We was planning to go to the middle creek park, but GPS lead us to this park. Strange! There is one trail beside the parking lot. It's a loop and quite nice walk. The first half is mostly uphill, will be a little exhausting, but the 2nd half is much easier. There is an overlook area, but not much view. read more

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I went looking for this site, and almost turned back when I saw a sign stating the road was Posted No Trespassing. I stopped to ask a nearby homeowner, who promised the trailhead was just beyond the outdated sign. It was, all official with signage and a parking area. It's a nice trail, clearly marked and with several benches along the way. It's a loop of about a mile and a half, which ends by the creek. There's no real vista while the leaves are still on the trees, perhaps in winter? Maybe I'll make it back to find out! read more

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I love this hiking trail! It was one of the first I ever did, and it' what made me fall in love with the activity. Parking can be a little dicey because the entrance is on a long one-car road and there is only room for about 5 cars. I've never seen it be too full though, so it shouldn't be too big an issue! The trail itself is a loop, so if you follow it there's no way to get lost! (Which is perfect because I get lost way to easily!) And if you ever get bored of the trail, you could always just do it backwards! When they say cliffs they really mean it. The hike can be super steep at times, but it's worth the views from the cliffs. Plus, they make for great pictures! This will become a staple in my hiking rotation. read more

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This 74 acre state nature preserve is owned by The Nature Conservancy, an international non-profit agency dedicated to preserving ecologically important lands and waters. Boone Cliffs is a wonderful retreat into the pristine backwoods of Kentucky yet is only a short scenic drive (about 20-30 minutes) from Interstate 75. The "cliffs' of this park rise 20- to 40-feet above the valley floor, creating a scenic view of the flora and fauna below. Hiking, photography, birdwatching and nature study are welcome at Boone Cliffs. However, rappelling, rock-climbing, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV riding are strictly prohibited. Pets are also prohibited from the park. The preserve sits toward the back of a residential road and isn't very well marked. The beginning of the trail is easy to navigate for hikers of most skill levels. Over two miles of trails are appropriate for moderate to advanced hikers, with several steep slopes near the top of the cliffs. A rudimentary map is available at the trailhead, though it isn't overly helpful. Plants such as slippery elm, white ash, and basswood can be located in the forest, while redback and dusty salamanders, as well as over 90 species of birds, can be spotted in their natural habitat. I highly recommend nature lovers check out Boone Cliffs, one of the most idyllic preserves in Greater Cincinnati. read more

Boone Cliffs State Nature Preserve - Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy's website - Hiking Near Me - Burlington, Kentucky

This was an awesome hiking spot. Great, great views and a very well kept trail made this a must see for any serious hiker or outdoors person. I wouldn't recommend this for families with young children because of some tricky spots on high, rocky hills that would be a bit dangerous for young children. But the views are absolutely breathtaking if you're willing to work you way up to them. I loved it. read more

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Getting out to Boone County Cliffs is a bit off the beaten path, but I'm already planning on going back when I have more time to hike this again as well as the nearby Dinsmore Homestead. The road getting out here IS two way and from experience, 2 cars will (barely) fit. The parking lot will be on your left and it is tiny, but paved now, and right at the trailhead. This is a pretty straightforward 2.5 mile loop trail with an incline at the start, a hike around the ridge and a trek back downhill to the road. We hiked it in about an hour, but we were moving at a good clip. There are plenty of benches along the trail to rest or take in the gorgeous scenery, which had the sun not been setting, I would have loved to do because it's stunning landscape. Wildflowers were blooming at the end of the trail next to a creek, and we even spotted a handful of deer just off the main road in. One of the cool things about this preserve is just how remote it is. It's one of the first parks I've been to in a while where you don't even get a hint of "civilization" noise. No traffic noises, soccer or baseball field noise, just the sound of your feet crunching over leaves and the rustling of the wind in the treetops. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Wow! Wow! Wow! This place is fabulous! If you want a fantastic workout in the presence of nature, this is the place to be! Burlington's #1 Best kept secret! Just a little piece of heaven! Great place to make family memories! Enjoyed every minute! Come prepared & bring the water! This is a good hike! read more

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The atmosphere: This is a small parking pad and a trailhead on the side of the road that is the entrance to fairy land. The trail: This is a steep trail. The first half of the walk is staight up. It is absolutely worth the minor heart attack. Because this place is seriously off the beaten path we always make an effort to check in before we go. But it is wonderful. A small stream bubbles here and whispers there. Tiny pops of gorgeous colour, yellow, purple, white and of course various shades of green create a beautiful varigated landscape of supreme beauty. When you reach the top of the trail you find yourself out of breath take a moment and catch it again, so the view at the overlook can take it away. My best words cannot do it justice. It must be seen to be believed. It is a fantastic gem. The trails are well kept. It is obviously lovingly kept by a caretaker. A small hiking preserve to make Kentucky proud. The jist: my husband and I come here often and so should you. It is a wonderfully enjoyable few hours. read more

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This park is a gem. It's located in the back of the back end of nowhere - I seriously thought I had a bad address and was looking for a spot to turn around when I came across the gravel parking lot and the wooden State Park placard/kiosk in between two houses. For being a State Nature Preserve, no one seems to be entirely sure who is responsible for it. The County says it belongs to The Nature Conservancy, the Nature Preserve says it belongs to the County Parks system, the State says it belongs to the County Fiscal Court, and no one has an adequate website for it -although the County Parks office did have a respectable map. Not that you'd need one, as visitors are required to stay on the trails. Trail. Singular. Perhaps for this reason, it receives a staggering lack of attention. A few years ago a large tree once fell at the trailhead, totally concealing it to all but very careful examination, or unless you already knew where it was. And it stayed concealed for six months until I got disgusted and brought tools with me on my next visit. The facilities boasted are a grand total of two benches. If you visit, you may be frustrated by the evidence of several other, longer trails, now closed to the public. Curious after several visits, I followed one (shh!) and discovered that the often-cited "fragile nature of the environment" had washed the old trail right off of a hillside, and it was apparently too much work to re-route the trail, dig out the old one, or build stairs. So the public is stuck with the one ridge trail. After all that, you ask, how can this park still get 5 stars? Because it's *gorgeous*! The cliffs are a relic of the Ice Age, a form of natural concrete, identical to the more famous Split Rock conservation park in Petersburg. The trail is stunningly beautiful, listed as a "moderate", and makes for a very pleasant but still challenging walk or jog. And because of its location and layout (not to mention the size of the parking lot) you're all but guaranteed never to see anyone else while you're there. read more

Good to get some walking steps in! Great wooded shaded area. Perfect for quiet time and nature lovers

Very nice, out of the way, peaceful escape. The beauty of the woods is amazing, and the cliffs feature is pretty cool. Never thought such a little hidden gem existed in this area. Not much parking so carpool if you go with a group. Several trails closed which was disappointing. But you can sit up here, take in the surroundings, listen to / watch birds and wildlife, and other than the occasional jet passing over, you'll forget you're so close to home. Not much as far as "amenities". A nice bench will greet you on your way up for a nice rest. I didn't venture the entire trail but am pleased to report that where I was I found to be clean. A few pieces of miscellany garbage was noted near the trail head / parking area. Don't bring small kids with you... they'll tire. read more

Looking for a great hike that virtually no one else knows about? Here it is! It's a great trail and it's perfect to teach kids about the local environment. While you're there, I suggest you head down to Dinsmore as it's also a great find! read more

Awesome hike! This is a great beginners trail nestled in the back woods. I have lived here for twenty years and never knew this place existed! Super glad we found it. We Have been back several times for a nice easy hike. read more

Trail was clear... Nice walk in the woods. No one else there which was great. There were no views of anything. Other than the steep walk at the beginning, you wouldn't know there were cliffs around. We walked it in about an hour. read more