Great park that is part of the Hamilton County Parks system and requires the affiliated parking pass. It appears that the former golf course may no longer be available. There are several trails, playgrounds, some historic buildings, picnic areas, and extremely clean and well maintained restrooms. We opted for the Miami Fort trail, which offers fascinating signage about the earthworks and mounds that can be seen along parts of the trail, and about the Hopewell and Adena people who constructed them. If you take a close look at the map at the trailhead, it shows you where to look for the fort walls (to your right as you enter the fort, and there is very clear signage on the trail that indicates when you are entering and leaving the fort). We found that helpful for initially orientating ourselves, plus watching for additional signage along the way. The trail is 1.4 miles long, and you can loop all the way around the interior edge of the fort, if desired, or you can go out to the Ohio River Valley Overlook (or do both). We opted to do an out-and-back to the overlook because the other section of the loop seemed a bit overgrown. It's a very pretty forested area, and the overlook is excellent - you can see both Indiana and Kentucky from that point. There's a nice bench to sit and relax. It was definitely a popular spot as we saw several other groups moving along the trail and stopping at the lookout point. Signage at the lookout indicates that the last native group to use the area were the Shawnee, which is how the park's name was chosen. We really enjoyed the historical information and experience the lovely nature on the trail, plus the stunning view! read more

See all

This was a great place for a family hike in Cincinnati. Great scenery and view of the Ohio River.

This is an unusual park which offers a variety of topography. The end of a long road gets one to a hill which is supposedly somehow the remnants of a fort. I didn't quite get the whole story. Another area offered an open schoolhouse, a field of wildflowers, and some boards for throwing axes at. While there was plenty of greenery, the park offered a better view of nearby smokestacks than of the water; some canoe access was kind of a separate area off the main road. It is a place that theoretically requires paying for a permit, though no one seemed to be manning the booth. Maybe they don't charge once summer's over? Regardless, the park has some interesting things and I didn't see all of it, but it seemed better suited for picnic area birthday parties than extended exploration. read more

Shawnee Lookout - Parks Near Me - North Bend, Ohio

See all

This was a fun park. Glad we came here to stretch our legs, after skiing at nearby Perfect North. While we did not do the 1.9 mile walk to see the overlook, we managed to see the Indian Burial mounds, and a couple of old 1800th century buildings. There was also a playground for kids, our little one enjoyed. read more

See all

We just did a quick stop but discovered a burial ground mound, a stone school house, an old cabin. There was also a play ground for our little kid. It is fun and for all! There was still snow in the ground. Probably even better in the summer time. Cool place. We never made it to the overlook tho. Wish we could have! read more

Shawnee Lookout - Parks Near Me - North Bend, Ohio

Decided to check out Shawnee Lookout Park today as we have been going to our usual close by parks and wanted some place new to us. I've been here several times growing up, but it's been a good 20 plus years since my last visit. It hasn't changed a bit. The park is part of a reserve that Indians (Shawnee) have lived, and many artifacts were found here. They have three really nice hiking trails. Today we tried to more challenging one called the Miami Fort Trail. It's about 1.4 miles long and it fairly secluded. Most of the trail is gravel, you won't get too muddy. At the end it opens up to an amazing view of the Ohio River meeting the Great Miami River at Ohio -Indiana border. The park is fairly large and you won't run into to many people as Shawnee Lookout is off the radar of most parks in our area. read more

See all

Beautiful area. Liked the view at the picturesque spot. Cabin area was great. There was a little construction going on at the trail but still loved sharing the scenery with my family. read more

Shawnee Lookout - Plaque at viewpoint - Parks Near Me - North Bend, Ohio

This lookout is simply gorgeous! I brought my two young kids, 2 and 4, to get out and stretch while on a road trip. It was a little off the freeway but worth it. We got out, played at a playscape, drove around the whole park (there is some sort of energy plant nextdoor and they loved the smoke stacks!) We also decided to hike one of the trails. We opted for the Miami Fort Trail which is 1.4 miles. It had a few little hills and some spots close to the edge which required some hand holding for the littles. There were some historic spots along the way and the view at the end was beautiful! It was a great experience. We hiked back and stopped at a restroom within the park briefly before leaving. It's a gorgeous park for beautiful views and light hiking. read more

See all

It's a pretty big park with a long winding road. At the end of the road is an old "fort" which was never used for military purposes. It's basically just more trails. A lot of greenery. All and a nice park with a lot to see read more

See all

My husband and I made a stop here to stretch our legs. The trail overlooking the Ohio River is quite nice. There is a pronounced incline and decline toward the end of one of the trails, so I wouldn't say it's wheelchair-friendly. However, there were parents with small kiddos hiking. All in all, your hike won't be too strenuous. Bonus: Hamilton County restored a log cabin and an old school house, which are both on the grounds. There is also a playground. read more

See all

This place has it all. Trails,woods,hills,river views,hill views and so on. This is my continue reviews of places to carry out date night because that is all we can do in this time. One word of caution maybe not caution? It is back there off route 50. You really drive about 5 miles to get to it. And when you get to the park it is another long drive to get to the end!! There is a nice scenic view of the golf course as soon as you enter the park. Very nice view of a hill overlooking the course. I did not hike but they have plenty of trails. So do go and enjoy this very nice park. read more

Shawnee Lookout - View from my car very nice. - Parks Near Me - North Bend, Ohio

After seeing all the pics we thought this would be a great place to hike with nice views. Unfortunately it was not, the trails were short and no scenic views due to the overgrowth. Maybe late fall or winter would be a better time. Nice park though. read more

See all

While out of the way, Shawnee Lookout is another great parking in the Hamilton County system of parks. Parking is either $3 per car or $10 for the year with a parking pass. A beautiful park. Some great trails. I'm not sure if it is only a driving range or a full fledged golf course. They have a playground for kids not far from a school house and home built in the 1800's. There is only one road through the park. This makes it a little harder to get lost in the park. I took my kids specifically for 1800's Weekend. On this particular weekend, volunteers reenact/ teach visitors about life in the 1800's. I was surprised how much I learned from the event. There were lots of hands on activities for children or children at heart. I overheard one of the volunteers telling a visitor that they do tours on the historic buildings two Sundays a month. Contact the park for details. This park was a little hard to find. I typed the address into the GPS and it said that we had arrived at our destination 3 miles before we got there. When I typed the name of the park into the GPS it took me to where I wanted to go. read more

Shawnee Lookout - Parks Near Me - North Bend, Ohio

See all

Shawnee Lookout definitely lives up to it's name. The overlooks on these trails are absolutely breathtaking. This park is situated between the Ohio River and the Great Miami River, and one particular overlook gives an unreal view of the two rivers coming together. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, volleyball courts, a golf course, archeological museum, and shop all within the park. If you stop at the museum and visitor's center on your way in, there is a great booklet with maps of all of the Hamilton County Parks that is very handy! There are three trails here, which are: (ranked in order of difficulty and excitement level based on a very scientific method*) #1 - The Miami Fort Trail has the aforementioned view of the rivers coming together. Just make sure you continue on the trail with the sign "leaving fort" which leads to the overlook (unlike us who had to backtrack a half a mile when we realized our mistake). It's beyond worth it. Because it's an amazing view. Like, an unreal view. #2 - The Little Turtle Trail has some great views of the Ohio River, which looks especially lazy and laconic here. It's beautiful, and the trail itself winds through a really pretty wooded area, including some hills. #3 - The Blue Jacket Trail takes you through an easier, shorter path, parts of which the trees have grown over with a really fun "archlike" effect over the path. The view of the power lines you walk past are not quite as scenic, but there are some overlooks of the Great Miami on this one. (*Not actually scientific at all... kind of not based on anything more than my perception.) read more

Shawnee Lookout - Miami Fort Trail Overlook - Parks Near Me - North Bend, Ohio

See all

Nice Trail, we walked the little turtle and the other trail, but can't find the 3rd trail.. i like the trail, it's a loop trail and get you back where u were.. read more

Shawnee Lookout is one of the best parks in the tri-state. It has over 1500 acres and our family has been going to it since we were single digits. Some of the highlights of the park include the golf course which is full of hills and perfect for sled riding, the spring house school and log cabin and of course the trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Great Miami River. Another added bonus- driving back from Shawnee Lookout heading towards Cleves Carriage house farm is on the right and it's really neat to stop and see what they have that day and check out the working farm. read more

My fiance and I are trying to get more into outdoorsy activities. Since neither of us grew up in camping/hiking families, we're starting slow with some short hikes before we move up to longer hikes and eventually camping. I recently purchased the guidebook "60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cincinnati," and Shawnee Lookout was one of the listings. Shawnee Lookout was surprisingly quiet the day we visited. I'm not sure if this is usual, or if it's simply because it still looks a bit gray and dreary outside. We walked the Little Turtle trail. Although the sign and guidebook claims it can take up to 2 hours, we hiked at a pretty comfortable pace, and hung out for several minutes at each Ohio River lookout, and completed it within an hour and 15 minutes. Along the way we saw lots of turkey vultures, barges on the Ohio, and squirrels scampering up and down trees. It was a really peaceful afternoon, and I highly recommend it to anyone who would like a short walk in the woods. Bathrooms are available at the golf shop station. read more

I completed the Little Turtle and Blue Jacket trails today while wearing my 7 month old son on my back. The trails were shaded, which I appreciate since my son doesn't have a hair on his head and hates hats. I scope out trails before leading hikes with our Hike It Baby Cincinnati chapter and these trails would both be friendly for toddlers. Parents love that! Plus, there's a playground at the Little Turtle trailhead that includes swings so even my little guy could enjoy. read more

See all

I have to give up for the folks at Hamilton County Park District. They do an amazing job with the upkeep of all parks I've visited around Cincinnati, and Shawnee Outlook is no exception. The park features an 18-hole golf course, pro-shop, snack shop, multiple playgrounds, reservable picnic shelters, picnic tables with grills, boat launching dock for kayaks and canoes, and pioneer cabin and school house. There are number of Native American cultural artifacts such as a burial mound and little-understood Whatchamacalit (Parks District's nickname for a deep, limestone lined pit that's purpose is unknown). I went for a hike along the Little Turtle Trail, a two-mile trek with two Ohio River outlooks. Paved with a thin-layer of gravel, the wide trail was navigable with a stroller, though I did not journey through the entire course. Within yards of entering the trail, I felt transported in time, before clear-cutting was the norm and everywhere in the Ohio River Valley looked like Shawnee Outlook. Walking through the woods, I felt very grateful to live in a region with the foresight to preserve this beautiful place. read more

Best kept trails in the area. Rarely muddy even when everything else around is sloppy. Beautiful wildflowers. Challenging without being truly difficult. Quaint old informational signs trailside throughout. Plenty of birds, bunnies, and more. A couple of well-preserved historical structures as well, including a log cabin and stone schoolhouse. Totally worth the drive. read more

See all

Love this little gem. Close to home and it's never packed. They have great history stuff for kids during the summer

Nice clean trails with a neat historical background. Easy trail which was gravel for the vast majority of the way. The biggest down side is all the noise from the highway really echos right up the mountain. Happy trains. read more

Absolutely perfect place to do some leisurely walking or to work up a sweat! There are three trails to choose from and all of them offer well maintained paths. read more

Shawnee is a thrilling and challenging course. The course is run by Great Parks of Hamilton County and they so a wonderful job of keeping it together. The grounds keepers there really know there stuff, the greens are always smooths and divots are kept to a minimal. The course has shelters with grills and a magnificent view of the Great Miami River Valley. With that being said it is also part of the valley so the course is very hilly and plenty of dog legs. I would not recommend walking this course unless you are playing only 9 holes. read more

OMG Like I had no idea there were ancient earthworks so close! Am I an idiot? Probably. My brother showed me this place when we lived on the west side of the city. I loved it. My dog Yetta loved it. It's so cool. I just love to walk around the old things and try to imagine what it felt like to be alive a long time ago. The same as now? I don't think so! That's why I like to imagine it. It's like our own little Fort Ancient, right in our town, more or less. I think you should go here. read more

Having just moved to the area, I was looking for an excellent park to take my yellow lab for some exercise and I have found it in Shawnee Lookout. Great park with great views. read more

Absolutely beautiful park, from the overlook trail to the historical buildings. Always clean and quiet. I have golfed there multiple times and while challenging, I prefer this course over others because of the upkeep. Highly recommend the golf! read more

I absolutely love walking trails at this park! Miami fort trail us worth all the hype when you see the view from the top