The best walks and hikes around Newport

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.

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 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.

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.