Go touch some grass, Cincinnati. Seriously, it’s really good for you. The outdoors increases serotonin levels and gives your immune system a boost — it’s a natural energizer. And the Greater Cincinnati area is home to tons of stunning hiking trails where you can do just that.

From wooded, green wonderlands dotted with wildflowers and waterfalls to riverfront gems and paved paths that are accessible to hikers of all abilities, the Queen City offers plenty of opportunities for you to enter your Walden era and just wander to your heart’s content.

Glenwood Gardens 10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn Glenwood Gardens has the Garden Loop Trail and the Wetland Loop Trail. The Garden Loop is 1.1 miles of paved trail leading past formal gardens, a gazebo, the Mill Creek and a stone bridge. The Wetland Loop is a relaxing, peaceful nature trail that cuts through grassy meadows, woods and wetlands. Photo: Provided by Great Parks of Hamilton County
Fernbank Park 50 Thornton Ave., Sayler Park This peaceful park offers a 1.2-mile paved walking loop that offers gorgeous riverfront views and shaded benches perfect for a break to rest or people-watch. Fernbank also has the 1-mile Sycamore Trail that takes you through the woods. It’s also just a short walk away from 13 Below, a microbrewery that makes delicious beers and hard seltzers (we recommended the orange cream one on a hot summer day). In the warmer months, Cabana on the River is also open, offering guests beachy foods, refreshing margaritas and amazing views of the Ohio River so you can relax and refuel. Photo: facebook.com/GreatParksHC
Sharon Woods 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville There’s no need to drive too far if you want to hike to a waterfall in Ohio. Great Parks’ Sharon Woods in Sharonville is home to several along its Gorge Trail. This moderate-level, out-and-back trail stretches about 0.7 miles one way. You start the hike at Sharon Lake and follow the creek, where you’ll spot several small waterfalls. As you take in their beauty, you’ll notice the alternating layers of shale and limestone rock in the gorge. These rocks are filled with fossils that date back to the Ordovician period – about 450 million years ago. The park also boasts a 2.6-mile paved, multipurpose trail around Sharon Lake and a 1-mile fitness trail. Photo: Izzy Viox
Visit Everybody’s Treehouse and Walk the Trails of Mt. Airy Forest Free Everybody’s Treehouse is an otherworldly, elevated structure buried in trees and seemingly snatched out of a fantasy novel. The structure is also fully wheelchair-accessible. 1212 Trail Ridge Road, Westwood. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ohio River Trail (Downtown Cincinnati) Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park: 1135 Riverside Drive, East End; Smale Riverfront Park: 166 W. Mehring Way, Downtown For an easygoing urban hike, you can’t beat the couple-mile stretch of the Ohio River Trail between Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park in the East End and Smale Riverfront Park downtown. Start your journey at either end and meander along the river, enjoying the views of the Roebling Bridge and Northern Kentucky. On the way, you’ll also pass through Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, which offers plenty of relaxing spots to rest. Or, you can go off-trail and onto the Purple People Bridge, which will take you over the river to Newport on the Levee where you can refuel with a drink or snack from Bridgeview Box Park. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ault Park 5090 Observatory Circle, Mt. Lookout Ault Park is nestled within a quiet nook of Mount Lookout. Here, the suburban rush slows to a lull. From early morning until late afternoon, the sprawling landscape is full of people traversing its paved loops and gravel trails. If the park were smaller than its boastful 224 acres, it may feel crowded. Photo: facebook.com/AultPark Cincinnati
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site 3380 Beaver Road, Union If you’re up for a short drive, Big Bone Lick State Park in Union has a collection of easy and moderate trails that pass through the historic site’s woodlands, grasslands, savanna and salt-sulfur springs. Named after the Ice Age megafauna that once occupied the area and its saltwater streams, the park is still home to a collection of giant mammals: bison. The 10 to 15 on view are a link to the Ice Age and an attempt to reestablish a herd of the endangered animals at the park. Photo: Facebook.com/BigBoneLickSHS
Woodland Mound 8250 Old Kellogg Road, Withamsville Woodland Mound has multiple trails, including a 1-mile fitness trail through the woods, a half-mile trail called the Hedgeapple that takes you past two ponds home to frogs, salamanders, snakes and more, another nature hike with a view of the Ohio River and a shared-use trail that takes you through almost 2 miles of woods and prairie. Photo: Provided by Hamilton County Parks
Ride the Loveland Bike Trail Loveland, Ohio Spanning more than 70 miles along the Little Miami River, the Loveland Bike Trail is a haven for cyclists, runners and walkers alike. The paved, flat trail was developed in 1983, replacing what was once the Pennsylvania Railroad. Now, visitors pedal through to immerse themselves in the landscape of Little Miami State Park, grab ice cream at Loveland Sweets or Loveland Dairy Whip, and maybe even learn a thing or two at the Loveland History Museum. Loveland is also a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) district, so if you grab a brew from Narrow Path Brewing, you can take it with you while you wander the quaint downtown. And if you don’t own a bike, don’t worry — rentals are a phone call away. Photo: facebook.com/Loveland Bike Trail
Caesar Creek State Park 8570 OH-73, Waynesville Caesar Creek State Park is popular for its lake and stunning hiking trails. The park has 18 trails that rank from moderate to difficult, including ones that offer a waterfall, swinging bridge, wooded ravine and views of the lake. Photo: Jason Hale
Glen Helen Nature Preserve 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, Ohio Scenic and beautiful Glen Helen was established in 1929 after Hugh Taylor Birch donated a wooded glen to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen. Since then, it’s expanded thanks to other donations and today it’s the largest and most-visited nature preserve in the Miami Valley. Composed of 15 miles of footpaths and over 1,100 acres, Glen Helen is also considered the most ecologically intact area in Southwest Ohio, meaning while you hike, you can spot the yellow spring after which the city was named, as well as an array of wildflowers, 400-year-old trees and limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs. Photo: facebook.com/glenhelen
Burnet Woods 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton This 90-acre park located near the University of Cincinnati’s campus offers plenty of hiking trails, a disc golf course, a nature center, a planetarium, a fishing lake and more. Photo: Shae Combs
Bender Mountain 6480 Bender Road, Delhi Bender Mountain Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile hike past scenes of wildflowers and woods. This trail is considered moderately difficult and is great for a small challenge with beautiful scenic payoffs. Photo: Paige Deglow Photo: Paige Deglow
Devou Park 1201 Park Drive, Covington Covington’s largest park, Devou spans over 700 acres with scenic hilltop views of the city, plus paved and unpaved trails, a golf course, picnic shelters and playgrounds. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Shawnee Lookout 2008 Lawrenceburg Road, North Bend Shawnee Lookout Park is known for its views and historical values. The park has a small series of nature trails between 1 and 2 miles long that lead to views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys, as well as pass by Native American archaeological earthworks. Photo: Provided by Hamilton County Parks
Miami Whitewater Forest 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Crosby Township This sprawling park features four nature trails that wind through its forests. There is also a paved exercise trail that leads through woods, creeks, prairies and local rural neighborhoods, as well as a sheltered overlook that offers a stunning view of the wetlands. You can opt for the inner 1.4-mile loop or the outer loop of almost 8 miles, going on foot, bike or even roller skates. Photo: facebook.com/GreatParksHC
Cincinnati Nature Center 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford The Cincinnati Nature Preserve has 15 trails with assorted degrees of length and difficulty for hikers of every ability. This park also offers the “Hike for Your Health” program. Grab a Hike for Your Health passport and get a stamp at the front desk after every hike. Complete all 15 trails and win a special prize. Photo: facebook.com/CincyNature
Embshoff Woods 4050 Paul Road, Delhi Township This classic neighborhood park is home to a stunning 1-mile nature and fitness trail. Don’t be fooled by the length of the trail, however: Hiking up the steep hills along the trail will give you a heck of a workout, but you’ll really enjoy the tranquil views along the way. And if your kiddos still need to burn off some energy after your hike, Embshoff also offers a fun, colorful playground with plenty of things to climb on and slide down, as well as a nine-hole disc golf course. Photo: Katherine Barrier
Caldwell Nature Preserve 430 W. North Bend Road, Carthage Ranked as one of the top 10 hikes in Ohio by Marmot outdoors company in 2016, Caldwell Nature Preserve in Carthage has 3.5 miles of trails that include a paved and level path into the woods that is accessible to those in wheelchairs. The trails cut through a mix of old-growth forests and newer plants where a variety of animals make their homes. Photo: Kellie Coleman
California Woods Nature Preserve & Center 5400 Kellogg Ave., California The California Woods Nature Preserve has a small network of short hikes with 13 acres of forest and year-round education programming for nature lovers. The park is home to 53 species of trees and 200-plus species of herbaceous plants, and animals and fish like kingfishers, snapping turtles, ducks and even beavers call the Lick Run Creek in the park their home. It’s also next to the Magrish Preserves, which has been designated an Important Birding Area, so you may see woodpeckers or owls on your hikes. There’s also a butterfly and hummingbird garden in front of the nature center. Dog parents note, however, that you’ll have to leave your pup at home for these hikes. Photo: facebook.com/CincyParks
Highlands Nature Sanctuary 7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, Ohio The oldest and largest preserve under Arc of Appalachia’s umbrella, Highland Nature Sanctuary also serves as their nonprofit arm. With over 3,000 acres and 18 miles of hiking trails, Highland Nature Sanctuary is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. The grounds are home to ample botanical diversity, as well as gorgeous spring wildflowers – called “some of the most stunning showcases in all of Eastern United States,” according to Arc of Appalachia. But the real showstopper of this nature preserve has to be the steep-walled dolomite canyon Rocky Fork Gorge, which features rock formations, ancient white cedar trees, stone arches, springs and grottos. Photo: facebook.com/ArcofAppalachia
French Park 3012 Section Road, Amberley Village French Park has a trail almost 3 miles long and open year round. Enjoy a stroll, jog or run past woods and a creek for a fairly easy hike. Photo: Madeleine Meeks Photo: Madeleine Meeks
Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve & Parkers Woods 1558 Stanford Drive, Northside Located in Northside, Buttercup Valley offers some more advanced trails with steep inclines and heavily wooded trails. Attached to Buttercup Valley is Parkers Woods, which offers a paved trail and woodland trail. Those trails are perfect for beginner hikers or for a small walk-through. Photo: cincinnati-oh.gov
East Fork 3294 Elklick Road, Bethel One of the largest state parks in Ohio, East Fork offers the most trails in the park system. The trails rate from easy to advanced, so every hiker can find one to meet their needs. Rolling hills, rivers and Harsha Lake provide a stunning backdrop to each adventure. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Withrow Nature Preserve 7075 Five Mile Road, Anderson Township The Trout Lily Trail in the Withrow Nature Preserve is a moderately difficult 1.7-mile nature trail through verdant green woods, bushes and grass. This trail is rarely crowded, so it makes for a peaceful walk, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of birds and woodland animals. Photo: facebook.com/GreatParksHC
Winton Woods 10245 Winton Road, Greenhills Views of the lake, dense woods and vibrant grass fields can be found at Winton Woods. This park has 2.6 miles of paved trails, a fitness trail, two nature trails and a horseback-riding trail. Photo: facebook.com/wintonwoodspark
Amberley Green 7801 Ridge Road, Amberley Village Amberley Green neighbors French Park. Bordered by Ridge and East Galbraith roads, traffic noise is a given, but the space is peaceful nonetheless. It’s a surprising 133-acre plot of land: formerly Crest Hills Country Club and golf course, it was converted to a park in 2007. A handful of ancient pine trees and stoic oaks surround the pond situated in the center of the park. Otherwise, the Green is not wooded. Photo: Madeleine Meeks
Tower Park 900 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas Tower Park is 86.6 acres and has a list of short walking trails adjacent the Ohio River, plus a playground, amphitheater and tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts. Photo: Paige Deglow