When it comes to seeing the sights and sounds of Greater Cincinnati by foot — or by bike — we’ve known for a while that the Little Miami Scenic Trail is one of the best around.
But it's always nice when other people finally catch on, isn't it?
Afar magazine, a guide focused on experiential travel, features the Little Miami Scenic Trail as one of the five best urban trails in the United States.
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is the longest single trail in the Miami Valley Trail network, beginning just east of Cincinnati in Anderson Township and stretching up to Springfield, Ohio via 78 miles of paved, multi-modal paths. What seems to be especially important to Afar is not what the trail is like but where it can take you. The magazine makes special note of the trail’s stops in Loveland, Milford and Lebanon as well as the accessibility of Caesar Creek and John Bryan State Parks.
Here's what Afar says:
The Little Miami Scenic Trail runs 78 miles from Cincinnati to Springfield in Ohio, making it one of the nation’s longest paved multiuse trail networks. A large portion of the trail borders the banks of the Little Miami River, allowing pedestrians to get off foot to kayak or canoe instead. As the longest single path in the Miami Valley network, the well-shaded Little Miami Scenic Trail connects many of the region’s towns and cities, including the historic downtown areas of Loveland, Milford, and Lebanon. Two state parks, John Bryan and Caesar Creek, can be reached from the trail, as well as a number of eateries and breweries to unwind and refuel. The entire Cincinnati region has 116,000 acres of protected greenspace, including 351 parks and nearly 40 nature preserves.
It may be the “Little” Miami Scenic Trail, but it’s definitely been getting some “big” attention recently. The Little Miami Scenic Trail was also a factor in Forbes recently naming Cincinnati as a top 2021 destination for travelers.
The trail is continuing to expand. Construction began in February for the Beechmont Bridge Connector, a new half-mile link between the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the Ohio River Trail.
This will officially add the Little Miami Scenic Trail to the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN) project to link up over 100 miles of the area’s trails.
Led by Tri-State Trails (an initiative of regional sustainability alliance Green Umbrella), Wasson Way, Ohio River Way and a public-private partnership, the 34-mile CROWN urban trail loop will connect more than 100 miles of pre-existing and to-be-constructed trail systems while boosting economic development, improving transportation options, stimulating businesses and promoting healthy activities.
Currently mid-construction with various segments complete and open for recreation, it will serve as a “hub” to access the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Ohio River Trail, Mill Creek Greenway, Wasson Way and Murray Path. It also will include downtown’s Smale Riverfront Park, which was named one of USA Today’s top 10 river walks in 2021, and Riverfront Commons in Northern Kentucky.
Read Afar's full spotlight on the Little Miami Scenic Trail and other great urban trails.
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