Posts with tag 'Outdoors'

From improving your mood to strengthening your immune system, there are many benefits of going outside and taking a walk. The Cincinnati area is full of parks and outdoor areas perfect for everyone, from hardcore hikers to casual dog walkers. 

Next time you want to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, consider visiting one of these eight beautiful parks. 

Buttercup Valley Preserve

1558 Stanford Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Located in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood, Buttercup Valley Preserve is a great option for avid nature hikers. The trails are very wooded, with steep inclines that will offer you a bit of a challenge. This trail is nestled in the middle of some of the city's best neighborhoods and is an excellent getaway that will make you forget that you're still in the city. 

You'll find lots of flora and fauna in the preserve, including some trees that are over 200 years old. There are multiple walking and hiking trails here, including one that will provide a memorable view of Spring Grove Cemetery. 

Ault Park

5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208

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As the highest point in Hyde Park, Ault park offers stunning views of the city. It's home to a 1.4-mile walking, hiking, and mountain biking trail that is one of the city's best-kept secrets. 

This trail is hilly and will offer a bit of a challenge. However, once you get through it, you'll find that the beautiful views, scenery, and wildlife are well worth the effort. Many residents and visitors agree that this is one of the most beautiful parks in the Cincinnati area. 

Ohio River Trail

Riverside Dr. & Corbin St., Cincinnati, OH 45226

You can't beat the views on the Ohio River Trail. Once it's complete, this 23-mile trail will span along the north bank of the river. It runs from Coney Island through downtown to Sayler Park. While areas are still under construction, you can still enjoy 10 miles of it now. When it's completed, it will connect downtown to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and eventually extend all the way to Lake Erie. 

There are many fun things to do here, including swinging on the 2-3 person swings, splashing in the interactive fountain, and riding the carousel. This family-friendly series of trails are ideal for running, walking, and biking. It's perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels. 

Red Bird Hollow Trail

6168 Given Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243

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An easy urban trail with a lot of foot traffic, Red Bird Hollow Trail offers a nice walk near the river with plenty to see. It's a 3-mile in-and-out trail that's popular for running, hiking, and nature walks. We recommend starting at the top of the trail where you'll find plenty of parking spots. 

This trail is also dog-friendly, although you must keep your furry friend on a leash while your walk. Generally, it's safest and most pleasant to use this trail between April and October. 

French Park

3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237

One of the area's most underrated parks, French Park offers several looping trails that are good for walkers of all skill levels. Some areas offer a moderate challenge and a few inclines that might even qualify as strenuous. 

This is an excellent kid-friendly trail. Little ones especially love heading down by the creek to explore. When you finish your walk, plan to drive to the top of the park to enjoy a beautiful view and a picnic lunch.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

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The 1,459-acre Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It offers miles of hiking trails, a multi-use mountain biking trail, and bridle trails for horseback riders. It also has an enclosed dog park, disc golf, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse. There are also picnic tables, charcoal grills, and swing sets, so you and the family can relax and spend an entire day exploring the park and taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Mill Creek Greenway Trail 

Mill Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233

The multi-use Mill Creek Greenway Trail currently spans just three and a half miles along the historic Mill Creek. However, plans are in the works to someday extend it to run over 50 miles and link to the Ohio River Trail. 

There's a lot of cool stuff to see, including the Freedom Tree Edible Garden, where you're free to pick an apple or a pear and enjoy a tasty snack. You'll also want to visit the trail after dark so you can check out the 3/4-mile Space Walk, a 3.5-billion-to-one scale model of the solar system. Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, you'll want to add this trail to your list of "must-visit" sites.

California Woods Nature Preserve

5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

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The 113-acre California Woods Nature Preserve features more than 200 species of plants and 53 species of trees. Lick Run Creek also runs through the preserve. Here you'll find small fish, kingfishers, snapping turtles, beavers, ducks, and more.

There's also a hummingbird and butterfly garden in front of the nature center. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might see some woodpeckers and great horned owls as well. When you hike these trails, there's a good chance you'll get so caught up in the scenery that you'll forget you're also exercising. 

These Shoes Were Made for Walking

Which walk-worthy park will you visit first?

You've probably used the expression "bird's-eye view" dozens of times, thinking it's just a metaphor. But thanks to the thrills of ziplining, you can gain a new appreciation of the landscape around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati as you "fly" high above it. Get your "bird's-eye view" of Ohio's colorful fall scenery with one of these popular ziplining tours. 

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours

Distance From: Cleveland (182 miles) | Columbus (43 miles) | Cincinnati (136 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Highly acclaimed by sources such as USA Today, Discovery Channel, and the New York Times, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours proudly bills itself as Ohio's first "world-class" zipline adventure. The attraction gets high marks for innovation and a commitment to safety while maintaining respect for the environment. In addition to the popular Original Tour, HHCT offers several specialty options, including night ziplining and kid-friendly adventures. Get a different perspective with one of the guided Segway® off-road nature tours. HHCT is open seven days a week.

Tree Frog Canopy Tours

Distance From: Cleveland (90 miles) | Columbus (68 miles) | Cincinnati (175 miles)

Located in Ohio's spectacular Mohican region, Tree Frog Canopy Tours recently made the top ten in USA Today's list of Best Aerial Adventure Parks. Tree Frog's 2.5-hour course is the only one in the state using a dual-cable system to provide a faster and smoother ride. Travel across more than 4,000 feet of cable as you ride seven ziplines and cross two skybridges. Each tour is led by two guides who create a safe environment and share fascinating information about the different sights. Tours are scheduled daily, with Mondays and Thursdays designated as "Kids' Days." 

Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

Distance From: Cleveland (19 miles) | Columbus (127 miles) | Cincinnati (233 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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As the name implies, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park recreates the storybook exploits of Tarzan and his faithful companion, Cheetah. Frolic through the forest at a height of 50 feet with their popular Treetop Adventure, which begins with a climb up a rope ladder and progresses through 40 exciting obstacles, including bridges, ziplines, and breathtaking Tarzan swings. Indulge your competitive spirit by combining your treetop tour with a ground-level session of axe throwing. Three-hour Treetop Adventure sessions are available Friday through Sunday, while hour-long axe-throwing sessions may be booked for Saturday and Sunday.

Wilds Zipline Safari

Distance From: Cleveland (141 miles) | Columbus (75 miles) | Cincinnati (178 miles)

If a ziplining safari isn't on your bucket list, it should be. The Wilds is an impressive and innovative conservation center dedicated to finding solutions for problems impacting wildlife and the environment. Part of their mission is educating the public with activities such as Wild Zipline Safari. A series of 10 ziplines provide incredible opportunities to view giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other endangered species rarely seen in the United States. If you don't have the time for the full 2-1/2 hour tour, check out the Overlook version. This modified tour lasts 1-1/2 hours and doesn't actually enter the pastures, but still offers unparalleled views.

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures

Distance From: Cleveland (134 miles) | Columbus (16 miles) | Cincinnati (120 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Urban ziplining? Yes, it's true. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is an oasis of nature in the heart of Columbus. Situated on the grounds of Camp Mary Orton, ZipZone offers a two-hour tour over 20 acres of forest. The Adventure Park, opened in 2017, adds a new dimension to your ziplining experience. Choose from five different climbing courses, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, and make your way through the challenging elements. Guides provide 30-40 minutes of instruction beforehand, and all participants are locked to a lifeline cable with double-connected safety clips. Wee ones can join in the fun at the Kids Park, a modified version of the Adventure Park. Courses are only a few feet off the ground to make it easy for kids between aged 4 to 7. Canopy tours are offered Friday through Sunday, while Adventure Park and Kids Park are open Saturday and Sunday.

Ultimate Zipline Adventures

Distance From: Cleveland (191 miles) | Columbus (52 miles) | Cincinnati (152 miles)

As a kid, did you ever dream of joining the circus to perform on the high wire? The full course at Ultimate Zipline Adventures is even more satisfying than your childhood fantasy. After a training session, you'll head up into the trees to tackle 16 ziplines and 23 high rope activities, completing many of the obstacles while suspended in the air. Zipline purists may prefer the Apex course, which skips the first half of the full course. You'll still get a lot of action packed into seven zip lines, including a set of dual racing lines. Kids under the age of 10 have their own fully supervised course, which features three ziplines and 12 rope activities. Ultimate Zipline Adventures is open Wednesday through Sunday for all courses.

Valley Zipline Tours

Distance From: Cleveland (176 miles) | Columbus (37 miles) | Cincinnati (137 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Regular ziplining not exciting enough for you? Valley Zipline Tours has the answer. Their course starts with five fairly conventional lines, ranging from 15 to 40 feet above ground. Then you move to the 1,000-foot-long "monster" line, which hovers 120 feet in the air. Speeds can reach up to 40 MPH. The next leg pits you head-to-head against another member of your group on side-by-side 700-foot racing lines. Finish your tour gliding at upwards of 50 MPH on the signature 1,400-foot line spanning the entire course. Newbies can opt for the Tree Top Tour, consisting of the first six lines of the main tour. Having too much fun to stop? Upgrade to the main tour on the spot. Mini Zip tours are available for kids aged 5-7. 

Sports Plus Zipline Park

Distance From: Cleveland (237 miles) | Columbus (95 miles) | Cincinnati (17 miles)

Feel the adrenaline rush of ziplining during any season of the year at Sports Plus Zipline Park. The family-friendly indoor facility houses three state-of-the-art ziplines that cover more than 200 feet. With ten 30-foot rock-climbing walls and 10,000 square feet of trampolines as well, you may never come back down to earth! Sports Plus is open Friday through Sunday with three available time slots each day.

Up, Up and Away

From Superman to Captain Marvel, flying is the iconic superpower. If you could fly, where's the first place you would go?

Are your weekends sometimes so activity-packed that you welcome Monday's return to work just to catch your breath? As Mother Nature shows off her splendor one last time before winter sets in, fall is a great time to plan a restful weekend getaway far from the bright lights of the big city. Recharge your batteries at one of these delightful cabins within convenient distance from your home in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. 

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Distance From: Cleveland (198 miles) | Columbus (58 miles) | Cincinnati (138 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Getting back to nature doesn't have to mean giving up your favorite leisure-time amenities. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls features charming 1840s cabins nestled deep in a natural setting that includes trees, caves, rock formations, and waterfalls. A log cabin also houses Kindred Spirits, the Inn's casual fine-dining restaurant with an open kitchen layout and seasonally enclosed patio. Enhance your feeling of serenity with a massage, body wrap, and other pampering treatments at the onsite spa. Visit the website for information on special packages and promotions.

Antler Ridge Cabin

Distance From: Cleveland (174 miles) | Columbus (92 miles) | Cincinnati (193 miles)

Get up close and personal with nature at the appropriately-named Antler Ridge Cabin. Sightings of deer, turkey, foxes, and other wildlife let you know you're miles away from the city. At night, sit on the deck and relax to the ambient sounds of owls, frogs, and crickets. Semi-guided deer and turkey hunting tours are offered in season. Antler Ridge has three luxury cabins, the newest of which sleeps up to 12 people. Amenities in all three include air conditioning, washer/dryer, TVs and DVD players, outdoor gas grills, and fully-equipped kitchens. 

Ash Ridge Cabins

Distance From: Cleveland (190 miles) | Columbus (48 miles) | Cincinnati (127 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Looking for some quality time with your significant other? With four cabins built for two, Ash Ridge Cabins is designed with couples in mind. Located minutes from Hocking Hills State Park but far from urban life, Ash Ridge is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities by day followed by a quiet evening indoors. Furniture in all four cabins is custom-built by local Amish craftsmen. Maple Lane, Lovers Loft, and Sweetheart Cabins are equipped with brand-new game rooms and indoor hot tubs, while Cuddle Bug Cottage has a game room and open-air hot tub. Spacious windows in all units allow plenty of natural light along with spectacular views.  

Tranquil Acres Cabins

Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (87 miles) | Cincinnati (194 miles)

Do you feel like it's impossible to truly get away in our wired world? With no TVs or WiFi service, Tranquil Acres Cabins lets you go off the grid and tune in to nature. The five cabins are situated at least 350 feet apart for a welcome sense of solitude. For larger groups, Sleepy Bear Cabin has a new basement suite that includes a second bathroom and kitchenette. Another recent addition is a pavilion overlooking the catch-and-release fishing pond. Spend the day exploring the nature trails on the grounds, then unwind in your private hot tub or sitting in front of your remote-controlled gas fireplace. 

Mohican State Park

Distance From: Cleveland (83 miles) | Columbus (72 miles) | Cincinnati (179 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Like many areas in Northeast Ohio, Mohican State Park owes its spectacular scenery to the Ice Age. More than 14,000 years ago, glaciers traveled across the landscape, carving gorges and creating mineral and rock deposits. Mohican's centerpiece, Clear Fork Gorge, plummets 300 feet deep and measures more than 1,000 feet across at its top. The park has several recently remodeled two-bedroom cabins along the Clear Fork River, some where pets are permitted, that sleep up to six guests. Anglers flock to Mohican for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and brown trout. If you want more active pursuits, check out the park's numerous hiking and biking trails, some of which pass the Gorge as well as two waterfalls and a covered bridge.

Punderson State Park

Distance From: Cleveland (33 miles) | Columbus (157 miles) | Cincinnati (265 miles)

Anchored by a stunning 150-acre natural "kettle" lake, Punderson State Park offers a wide range of activities to satisfy all ages. Rent a boat at the marina for a day of fishing or sightseeing out on the water. If you want more lively pursuits, challenge family and friends to traditional golf, disc golf, volleyball, basketball, or horseshoes. Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike and hit the 11 miles of trails, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife or bird sightings. Each of the park's 26 cabins sleeps up to six guests and pets are allowed at some.

Possum Lodge Cabins

Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (107 miles) | Cincinnati (211 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Could there be a more authentic name for a rustic cabin than Possum Lodge? While the cabin itself is in a woodsy, secluded setting, the location offers easy access to a diverse assortment of activities. Nearby Salt Fork State Park, bookended by two lakes, provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Zipline tours, wineries, and quaint towns to explore are all within a 30-minute drive. The roomy cabin is designed to be a "home away from home" with a luxurious great-room layout that includes a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace and satellite TV. Front and rear covered porches hold a gas grill and tavern-style seating so you can enjoy the views while dining or simply lounging with a cold drink and good book.

Kaspar's Lake Breeze Cabins

Distance From: Cleveland (79 miles) | Columbus (123 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)

Historic Marblehead Peninsula is one of Northeast Ohio's more popular getaway spots. Kaspar's Lake Breeze Cabins, located on the shores of Lake Erie, makes a comfortable home base for exploring the many attractions of the area. Marblehead Lighthouse stands guard less than a mile away, while legendary amusement park Cedar Point is visible directly across Sandusky Bay. Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay, are only an hour away by ferry. All cabins are fully furnished, including color TVs and free WiFi service. Ask about nightly rentals during fall months.

Coblentz Country Cabins

Distance From: Cleveland (75 miles) | Columbus (91 miles) | Cincinnati (207 miles)

 

 

 

 

 

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Amish Country is an appealing blend of culture, history and scenery. Immerse yourself in the full experience with a stay at Coblentz Country Cabins. Situated on a gentle hillside overlooking a pond, the cabins are less than 1/4-mile from downtown Berlin and its collection of antique malls, craft and gift shops, and vintage clothing boutiques. There's even a classic general store where you can find anything from gourmet food products to home decor items. Seven cabins offer lodging for up to 10 guests, with amenities including hot tubs, fireplaces, TVs, and full kitchens.

Cabin in the Woods

What's the one must-have item you take along on a country getaway?

We love our pawpaws here in Cincinnati. Farmers sell them at local markets. Clever cooks make pawpaw chutney and jam. Local craft brewers even make small-batch pawpaw beers when the fruit is in season. It's a unique fruit, with a creamy avocado-like texture and a flavor that some describe as a cross between mango and banana. But if you're not from Ohio or Kentucky, there's a good chance you've never heard of one of America's most abundant native fruits. 

That's probably because of their brief season, short shelf life, and readiness to bruise make them all but impossible to ship outside their native region. But if you live in Cincinnati, there's a good chance you have pawpaws growing right in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees at these beautiful Cincy area parks this fall.  

French Park 

3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237

 

 

 

 

 

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Once the vast estate of Herbert Greer French, the land now known as French Park has been a popular hiking spot in Cincinnati for the better part of a century. In addition to the park's handsome brick manor, the park includes 275 acres of woods, wetlands, and meadows with a lovely 2.9-mile loop trail. The terrain is moderately hilly, and pawpaw trees are fairly common understory plants along the trail. Watch for the trees' distinctive large, oblong leaves, and for the fruit itself, which is green, kidney-shaped, and grows in clusters. 

Sharon Woods

11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241

A beautiful 730-acre park just 25 minutes from the heart of Cincinnati, Sharon Woods is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The park also includes a small lake that offers great fishing and kayaking opportunities. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees along the lakeshore as you paddle around! They love to grow in wet, low-lying areas. Sharon Woods is home to several beautiful hiking trails as well, including a 2.6-mile paved pathway that encircles the lake. Pawpaws have also been seen growing along the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail. 

Shawnee Lookout

2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend, OH 45052

 

 

 

 

 

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Tucked away in Ohio's southwestern-most corner, Shawnee Lookout offers rich history and splendid scenery. The park overlooks the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys, with some truly exceptional views, especially as the leaves begin to change in fall. Shawnee Lookout is most famous for its Native American earthworks and historic Springhouse School and Log Cabin, but also offers a wealth of peaceful hiking trails where you can often spot pawpaws in bloom. Keep an eye out for the fruit along the 1.4-mile Miami Fort Trail in particular. 

Ault Park

5090 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Most Cincinnatians know Ault Park as the site of local events like the Concours d' Elegance Car Show and the city's annual 4th of July festivities. Although the spectacular open-air pavilion and gardens of Ault Park may be the most well-known features of this Cincinnati green space, there's more to explore when you go off the beaten path. The more secluded corners of Ault Park offers a maze of nature trails that traverse shady woods, hills, valleys, and streams. Pawpaws are a common sight along many of the trails, particularly low-lying areas along the Valley Trail and Brook Trail. 

Burnet Woods

3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220

 

 

 

 

 

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Pawpaws grow profusely along the shady slopes of Burnet Woods, one of Cincy's most deeply forested parks. Located a stone's throw from the University of Cincinnati campus, Burnet Woods encompasses 90 acres of quiet woodlands that are popular among locals for bird watching and dog walking. It won't take you long to spot pawpaw trees along the park's shady hiking trails. They're especially common near the small lake at the heart of Burnet Woods, which is also a great spot for catch-and-release fishing if you're so inclined. 

Caldwell Preserve

430 W North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216

Caldwell Preserve, also known as the Caldwell Nature Center, is a great place to experience the landscape of Ohio as it may have looked before settlers arrived. A mix of old-growth forest and newer plantings, the preserve includes some dense stands of pawpaw trees, often shaded beneath a towering canopy of mature beech, walnut, and oaks. Keep an eye out for pawpaws as you hike the nature trail through the Mill Creek Valley. 

Rowe Woods

4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150

 

 

 

 

 

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One of a handful of properties across Hamilton County that are collectively managed as the Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods spans over 1,000 acres just east of the city. It's a spectacular resource for nature lovers, including a 65-acre tract of old-growth forest and 14 miles of hiking trails that explore a wide range of habitats. The woods are popular among bird watchers and wildflower aficionados, and there are plenty of opportunities to see pawpaws here. Keep in mind that harvesting and foraging are not allowed; look but don't pick! Admission to Rowe Woods is free for Cincinnati Nature Center Members, and there is a small fee for non-members. 

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, Mt. Airy Park has the distinction of being Cincinnati's largest park. It's also one of the oldest urban reforestation parks in America and has been one of Cincinnati's most prized outdoor resources since 1911. The park includes many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, all of which traverse an amazing diversity of habitats, from hardwood and conifer forests to meadows and wetlands. You can frequently spot pawpaws along the shady wooded slopes leading down to creek bottoms. 

Savor the Flavor

Pawpaws are ripe for only a brief time, so don't miss it! Here in the Cincinnati area, the fruit is usually in its prime in late September, though it can be a little different every year. If you find some in a park we forgot to mention, be sure to let us know in the comments section below!

If ever there was a summer when we could all use a day on the golf course, it's this one. In the midst of a year that will long be remembered for face masks and Zoom meetings, a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors feels more precious than ever.

Did we mention that August is National Golf Month? When you get down to it, there may be no better game than golf for the times we're living through. You're outside, you can easily maintain social distancing, and you get to release some tension by hitting a ball really, really hard. We recommend doing just that at these Cincinnati area golf courses. 

Woodland Golf Course

5820 Muddy Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Nik Hoobler (@nikhs13) on Sep 3, 2018 at 10:02am PDT

Woodland Golf Course is one of Cincinnati's true hidden gems. The 9-hole executive golf course at Woodland makes it a favorite of families, newcomers to the game, and anyone with an hour or two to kill before they have to head back to the office. It's fun, family-friendly, and affordable. Plus, if you're looking to try something new and exciting, Woodland is also home to an 18-hole footgolf course (think of it as a combination of golf and soccer) that has a reputation as one of the best in the Midwest.

Blue Ash Golf Course

4040 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241

 

 

 

 

 

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Public golf courses sometimes get a bad rap for being unkempt and poorly maintained. But Blue Ash Golf Course, often cited as one of Cincinnati's finest public courses, makes a strong argument to the contrary. With a reputation for being professionally and regularly maintained, Blue Ash Golf Course offers a fun and relaxing course that can challenge golfers of all skill levels. Golf Digest ranked Blue Ash Golf Course among the 75 best municipal golf courses in America. There are also terrific views to be had from just about any hole on this 18-hole, par-72 course. 

California Golf Course

5924 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45228

 

 

 

 

 

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Another of the top public courses in the city, California Golf Course lies on the east side of Cincinnati, on sloping terrain that overlooks the broad expanse of the Ohio River. You'd be hard-pressed to find a city-owned course with a better view. It's a fun 18-hole course, with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. California Golf Course is also one of Cincinnati's longest municipal golf courses, with 6,227 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70.

Hickory Woods Golf Course

1240 Hickory Woods Dr., Loveland, OH 45140

 

 

 

 

 

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Nestled in the community of Loveland, Ohio—about 15 miles northeast of the Cincinnati city limits—Hickory Woods Golf Course is a spot that keeps golfers coming back time and time again. That's partly thanks to the picturesque scenery at Hickory Woods, but also because of its notoriously challenging greens, especially in the back nine. The course makes for a great weekend getaway, equally welcoming to rookies and seasoned golf veterans, and can test just about anyone's skill. 

Devou Park Golf Course

1201 Park Dr., Covington, KY 41011

 

 

 

 

 

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Devou Park Golf Course lies just over the Ohio line in Covington, Kentucky. One of its most striking features is its scenic hilltop location, which offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline. It's also a favorite haunt for local bird watchers, nestled among the rolling hills of Devou Park and right under a major flyway, and is a certified Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The staff is friendly and experienced, and the 18-hole course feels secluded and peaceful, despite being convenient to both cities. 

Aston Oaks Golf Club

1 Aston Oaks Dr., North Bend, OH 45052

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Keegan Haag (@keeganhaag) on Jul 6, 2020 at 6:44am PDT

Frequently ranked among the best golf courses in Cincinnati, Aston Oaks Golf Club is a favorite of golfers from across the region. But it's a challenge. With swift greens and rolling fairways, the course is situated on a beautiful landscape that both transfixes and tests golfers of all skill levels. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the course at Aston Oaks Golf Club offers some truly magnificent scenery. It's perched above the Ohio River, and shaded by majestic white oaks and hickory trees. The 18-hole course features 6,908 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a par of 72.

The Vineyard Golf Course

600 Nordyke Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Robbie Huff (@huffstuff06) on Oct 10, 2018 at 5:46am PDT

Although its location on the far east side of Cincinnati might make it seem like a bit of a far-flung destination for some, the Vineyard Golf Course has a lot of great features that attract golfers from all over. A lot of it has to do with the course's handsome scenery, with gently rolling fairways and well-manicured greens lined with mature trees. It's simply a lovely golf course to look at, but the Vineyard offers up a challenging round as well. It's been called one of the best conditioned daily fee courses in Cincinnati and is a favorite of locals and visiting golfers alike. 

Twin Oaks Golf Course

450 E. 43rd St., Covington, KY 41015

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Liz Deardorff (@lizdeardorff1) on Jul 11, 2020 at 1:43pm PDT

One of the finest public courses in the region on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, Twin Oaks Golf Course is known for its palatial Southern-style clubhouse as well as its beautifully maintained 18-hole, par-70 course. Twin Oaks was built in 1927 and is still one of the best places in Northern Kentucky to enjoy a day on the links. With a mixture of mature trees sprinkled throughout the course, as well as its fair share of sand and water obstacles, it's always a fun challenge. 

Avon Fields Golf Course

4081 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Bill Weir (@bill_weir1) on Jul 29, 2020 at 7:37am PDT

Avon Fields Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-66 course that's been challenging local golfers since it opened to the public in 1914. It's not only the oldest golf course in Cincinnati, but the oldest municipal golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains. It offers a fun and challenging game of golf to this day, but also has an immense amount of history on its fairways. Avon Fields has historically been very important to the city's African-American community and was one of the few courses in town that didn't discriminate based on race during the era of segregation. 

Par for the Course

Did we forget to mention your favorite golf course in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area? Let us know in the comments section below!