6 Awesome Parks Near Cincinnati, OH

The ending of winter leaves many Cincinnati residents craving fresh air and sunshine. Whether you’re interested in biking, hiking, or simply enjoying some scenic views and greenery, there are many local parks to visit this spring. As the weather starts to warm up, the team at Performance Toyota wants to share their recommendations for some awesome parks in the Cincinnati, OH area.

Smale Riverfront Park

Image via Cincinnati USA

Smale Riverfront Park is a 45-acre bi-level park that connects downtown Cincinnati with the river and is an excellent area for walking and running. The park’s pathways border the Ohio River, and the lush landscaping and gardens add a welcome section of vibrant greenery to Cincinnati’s thriving downtown area as the spring growth begins. At Smale Riverfront Park, you can relax on the large swing benches and take in the view of the river. Or enjoy a peaceful stroll as you meander the meditative walking path of the labyrinth.

Cincinnati Riverwalk

The Cincinnati Riverwalk connects to Smale Riverfront Park and other parks and city attractions. The Riverwalk is part of the Ohio River Trail and runs for several miles from Cincinnati into Kentucky. Although it’s not technically a park, the Riverwalk is a long multi-use trail suitable for biking, running, and walking. Providing easy access to shopping, dining, parks, and seating areas alongside the Ohio River, the walkway is a pleasant way to reconnect with the outdoors after winter while you explore the beauty and history of the city.

Segments of the trail offer shady seating, and you’ll find multiple picnic areas where you can enjoy your lunch with an impressive view of the Cincinnati skyline. You can spend an entire afternoon admiring the cityscapes and sights along the Riverwalk, including the 1,057-foot John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. For a majestic view of Cincinnati from across the Ohio River, you can choose to cross the bridge into Northern Kentucky or rent one of the Cincy Red Bikes for $10 for a day pass and travel down the Riverwalk.

If you visit the Cincinnati Riverwalk, don’t miss the Newport Southbank Bridge, also known as the Purple People Bridge. This unique purple pedestrian bridge is actually a converted railroad trestle. As you cross the bridge, you can take a photo halfway over the Ohio River in two states, Ohio and Kentucky. The Riverwalk is a popular destination for families, hikers, and bikers, and it’s easy to get to from many downtown access points.

Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove

Past Smale Riverfront Park, The Riverwalk brings you right to Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point Park, a mile-long park with walking paths and many fascinating attractions. Sawyer Point Park has beautiful award-winning landscapes to revel in at the Armeleder Memorial Sprayground. Sawyer Point also features the National Steamboat Monument, an impressive replica of the paddlewheel of the American Queen riverboat. This amazing bright red paddlewheel is three stories tall and weighs 60 tons. The park has eight outdoor tennis courts available to the public if you want to get a fun and invigorating workout.

Yeatman’s Cove is a park right next to Sawyer Point Park and is the site of Cincinnati’s first tavern, established in 1793. The park displays a bronze statue of Cincinnati’s namesake, Cincinnatus, a Roman political leader. You’ll also see the famous Serpentine Wall at these two parks, Cincy’s unique flood wall.

Eden Park

Eden Park is one of Cincinnati’s most popular parks, brimming with nature, art, and culture. Large expanses of green space, lush gardens, many hiking trails, and three lakes are just some of the attractions at Eden Park. It also offers stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Ohio River. The 186-acre park is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Krohn Conservatory, and the Bettman Fountain.

Eden Park has a picnic shelter near a 172-foot-high water tower dating back to 1894. Inside Eden Park, Twin Lakes is an old quarry that now consists of two lakes, a footbridge, artistic sculptures, and serene walking paths. You’ll also find the Hinkle Magnolia Garden in the park, where you can relax in the charming gazebo, walk along the flourishing garden paths, and visit Mirror Lake.

Eden Park also houses Krohn Conservatory, an indoor botanical garden with over 3,500 plant species. The conservatory is a remarkable place to visit with separate houses for ferns, palms, desert plants, and orchids. There’s also a  wonderful Bonsai tree gallery. While Eden Park is free, the conservatory charges a small admission fee.

Mt. Airy Forest

For those looking to get away from the city, a visit to Mt. Airy Forest can make you feel like you’re in the wilderness. The park is nearly 1,500 acres and is Cincinnati’s largest park, which contains miles of hiking trails, a multi-use mountain-biking trail, and Ohio’s only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse. Mt. Airy Treehouse is a whimsical 14-foot treehouse popular with children and adults alike.

Mt. Airy also has a disc golf course and the Doris Day Dog Park. So you can bring the dogs out for some spring exercise too. With a 30-acre arboretum to visit within the grounds, there’s a lot to see at this majestic forested location, featured on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Piatt Park

Piatt Park is worth mentioning since it’s Cincinnati’s oldest park, established over 200 years ago. This historical park is two blocks long and has seating for picnics or to observe the fountains. Piatt Park is also famous for featuring Cincinnati’s only equestrian statue, President William Henry Harrison. Keen observers notice that General Harrison is riding with stirrups but no saddle.

Has this list helped you learn more about the best parks in Cincinnati? Let us know! Our team at Performance Toyota wants to hear from you. Reach out and share your favorite parks in the area, or stop in and browse our great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles and share your feedback directly with our friendly staff.

Call Us