Historic Marblehead Peninsula is one of Northeast Ohio's more popular getaway spots. Kaspar's Lake Breeze Cabins, located on the shores of Lake Erie, makes a comfortable home base for exploring the many attractions of the area. Marblehead Lighthouse stands guard less than a mile away, while legendary amusement park Cedar Point is visible directly across Sandusky Bay. Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay, are only an hour away by ferry. All cabins are fully furnished, including color TVs and free WiFi service. Ask about nightly rentals during fall months.
Coblentz Country Cabins
Distance From: Cleveland (75 miles) | Columbus (91 miles) | Cincinnati (207 miles)
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Amish Country is an appealing blend of culture, history and scenery. Immerse yourself in the full experience with a stay at Coblentz Country Cabins. Situated on a gentle hillside overlooking a pond, the cabins are less than 1/4-mile from downtown Berlin and its collection of antique malls, craft and gift shops, and vintage clothing boutiques. There's even a classic general store where you can find anything from gourmet food products to home decor items. Seven cabins offer lodging for up to 10 guests, with amenities including hot tubs, fireplaces, TVs, and full kitchens.
Cabin in the Woods
What's the one must-have item you take along on a country getaway?
16
8 Spots to Spot Pawpaw Trees Around Cincy
We love our pawpaws here in Cincinnati. Farmers sell them at local markets. Clever cooks make pawpaw chutney and jam. Local craft brewers even make small-batch pawpaw beers when the fruit is in season. It's a unique fruit, with a creamy avocado-like texture and a flavor that some describe as a cross between mango and banana. But if you're not from Ohio or Kentucky, there's a good chance you've never heard of one of America's most abundant native fruits.
That's probably because of their brief season, short shelf life, and readiness to bruise make them all but impossible to ship outside their native region. But if you live in Cincinnati, there's a good chance you have pawpaws growing right in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees at these beautiful Cincy area parks this fall.
French Park
3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237
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Once the vast estate of Herbert Greer French, the land now known as French Park has been a popular hiking spot in Cincinnati for the better part of a century. In addition to the park's handsome brick manor, the park includes 275 acres of woods, wetlands, and meadows with a lovely 2.9-mile loop trail. The terrain is moderately hilly, and pawpaw trees are fairly common understory plants along the trail. Watch for the trees' distinctive large, oblong leaves, and for the fruit itself, which is green, kidney-shaped, and grows in clusters.
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
A beautiful 730-acre park just 25 minutes from the heart of Cincinnati, Sharon Woods is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The park also includes a small lake that offers great fishing and kayaking opportunities. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees along the lakeshore as you paddle around! They love to grow in wet, low-lying areas. Sharon Woods is home to several beautiful hiking trails as well, including a 2.6-mile paved pathway that encircles the lake. Pawpaws have also been seen growing along the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail.
Shawnee Lookout
2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend, OH 45052
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Tucked away in Ohio's southwestern-most corner, Shawnee Lookout offers rich history and splendid scenery. The park overlooks the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys, with some truly exceptional views, especially as the leaves begin to change in fall. Shawnee Lookout is most famous for its Native American earthworks and historic Springhouse School and Log Cabin, but also offers a wealth of peaceful hiking trails where you can often spot pawpaws in bloom. Keep an eye out for the fruit along the 1.4-mile Miami Fort Trail in particular.
Ault Park
5090 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Most Cincinnatians know Ault Park as the site of local events like the Concours d' Elegance Car Show and the city's annual 4th of July festivities. Although the spectacular open-air pavilion and gardens of Ault Park may be the most well-known features of this Cincinnati green space, there's more to explore when you go off the beaten path. The more secluded corners of Ault Park offers a maze of nature trails that traverse shady woods, hills, valleys, and streams. Pawpaws are a common sight along many of the trails, particularly low-lying areas along the Valley Trail and Brook Trail.
Burnet Woods
3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Pawpaws grow profusely along the shady slopes of Burnet Woods, one of Cincy's most deeply forested parks. Located a stone's throw from the University of Cincinnati campus, Burnet Woods encompasses 90 acres of quiet woodlands that are popular among locals for bird watching and dog walking. It won't take you long to spot pawpaw trees along the park's shady hiking trails. They're especially common near the small lake at the heart of Burnet Woods, which is also a great spot for catch-and-release fishing if you're so inclined.
Caldwell Preserve
430 W North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216
Caldwell Preserve, also known as the Caldwell Nature Center, is a great place to experience the landscape of Ohio as it may have looked before settlers arrived. A mix of old-growth forest and newer plantings, the preserve includes some dense stands of pawpaw trees, often shaded beneath a towering canopy of mature beech, walnut, and oaks. Keep an eye out for pawpaws as you hike the nature trail through the Mill Creek Valley.
Rowe Woods
4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
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One of a handful of properties across Hamilton County that are collectively managed as the Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods spans over 1,000 acres just east of the city. It's a spectacular resource for nature lovers, including a 65-acre tract of old-growth forest and 14 miles of hiking trails that explore a wide range of habitats. The woods are popular among bird watchers and wildflower aficionados, and there are plenty of opportunities to see pawpaws here. Keep in mind that harvesting and foraging are not allowed; look but don't pick! Admission to Rowe Woods is free for Cincinnati Nature Center Members, and there is a small fee for non-members.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, Mt. Airy Park has the distinction of being Cincinnati's largest park. It's also one of the oldest urban reforestation parks in America and has been one of Cincinnati's most prized outdoor resources since 1911. The park includes many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, all of which traverse an amazing diversity of habitats, from hardwood and conifer forests to meadows and wetlands. You can frequently spot pawpaws along the shady wooded slopes leading down to creek bottoms.
Savor the Flavor
Pawpaws are ripe for only a brief time, so don't miss it! Here in the Cincinnati area, the fruit is usually in its prime in late September, though it can be a little different every year. If you find some in a park we forgot to mention, be sure to let us know in the comments section below!
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