The best walks and hikes in Campbell County

Embark on an easy hike along the Alexandria Park Loop, a gentle path that winds around a tranquil pond. This 0.7-mile (1.2 km) route offers a refreshing escape, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick jog. With a minimal elevation gain of just 18 feet (5 metres), you will find the terrain flat and accessible. You can expect to complete the entire loop in about 18 minutes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

The Alexandria Park Loop is conveniently located within Alexandria Community Park, making it easily accessible for visitors. You will generally find ample parking available directly at the park, so getting to the trailhead is straightforward. This easy loop does not typically require any special permits or fees, allowing for spontaneous visits.

This trail is known as the 0.7-mile Pond Running Route, highlighting its suitability for both walkers and runners seeking a well-maintained environment. Being part of a community park, you will likely encounter some shaded areas, providing a comfortable experience even on brighter days. The route offers a simple, accessible outdoor activity for anyone looking to enjoy the park's amenities.

Step into the enchanting world of the Highland Hills Park Loop, where lush greenery meets artistic surprises. This easy 1.7-mile (2.8 km) hike, taking about 44 minutes with 112 feet (34 metres) of elevation gain, winds through wooded hillsides and alongside babbling creeks. The trail's paths are a mix of gravel and unpaved sections, offering a pleasant journey through natural landscapes and mature trees like walnuts and hackberries.

Planning your visit to Highland Hills Park is straightforward; the trail is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets to join your adventure. Be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after rain, as some areas have running water. While the closer-in trails are generally easier, some newer sections can be more challenging, so choose your path based on your group's comfort level.

What truly sets this Fort Thomas, Kentucky trail apart are the unique woodcarvings by chainsaw artist Chris Rust, scattered along the route. These whimsical figures, carved from dead ash trees, create a delightful scavenger hunt experience, perfect for families. Keep an eye out for cardinals, owls, gnomes, and aliens hidden among the trees, adding an unexpected artistic flair to your nature walk.

This segment of the Ohio River Trail offers a delightful, accessible walk along the riverfront, connecting the active Schmidt Recreation Complex with the peaceful Turkey Ridge Park. You'll follow a paved path, enjoying continuous views of the Ohio River, with the terrain becoming gently rolling and winding as you enter Turkey Ridge Park, a hidden urban treasure shaded by a canopy of trees. It's an easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike with only 18 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 29 minutes, perfect for a quick, relaxing outing.

Both the Schmidt Recreation Complex and Turkey Ridge Park provide convenient parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making logistics simple. Schmidt Recreation Complex also serves as a popular launch point for boats, so you might see some river activity there. This trail is suitable for all fitness levels and is a great choice for families or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll.

What makes this trail notable is its blend of urban accessibility and natural tranquility. It's part of the larger Ohio River Trail system, offering a smooth, multi-use surface that's ideal for casual walkers, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. The trail provides a serene escape from city life, particularly within Turkey Ridge Park, where the rustle of leaves often drowns out distant traffic sounds, creating a true urban oasis.

The Ohio River Trail offers a refreshing urban hike along the river's edge, providing continuous scenic views of the Cincinnati skyline and iconic landmarks. You'll enjoy mostly flat, paved terrain, making it an easy 4.5-mile (7.2 km) journey that takes about 1 hour and 49 minutes. Keep an eye out for the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and the distinctive Serpentine Wall as you explore this accessible route.

Planning your visit to this section of the Ohio River Trail is straightforward, as it's well-integrated into the city. Parking is often available near the various urban parks that serve as trailheads. This route is ideal for a leisurely walk in the morning or late afternoon, especially if you want to avoid the warmest parts of the day. Public transportation is a convenient option for reaching the trail's starting points.

This segment of the Ohio River Trail is part of a much larger network, including the ambitious Ohio to Erie Trail, which aims to connect Cincinnati to Lake Erie. The trail is notable for its blend of urban exploration and historical significance, passing by monuments like the Geologic Timeline at Cincinnati Riverfront. It's a fantastic option for family-friendly hikes, offering a unique cross-state experience if you venture onto the Purple People Bridge into Kentucky.

The Eden Park Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature and history, right in the heart of Cincinnati. This easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) hiking route takes you past serene Twin Lakes, offers stunning views of the Ohio River Valley from Spencer Overlook, and introduces you to the charming Spring House Gazebo and Mirror Lake Fountain. With only 214 feet (65 metres) of elevation gain, you can comfortably complete this scenic loop in about 49 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit to Eden Park is straightforward, with ample parking available within the park itself, though it's always wise to arrive earlier on weekends to secure a spot. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all ages, making it one of the best hiking trails Eden Park has to offer for families or those seeking a gentle walk. You can enjoy this trail throughout the year, but the mild weather of spring and fall often provides the most comfortable hiking conditions.

Eden Park is not just about natural beauty; it's also home to historical landmarks like the Eden Park Standpipe, adding a unique architectural element to your hike. This trail is a fantastic option for those looking for family friendly trails or dog friendly hiking, providing a peaceful environment for both two-legged and four-legged companions. It's a great way to experience some of Eden Park's natural features and scenic viewpoints without committing to a long or strenuous trek.

The Licking River Greenway Trail offers a delightful urban escape, blending natural riverine scenery with unique artistic touches. This easy 3.3-mile (5.4 km) hiking route features varied terrain, from paved sections to gravel and dirt paths, with a minimal 79 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain. You'll enjoy picturesque views of the Licking River and, from higher points, even catch glimpses of the Cincinnati and Covington skylines, all within an estimated 1 hours and 23 minutes.

When planning your visit, be mindful that sections near the river can flood after heavy rains, though alternative routes along the floodwall are usually accessible. Spring is an ideal time to experience the trail, as massive patches of wildflowers burst into color. Dogs are welcome to join you, provided they remain on a leash.

One of the trail's most distinctive features is the series of 17 unique murals adorning the riverbank gatewells, celebrating the local ecosystem and community. This green corridor is part of an ambitious, multi-phase project aiming to create a much larger interconnected urban trail system, eventually linking cities like Covington and Newport.

The Parcourse and Hedgeapple Trail Loop is an easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hike that winds through a charming natural landscape in Hamilton County. You'll encounter distinctive Osage orange trees and pass by a vernal pool, a seasonal wetland that's a magnet for wildlife like amphibians, turtles, and various bird species. The route offers a peaceful escape, with a short extension leading through a wooded hillside below the Weston Overlook.

This accessible loop involves a gentle 222 feet (68 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour and 16 minutes, making it ideal for a casual outing. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a quick nature fix. Check local park information for trailhead access and parking, as conditions can vary seasonally.

What makes this trail particularly interesting is its focus on the unique Osage orange trees and the rich biodiversity supported by the vernal pool habitat. It's a prime spot for birdwatching, with barred owls and warblers often sighted. This trail stands out as a quiet, wildlife-rich option among the local offerings.

This easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) hike along the Cincinnati riverfront offers a delightful urban adventure, taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes with a minimal 97 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain. You'll stroll along the flat, paved Ohio River Trail, enjoying continuous views of the Ohio River and the city skyline. The route's charm comes from its blend of unique architecture, like the undulating Serpentine Wall, and the whimsical Cincinnati Flying Pig Statues scattered along the way, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.

Accessing the Serpentine Wall – Cincinnati Flying Pig Statues loop is straightforward, with ample parking available near the riverfront parks. Public transport options, including Cincinnati Metro bus routes, also serve the area well. This trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and while enjoyable year-round, visiting during spring or fall offers the most comfortable weather for your walk.

The Serpentine Wall itself is a significant landmark, not just for its unique design but also as a historical landing point for Cincinnati's early settlers. The Flying Pig Statues celebrate the city's pork processing heritage, adding a fun, artistic quest to your walk. This trail connects vibrant city parks like Smale Riverfront Park and Sawyer Point, offering a rich experience of downtown Cincinnati's riverfront amenities.

The Public Landing – Serpentine Wall loop in Cincinnati offers a refreshing urban riverwalk experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll follow mostly flat, paved paths along the Ohio River, enjoying continuous scenic views of the water, historic bridges, and the city skyline. The route's highlight is the iconic Serpentine Wall, an undulating brick structure that doubles as a flood barrier and a unique seating area, providing a tranquil spot to observe river activities.

This easy 4.0-mile (6.5 km) hike, with only 130 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, making it suitable for all fitness levels. As an urban trail, you'll find various parking options nearby, though it's wise to consider public transport or arrive early during busy periods. The trail is accessible year-round, but spring and autumn provide the most pleasant weather for your stroll.

Part of the broader Ohio River Trail, this loop seamlessly integrates history and nature with city life. You'll pass the historic Public Landing, Cincinnati's original settler point, and might even spot a giant duck sculpture. It's a fantastic family-friendly option for those seeking an easy, picturesque walk with plenty of viewpoints and urban landmarks.