Ohio River Trail Cincinnati
A scenic urban trail along the Ohio River, connecting parks, gardens, and iconic bridges for walking, running, and cycling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy shade and cooler temps
Ohio River Trail Cincinnati
Best Time
Enjoy shade and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic urban trail along the Ohio River, connecting parks, gardens, and iconic bridges for walking, running, and cycling.
"A must-do while in Cincinnati! Scenic views, peaceful vibes, and plenty of space to stroll, roll, or ride."
🎯 Scenic Morning Runs
Perfect for a morning run to see the city without the tourist crowds. Enjoy the shade!
🚲 Bike the Ohio River Trail
Great for cycling, connecting to longer routes like the Ohio to Erie Trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Smale Riverfront Park
Downtown Cincinnati
A vibrant urban oasis with fountains, gardens, and art installations along the river.
Roebling Suspension Bridge
Connects Cincinnati to Covington, KY
Iconic suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the Cincinnati skyline.
Riverside Park
Western Cincinnati
Features sports facilities and serves as a gateway to the western end of the Ohio River Trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Riverfront Vibe
Parking & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Scenic Morning Runs
Perfect for a morning run to see the city without the tourist crowds. Enjoy the shade!
🚲 Bike the Ohio River Trail
Great for cycling, connecting to longer routes like the Ohio to Erie Trail. 
🅿️ Smart Parking Choices
Friendship Park offers 2 hours free parking; Newport also has cheaper options.
📸 Skyline Photo Ops
Capture stunning downtown Cincinnati views, especially near the Roebling Bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Scenic Morning Runs
Perfect for a morning run to see the city without the tourist crowds. Enjoy the shade!
🚲 Bike the Ohio River Trail
Great for cycling, connecting to longer routes like the Ohio to Erie Trail.
🅿️ Smart Parking Choices
Friendship Park offers 2 hours free parking; Newport also has cheaper options.
📸 Skyline Photo Ops
Capture stunning downtown Cincinnati views, especially near the Roebling Bridge.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
A lovely place for a walk with your dog, with plenty of green space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ohio River Trail for its beautiful riverfront scenery, cleanliness, and accessibility. It's a highly recommended spot for walks, runs, and bike rides, offering great views of downtown Cincinnati and the Roebling Suspension Bridge. While parking can sometimes be a concern, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained paths.
"A great walk to experience the riverfront of Cincinnati. Not from the area so this was a great way to see it. Amazing that we started at TM Berry Park with 2 hours of free parking. Destination was the suspension bridge to get a great pic of the downtown. Excellent shade during the morning walk, some nice art, water features and excellent landscaping/gardens - especially near the bridge. Super clean. Walked through a couple of parks as well as past the Bengals and Reds stadiums. Total distance of 3 miles."
N and C Farrell
"Loved the Ohio River Trail!
A must-do while in Cincinnati! Scenic views, peaceful vibes, and plenty of space to stroll, roll, or ride. It’s clean, safe, and the riverfront backdrop is just beautiful. Perfect for a relaxing outing or a bit of exercise. 🌊🚶♀️🛼🧡"
Christina Marsman
"We will always enjoy relaxing on the river. Whether you boat, fish, jet ski, drive, or walk near the river you will enjoy the scenery. The water is super dirty brown and we don't get in, but we love to boat and jet ski in the area."
OUT N' ABOUT
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ohio River Trail is accessible from various points along the riverfront. Key access points include Smale Riverfront Park downtown and Riverside Park to the west. You can also access it from parks like Magrish Riverlands Preserve.
Yes, Reddit users suggest Friendship Park offers two hours of free parking, and there are also cheaper parking options available in Newport across the river.
Yes, the trail connects to Covington, Kentucky, via the Roebling Suspension Bridge, offering a different perspective and access to more parking.
While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited, many downtown access points are reachable via Cincinnati Metro bus routes, allowing you to connect to the trail.
Using a mapping app and searching for 'Ohio River Trail Cincinnati access points' or specific parks like Smale Riverfront Park will help you locate convenient entry points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ohio River Trail is a public park and trail system, so there are no tickets or admission fees required to access and enjoy it.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk, similar to most city parks. Specific park facilities within the trail system may have their own hours.
The riverfront parks along the trail often host events, concerts, and festivals. Check local Cincinnati event listings for specific dates and activities.
Access to the trail, walkways, and general park areas is free. Some specific facilities like sports fields might require reservations or fees for organized use.
While there aren't official rental stations directly on the trail itself, bike rental services are available in downtown Cincinnati, allowing you to bring bikes to the trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic river views, walk or bike through parks with art installations and water features, and see landmarks like the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Absolutely! It's a great walking trail, praised for being clean, safe, and offering beautiful riverfront scenery and landscaping.
Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for a walk with your canine companion. Remember to keep them leashed.
Restroom facilities and water fountains are available in the various parks that the trail passes through, such as Smale Riverfront Park.
The trail features various art installations and sculptures, particularly in Smale Riverfront Park, adding an artistic element to your stroll.
🎫 🚴♀️ Biking & Cycling
Yes, it's highly recommended for cycling, offering scenic routes along the river and connecting to longer trails like the Ohio to Erie Trail.
The Ohio River Trail is an extensive network. The section within Cincinnati connects various parks and extends westward. It's part of longer cycling routes.
The trail is primarily a paved multi-use path, with dedicated lanes for cyclists and separate areas for pedestrians, ensuring a safe cycling experience.
The Ohio River Trail is a segment of the larger Ohio to Erie Trail, which does connect Cincinnati to Cleveland, offering a significant long-distance cycling adventure.
Riding from Smale Riverfront Park towards the Roebling Suspension Bridge and exploring the western sections towards Riverside Park offers varied scenery and points of interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The paved, wide paths are perfect for strollers and little ones learning to ride bikes or scooters. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, stop for a picnic, and take in the sights like the Roebling Suspension Bridge. Remember to bring water and snacks, and consider the free parking options at Friendship Park for a budget-friendly outing.🚴 Budget-Conscious Travelers
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 The paved, well-maintained paths offer a smooth surface for both running and cycling, with plenty of distance to cover and beautiful scenery to keep you motivated.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ohio River Trail by Bike
This makes it ideal for both leisurely day rides and more ambitious multi-day bike touring adventures. The paved paths are well-maintained, providing a smooth ride whether you're on a road bike or a hybrid.When cycling, consider starting at Smale Riverfront Park for easy access to amenities and iconic views. From there, you can head west towards Riverside Park or east towards the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
The trail offers a mix of urban landscapes, passing by stadiums and parks, as well as more natural settings. Remember to check local bike shops for rentals if you don't have your own equipment.For those planning longer journeys, the OTET offers a fantastic way to experience Ohio's diverse scenery, from bustling cities to quiet farmland.
The Ohio River Bike Trail section in Cincinnati is a perfect introduction to this extensive network, promising beautiful views and a refreshing ride.A Stroller's and Walker's Paradise
The paved pathways are smooth and wide, making it easy to navigate with children or for a leisurely stroll. Smale Riverfront Park, a key part of the trail, is particularly noted for its beautiful landscaping, gardens, and interactive water features that kids often enjoy.The trail provides excellent shade during morning walks, making it a comfortable experience even on warmer days.
The gentle incline along the river offers a pleasant workout without being strenuous, perfect for all fitness levels.Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature and the city's waterfront. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxing outing, a brisk walk, or a family adventure, offering beautiful views of the Ohio River and the downtown skyline.
Navigating Parking and Access
While some parking lots near stadiums or popular attractions may charge a premium, especially on game days, these alternatives allow visitors to enjoy the trail without significant expense.
Ultimately, a little planning can ensure a smooth start to your Ohio River Trail experience. Checking local parking regulations and considering nearby neighborhoods can save you time and money, letting you focus on enjoying the scenic riverfront.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit