Trail Mix

The Ohio River Scenic Byway is proof that not all trails need to be tackled on foot. Best experienced by car, this route includes several pullouts, parks, and points of interest along the way that offer opportunities to get out and explore. Spanning 14 counties in southern Ohio, this byway encompasses the entire length of the Ohio River in Ohio (452 miles); noteworthy sites include Freedom’s Landing, the Rankin House, and John P. Parker House Museum, a trio of historic places perfect for history buffs.

An underrated gem in Southwest Ohio, Stonelick State Park covers 1,000 acres of land and 200 acres of water, with four hiking and biking trails traversing this gorgeous oasis. At just 3.5 miles long, the Southwoods Trail is an easy trek for families, while the 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail is perfect for more intermediate hikers. Insider tip: Stay after dark and enjoy some of the best stargazing in Clermont County!

The Ohio River Trail is a shared-use path stretching from Clermont County into eastern part of Greater Cincinnati to southeast Indiana in the west. It follows the Ohio River, and while avid hikers could certainly make an afternoon out of the full 6-mile stretch, families or new kayakers can start at Sawyer Point Playground and end at Carol Ann’s Carousel for a very accessible, mile-long walk full of landmarks and of course, lots of riverboats.

Beloved by paddlers (kayaking past the Loveland Castle is a must on any Clermont County itinerary), the Little Miami River also offers plenty of opportunities for non-aquatic recreation, thanks to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Park in Downtown Loveland or Milford and enjoy a stroll or ride along the Little Miami—make a day out of it by planning a meal at one of the many trailside restaurants, ice cream shops, and breweries.

One of the largest and most well-known state parks in Ohio, East Fork State Park is a 7,480-acre playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Rolling hills blanketed in native flora and a stunning lake make this park exciting to explore in any season, whether it’s by foot, bike, kayak, or even horseback. Best known for hiking, East Fork State Park has the most trails of any Ohio State Park, with routes ranging from half mile to 33 miles, flat to hilly, beginner to advanced. East Fork also offers access to the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail, a six-mile route that connects several of Southwest Ohio’s most charming communities and scenic spots.

The Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) is a hidden gem in Clermont County that’s an Edenic paradise of native flora and fauna. Throughout its 1,800 acres (99 of which are old-growth forest), there are several scenic trails that offer hiking opportunities for all ages and abilities. A new feature that deserves mention: the Ear-nocular. At first glance, it appears to be a large barrel located just off the Wildflower Trail (near the intersection of Wildflower and Geology Trails), but it’s designed to amplify the subtle sounds of nature. Climb inside and listen to birdsong, rustling leaves, and babbling streams—it’s a lovely place for reflection, mindfulness, and connection to the natural world.

When Bethel native Steve Newman set off to walk around the world himself in 1983, he wasn’t trying to win a record or set a record. He just wanted to explore the world and connect with the people in it. After four years, he returned home and completed his journey at Clermont County’s East Fork State Park. Today’s 33-mile loop around the park’s eponymous lake is named the Steve Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail. It also happens to be the longest trail system in Ohio’s state parks.

While that in itself is a fitting homage to Newman, who is now an author and public speaker, you can learn even more about him and his walk via the trail. Along the Steve Newman Worldwalker Trail, signs will feature QR codes that hikers can scan to hear recordings of Newman reading his letters from his travels, which were published in many newspapers at the time. To make the whole trail more accessible, the signs help break it into 10 regions that correspond with the regions of Newman’s hike. The Steve Newman Audio Trail will officially be launched in spring 2026 as part of America 250 celebrations.