A beautiful park that's has more to offer than it seems. Theu have swings and slides in the front but the best part is the trail and once you walk it you'll see some pretty greenery and a creek. Make sure you wear gym shoes you you can walk down near the creek and just look at how beautiful the area is. read more

I have been eager to get to this park for a while and finally explored it by myself the other day. If you want a nice field to picnic in, if you want to do some hiking, if you want a creek, this is the place to be. There was a group of kids that was having a great time walking in the creek. While there is a path right next to the creek, if you have shoes that are good with water, I say just go and walk right in the creek. It's a little under a mile long and you can see little fish, I've heard you might be able to spot a turtle, and I saw a snake! There are other trails that veer off from the creek and there's a good amount of up and down. There are swings and a big shelter with picnic tables scattered around. read more

French Park - The creek can be pretty dry in some places (late July) - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Interesting park. There seems to be one way in, and one way out. The park is a mix of nature trails, older playground equipment, green spaces and an event space. The event space is a stately old home. It looks to have been the grand home of the original land owner. Several places to park may be found throughout. The largest parking area is up near the event space. During our vist, a wedding was going on. The event space does look to be handicap accessible. We did not investigate further due to the wedding. Nature trails are fair to heavily wooded. The deeper one hikes the more shade that is present. The trails that we hiked had a good amount of soil loss due to water erosion. These lines show water flowing down the trail, and not into the creek. Crevices carved into the trails did make it harder to walk at times; particularly for our youngest hiker. I sliped once, and they fell three times. If we venture here again as a family, it probably wouldn't be for the trails. Our meandering from trail to trail did take us to a creek bed. What looks to have once been a sizeable creek, (based on the width of the bed, and the height of the shore around it,) is now a rocky path with pools of water. There microcosms are fascinating. We stoped at several of the small ponds. Some had small fish between the size of my pinky and index finger. These fish seemed cautiously curious about people. The fish appeared to be trapped in these pools. Hopefully the creek fills more than it is during heavy rains. An old well, and other carved out areas show how drastically different water levels once were. It would be interesting to observe after a series of heavy rains. The creek may be accessed from a staircase near one of the larger parking lots. read more

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To me French Park gets a definite, "meh" rating when compared to some of the grand Cincinnati core parks. The upside: they allow dogs The downside: they allow dogs COVID-19 French Park challenge: keep 6 feet of social distancing while dodging cars and doggo land mines. The park is a bit unlandscaped (which could be part of the appeal), but it just doesn't compare in walkability/explorability to Mt. Airy / Ault / Alms / Mt. Echo / Eden (to name a few). The road is narrow and on busy days, you're constantly trying to dodge cars going one way or another... in some ways it's just worse than taking a normal walk on a public sidewalk. We have so many beautiful parks in the Cincinnati core that I'm not sure French makes it too high on my list. It's a great thing, because it's a great park - just not great in comparison to our other options (IMO). read more

This park is for those with pets and those who are not looking for a manicured trail. If you're looking for a nice stroll without fuss, there are the zillion other Cincy parks to choose from. If you're ready for a slightly dusty (or muddy if winter) walk with a few slips and slides (or a trail run), this is the place. And, if you have a trained and obedient furry friend that wants to run off leash for a little bit, this is the unspoken place (shhhhh!!) to do that (deeper into the trails). Don't get me wrong, you still need to have a leash with you at all times when entering and exiting the park with your dog, but there is a little more understanding from the frequent visitors if you let your dog run wild a little bit. The trails are marked but it's really like walking through the woods because nothing is paved. You can pick your distance in terms of the markers and if you want some elevation change, there is the option. Over 10 years and we've seen kids play in the creek, dogs run happily and trail runners do their thing. It's been amazing to watch the seasons change coming here weekly. French Park was our 15 year old dog's favorite park and we loved coming here so much we took our engagement photos (with our dog!) here. You can't go wrong. There are some picnic tables up at the top of the hill and the main house can be rented for events. Parking isn't too bad but can get crowded at times during peak sunny days. There isn't really a playground here except for an old swing set, so manage your expectations in terms of "park" (note: if you're looking for a playground type park go down Ridge toward Oakley and the CRC has a big playground there). read more

A fantastic park for hiking in the woods! And it's only minutes from the house. I have only been here twice and both trails have been beautiful but also a bit slippery in places so be careful. There's hills and valleys and streams you can cross so have fun. I'm not sure how many trails there are but you can see it in google maps to get an idea. It doesn't seem that big but once you get going down a trail you lose track of time. There is also a picnic area and even a place you can reserve for parties. It's very picturesque if you're into the nature thing. Have fun! read more

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Going here with my grandparents when I was little probably makes me a little biased, but I love this park! Never too crowded, and it's clean and quiet. You can relax, read, have a picnic or play ball with your 4 legged friend. They have hiking trails to. You can park at a few different spots depending on where you're going and there is only one way entrance in and one way exit out of the park. The park is patrolled frequently by local police. read more

Very pretty park, and so close to downtown! I've driven the roads surrounding this park so many times, but never realized this was here. As far as amenities, this park has pretty much everything. There's a playground, picnic area, large open lawn, gardens, trails and even a beautiful historic home that hosts events. We were there for hiking though, and the trails are pretty fun here. It was a much easier hike than some Cincinnati parks and the majority of the paths are wide and flat. It also alternates nicely between open meadow and wooded trail. Plus it's dog friendly (on a leash)! It was PACKED the Tuesday we went, and there were a bunch of people on the trails and hanging out on the lawn. Overall, a very pretty park tucked away right in the thick of it all! read more

French Park - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Such an adorable little park. We were married here in 2011 and had such an amazing wedding there! This is a Cincinnati Park, so if you're planning an event there you have to abide by all of their rules and regulations, but it was an overall good experience. I love all of the trails at this park, perfect for hikes and fun- also good for photoshoots (for any photographers out there). The house itself is amazing inside-- so conducive to getting ready for weddings! Great staircase and first floor, perfect for any small events (like banquets). read more

French Park - The house at French Park! This is the view from the garden area. - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Terrific Cincinnati Park with gurgling streams, multiple hiking trails & varied terrain, a beautiful shelter house, a special events center in The French House (a beautiful mansion that can be rented), playgrounds, grills, picnic tables & more. read more

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If you are ever in the Amberley Village area, stop by French Park. French Park is off of Section Road, right near Ridge Road, and it has lots of historical significance according to the webpage on the City of Cincinnati's website. The 275-plus acre park was given to the city in 1943 by Herbert Greer French, although it was originally purchased from Congress by James Cleves Symmes about 200 years ago. Although it is big in size, a lot of it is just nature as there are a ton of trees and a ton of areas untouched by people. There are, however, a couple areas with swing sets/play areas, a creek where you can go creeking (because that's what you do in creeks of course), plenty of path-space to go walking or jogging, there are several benches under trees that are perfect for reading or even napping, and there is a shelter at the very top of the hill which is great for picnics. Actually, some people even have weddings at the very green and beautiful park. The French house is still there near the top of the hill too. On the whole, French Park is more scenic atop its hill than it is a place for fun and games, but the peaceful park is still a great place to spend a few hours alone or with the family. If sports are more of your thing, not all that far from French Park is another little park with tennis courts and a couple baseball fields. read more

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The park provides ample parking. The big loop around the park gives you a little over 3 miles of hiking if you do the whole loop. Then you can take the creek trail for another 1/2 mile or so. The are also plenty of spots for picnic's and a few places for kids to play. They also do wedding there. Restrooms were not open for some reason. read more

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French Park has such lovely tree-lined trails. It's a gem! I've only taken the D trail thus far and it's a perfect loop even giving you a chance to be a lookie-loo at some gorgeous adjacent houses. It also has the great advantage of having both a closely wooded part and one that widens into a gravel road. I'll definitely be back to check out some of other trails. read more

French Park - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I grew up at this park and had many-a-picnic/-cross country practice here. It isn't the best kept park but it has some fun walking trails and there are so many newts and crawdads to find under rocks! I used to ride my bike with my friends and we would just play in the creek for hours, and even slide down some of the mud hills when you walk up the trail a ways. The hills are great for sledding (if the snow ever sticks anymore) and the picnic area up at the top is great for groups. Not much room for sports like soccer/baseball, but it is a great place to come for a walk/hike/picnic. Don't forget to fly a kite on a windy day! There used to be an organized race on Sundays(i believe) where anyone could show up and it was a 3-loop run that totaled about a 5k. Runners of all types and local high school teams would come to do a training run and it was a great way to meet people. Whether you have kids, a pet, or even yourself, it is a great place to check out. Don't be discouraged if the front parking lot is full. There is more parking up by the French family house, at the top by the group picnic area, and at the bottom of the hill by the exit. read more

I came to French Park to run in my first trail race. The trail race was organized by Bob Roncker's Running Spot. French Park is what I would consider as a forest preserve in Chicago. But, in Cincinnati I am not sure that there is as much of a need for "forest preserves". Most of Cincinnati is rural in comparison to Chicago with many rolling hills and wooded areas. But, French Park is set up like a forest preserve in it that you drive into a designated area with parking for this specific wooded area. There are paths for all your outdoor activities including trail runs. It also has a picnic area that is conducive to family get togethers and cookouts. read more

Love this park it's close to my House and there are plenty of trails to tire my dogs out when they're full of energy. There's also a creek that runs through the park. read more

In terms of hiking, I give this 5 stars, but had to remove one because of lack of play equipment. The trails are awesome and give plenty of opportunity to opt out if you're short on time. I hosted a Hike It Baby Cincinnati hike here because I read about the trails in Cincinnati Day Hikes after having gone to a wedding at the French House over the summer. if you begin the Sierra Trail from the parking lot near the Section Road park exit, you'll be dealing with a steep incline within the first quarter mile. if that isn't your cup of tea, you may want to begin at another trail entrance! read more

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Love taking our pups here to walk on the trails. While some of the bridges and paths could use care, we enjoy having a nice place to walk close to home. read more

French Park - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Best place to hike, gather, and take in the beauty and wonder. Definitely my happy place read more

French Park - French Park Is The Perfect Place For A Healthy Hike And An Eye Full Of Natural Beauty - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is such a simple, pretty park! The grounds/gardens are lovely and the historic French Park house is gorgeous. I recently attended a wedding here- beautiful outdoor ceremony spot and a tented area over astro-turf is set up next to the house for a larger ceremony. Great place for an event, or just for a quiet daytime stroll. read more

I'm a fan of our city parks. And this one was totally off my radar until a friend suggested it. Tucked away, it is a nice little oasis not far from the urban core. Finding it was easy, the entrance is well marked, and parking was easy. This park essentially has one road/driveway that goes through it, so it's not hard keep your bearings. There is open green space, and picnic tables. Spaces that are shady and would be great for a blanket picnic others that are sunny and would be good for kite flying. I saw one swing set but no other play ground equipment (wasn't looking for it). I went into the woods to hike the trails. They were well maintained and easy to find and shaded. I did not see a trail map anywhere, (and the map online, for all city parks, is not terribly helpful) nor were their blazes or distance indicators anywhere that I saw. But, I managed to meander through three of the four trails maybe (they are lettered A-D) for about three miles (according to my phone). There is a creek that runs through and the trails follow, there were kids and parents creeking and out as well. I didn't see the D Trail until I was in my car driving to the exit, I saw a marker/trail head at a parking lot just at the exit. It's not a huge park, so you're not going to get lost, I just like to be a little bit more informed about the distances/routes. I did find one drinking fountain, near the initial entrance/swing set but did not see bathrooms. There may be some near the shelter if you drive all the way up. I'll be back to visit as I continue to try to figure out where the trails go/how many there are. I guess that's part of the exploration! read more

What a beautiful little green space in Cincinnati! My office held a picnic here to kick off summer, and we had such a wonderful time. It only cost us $50 to rent the shelter for an afternoon/early evening, with access to their grills, restrooms, and the full park setting. The view from the pavilion is surprisingly beautiful, the grounds are well-maintained, it's quiet and serene, and a walking trail through the woods is easy to access. It's pet-friendly, but there was no evidence of dogs on the ground anywhere - people seem to really respect the space. On my drive out past the beautiful venue that's set up for more formal events, I stopped to watch a few deer munching on the brush at the side of the driveway - and they weren't bothered by me at all! We plan on hosting many more events after work for our team at this fantastic Cincinnati park. read more

Lovely park. Nice hiking trails. Easily accessible, centrally located. I'm not from Cincinnati, but have to travel here frequently, and this park is an oasis for me in the spring and summer times. Recommended! read more

I have the fondest memories of growing up in cincinnati and going to this park. Spring and fall were spent climbing the trees. In winter,we would park at the bottom and walk to the top and go down on our sleds. We flew kites there, had picnics, and even saw a few sunsets. Would love to get back up there and share the place with my husband and daughter read more

Took my young son on a walk on the trails but it became a terrible experience when 2 dogs aggressively ran up on us. We had to stop and wait for the owners to pull the dogs away. My son was terrified. There is a leash law but people at this park do not obey it. We are going to buy some mace for future walks in local parks. read more