This is my favorite place to walk in the woods because the path I prefer is flat and trees cover all of it. My dog really enjoys sniffing everything and when the weather is nice, we love just strolling because it's out in the fresh air for both of us. read more

Withrow Nature Preserve - Henry doing what he does best, investigating smells. - Hiking Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Withrow Nature Preserve is a good place for exercise and hiking. It has several miles of trails looping around the park. The trails are marked with interesting facts about wildlife. It's not too grueling, if you want to walk all of it. The park has a spot overlooking the Ohio River. It has signs directing you from the 275 exit. It's very helpful. The park is located along Five Mile Road. It has a good size parking lot at the entrance. There usually is more than enough room. At the beginning of the trails is the Withrow home. This is the only location of bathrooms in the park. It has a couple trails through the woods that each loop around. The better one is the Trout Lily Trail. It's a couple of miles to walk all of it. The best part is the overlook of the Ohio River. It has a small clearing with some benches. The view isn't great because it's far away, but you can still see parts of the river. If you're in Anderson Township and have a few hours for walking, this is the best place for it. It could use some more bathrooms. There's a few located at the Withrow home, so go before you hit the trails. read more

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Wow, what a total gem in my own backyard. Withrow Nature Preserve does not get enough attention here in Anderson Township. Parking is decent, I've been when the lot is full and when the lot is empty. Would suggest a weekday morning/early afternoon if you'd like a bit more seclusion. Near the entrance of the trail, there's a large red tree that won an award in recent years. It's beautiful and the kiddos loved safely and respectfully climbing on the branches. I'm envious that this tree is not in my own yard. I took three little kids under the age of 5 on the smaller loop of the trail and it was not strenuous for them at all. The trail is wide and nicely paved with rock. We crossed a couple very safe bridges and fell in love with the beauty of the ridge. On the trail, it doesn't even seem like you're near the city/in the suburbs. The tree canopy keeps everything cool, green and mossy. It is a gorgeous sight. The trail does continue on past the first loop, to an overlook for the river. I can't comment on that trail specifically but it looked well paved with rock as well. Not a lot of benches to sit or tables for a picnic, this is more of a walking area. read more

I've been checking out local hiking trails with my husband to see some fall colors and get out of the house during the Covid era. We had never been to Withrow, and our first time did not disappoint. Easy to find and navigate, beautiful scenery, not crowded, interesting mix of woods and field paths, and just enough hills. We did the 1.7 mile trail twice - once forward and once backward. Definitely plan to return! read more

Decent wildlife refuge. I'd say novice hiking trails. The trails are mainly 3'-6' wide and mainly gravel and flat. Not much in the way of elevation change either. Minus some exposed tree roots, and like literally 2 steps(probably there to prevent erosion), you could probably even take a motorized wheelchair. The one thing that was waaay to the opposite of all these groomed trails was this one creek crossing. I was walking along and came to a creek that was probably about 4' below. There was literally a fallen tree laying across, and the trail continuing on the steep opposite bank. Totally weird, and it's been there long enough that the bark was all rubbed off from people crossing that way. So I'm 6'4", with a pretty long stride, and after shimmying half way across, and a big jump, I was across. For how EASY the rest of the trails were, I was totally surprised at that crossing. Needlessly dangerous. The rest of the experience was good though. Easy trails that take an hour or so to navigate, easy for all levels of hiker practically, minus the death trap tree crossing. Forgot to take a picture. read more

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Beautiful hiking trail for any age, young and old. Meadow is filled with wildflowers. The overlook needs trimmed back a bit it's grown up right now making the river view very small. All and all great hike! read more

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This preserve is fairly large with well-maintained trails sprawling across a wooded area along the river. They are very low difficulty and do not get muddy after rain. The star of the show is the beautiful river overlook at the end of the main trail. In the fall it's stunning. The full circuit around the park only takes around 40 minutes. I recommend it. read more

This park has changed so much since I lived in Anderson Township. I had great memories of going on walks with my mother here! It was well taken care of in those days. Trails were well kept, and wasn't so dense so you could see people coming ahead with a clear view of the surroundings. This park has only one trail. Not sure why they did away with the other that goes around the backside of house. Also you will find there is no restrooms for those who have bladder issues or children who really have to go! Today there was questionable people that were hanging out, and felt unsafe. A man had rope in his hand whipping trees, and crying. Two others in cars sitting around. It seemed the crazy guy was with the ones sitting in the car but not sure. Trails were not well kept. The overlook was ridiculous. The brush is all overgrown now and obstructs the view. Having over two hundred acres I'm sure Anderson township could profit more with building beautiful homes with grand views rather than have wasted space, attracting the riff-raff. Very disappointing. read more

We came today, it's quite cold weather about 28 F, and start to snow. The walk is nice, the place is well maintained and direction is quite clear.. we are probably the only person in the area, but we still feel safe.. even with snow, the walk trail is not slippery and easy to walk. read more

Withrow Nature Preserve - Hiking Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

One of the trails with the most lush, dense, and fragrent foliage. The vegetation seemed different than the varieties found at the other Great Parks I have been to. A good portion of the trail is shaded, making it a great choice for hot days. A few purple and a few white flowers were in bloom. We saw butterflies, birds, a snake, and one large Doe. It could have been a buck who's antlers have yet to grow in. I'm not 100% sure. Neither my children, nor myself found the hike particularly difficult. We found one area with benches to stop and rest. The clearing would make a nice spot for a picnic. A word of caution. The maps posted around the trail do not properly represent it. A few spots have been closed off due to restoration or now being preserve area. Being a nature preserve, I totally get that the safeguarding of the habitats is their number one concern. I wish there were more accurate signage to properly direct those hiking. Also, I did not see anywhere to purchase a Hamilton County Great Parks parking pass. We have a yearly pass, so I wasn't worried. Not sure if they check here. read more

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I really enjoyed wandering the "Trout Lily Trail" here. This is the perfect place to come if you're looking for an easy going hike through the woods. The trails are wide and easy to navigate, with some inclines that weren't stressful to climb. Lots of wooded areas with wildflowers, birds and butterflies as well as a some open fields. The overlook provides a small glimpse of the Ohio River and there is a gazebo near the house that is a nice place to relax also. I really appreciate the Withrow family leaving their home and land to be used as this nature preserve and I hope families for generations to come will appreciate it too. read more

Overall a pleasant park and trail to wander and explore. We had never heard of this park and spotted it on a map and thought, why not? Glad to have found another park in this area to enjoy. The trail is wide and would be fun to run/jog if you're into that kind of thing (I am). The parking lot is adequate and there is only a port a potty for a bathroom. What it lacks in accouterments it makes up in the tall trees and wild flowers (caution to allergy sufferers, there is a ton of Goldenrod). Beauty all around. The overlook of the Ohio River is small and juuuust enough to see a portion of this meandering brown river. There looked to be a narrow beaten down path that would take one farther south towards the river but I wasn't about to get all jungle bushwacking and proceed. Thanks to the Withrow family and for the Cincinnati Parks Association for acquiring the land keeping it public for everyone to enjoy. Please take care of it and put your trash in the bins and don't pick the wildflowers. read more

This is a great park for a walk, run, hike. There is one major trail loop that starts at the west end of the parking lot and runs through the woods past an overlook of the Ohio River and then continues into an open field that has beautiful wild flowers blooming for much of the year. The trail then returns to itself and there is a short access to the east end of the parking lot. Every time I visit Withrow I encounter many animals: deer, rabbits, so many varieties of birds. This trail is moderately challenging at points and I would agree that it is not "accessible" or for anyone with a stroller. There was a short extension trail that ran west of the house and the wedding area but it has been closed due to landslides in 2011. The trail is wide enough to walk 2-3 abreast in most places and is gravel and dirt. This would be a 5star park for me if the trail was a mile or two longer and there was a true restroom not just a port-a-john. Overall, great place to walk your dogs, take your kids to see some wildlife or go for a short trail run/walk. read more

I loved this park! It's between California Woods and Woodland Mound. Originally part of a large property owned by a nature-loving couple, they turned over the land to the Nature Conservancy, which later transferred it to Hamilton County Parks. The park still has the couples original house from the 1930s, which serves as a backdrop for small weddings. There are a couple trails here, although it seemed that the loop closest to the house was blocked off. There is a lovely little meadow with a figure-8 loop that takes you through it and plenty of birds. It's a pretty quiet place -- because there isn't a picnic or "recreation area" almost all the folks here are just out for a relaxing hike or a trail run. There's also a lookout over the Ohio River! read more

I love the Withrow Preserve. It's right by my in-law's house and the trail is a good walk on a nice crisp day where it's sunny but not too hot or cold. I love the building and the cute hideaway for weddings--I'd love to have my wedding here but the process and lottery system for getting a ceremony date reserved is cumbersome and you have to do it way in advance. Trails are not too bad, but they do get quite muddy and the meadow gets closed down if it rains too much. There's an overlook nook with a great view of the Ohio River with two benches. My fiance and I like talking walks here to talk about life and future plans, and the scenery is beautiful while still being close to home. tl;dr great trail for a weekend walk, overlook and meadow are good stopping points with changes of scenery. wish weddings here were easier to schedule. read more

Just minutes from the bustle of Beechmont Ave., this 270 nature preserve is a nice place to escape into the wondrous woods. There is a moderately difficult 1.5 mile trail, which includes a quarter-mile loop known as Hepatica Hill. During the month of April, this scenic overlook is decorated with purple wildflowers. Because the trail contains a number of stairs, it is not accessible for people in wheelchairs, strollers, or who are not fit to overly exert themselves. A small outdoor wedding setting is available for ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. From what I could tell, the outdoor marriage ceremony spot looked like it could accommodate about thirty people or so. The preserve was very clean and well maintained, with educational signs and helpful maps posted throughout the trail. read more

Great park with about 2 total miles of trails winding through woods and open fields. Nice gentle path, for the most part. A great place to lose yourself for a little while in the quiet. Overlook to the Ohio River is a nice place to relax- could definitely see bringing a picnic here and just relaxing. Only downside? Port-a-let instead of a real toilet. Designated a level 4 by the Hamilton County Parks, which means undeveloped section of the park; inaccessible to most disabled persons. read more

I like this trail for an after work trail run or walk. It is mostly shaded and has a little bit of everything (slightly hilly, fields, woods). I usually see cars in the parking lot but rarely see people while on the trail. There is a portion of the trail that is unusable (wish that would get fixed). It is in a safe neighborhood, however, I tend to feel better when I have one of my dogs with me or a friend. read more

Anything that Great Parks does is always awesome, and this park is no exception. I had never been here before but decided to take the dog there for a nice hike. It was shaded, clean, and very scenic! I enjoyed this park a lot and will definitely be back. read more

Withrow Nature Preserve - Hiking Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

A great place for a quick hike not too far from civilization. Fairly close to the 5 mile exit on I275 but far enough that you tend not to hear the traffic. There is a paved parking lot right next to the trail head. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible but easy enough on the legs for even a beginner as long as you don't mind a few steps here and there. The are wooded and meadow habitats and the trails are clearly marked. The only facilities are a port-a-potty. There is a building for weddings and such but I've yet to see it open. read more