Cincinnati Family Magazine

Your # 1 Hometown Family Resource

October 10, 2024

take a hike

Take a Hike!

4 Fab Fall Hiking Trails + Tips on hiking with littles...

With warm weather taking a backseat and cooler days ahead, it is the perfect time to grab the kids and take a hike. The changing colors, fresh air and crunchy leaves underfoot make for a sensory feast that families will simply FALL in love with! 

 

Check out this roundup of drive-worthy hiking spots for Cincinnati’s families:

 

take a hike

  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve
    • Around 1 hour 20 minutes from Cincinnati
    • Located in Yellow Springs, Ohio
    • Impressive trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs
    • Make a day of it- plan a visit to Young’s Jersey Dairy  for a spin on the carousel and don’t forget to get a scoop of homemade ice cream

take a hike

  • Clifty Falls State Park 
    • Around 1 hour 30 minutes from Cincinnati
    • Located in Madison, Indiana
    • 4 Beautiful waterfalls
    • Make a day of it- grab a meal at the riverfront Madison Lighthouse & Bar and some great small-town shopping

take a hike

  • Natural Bridge State Park 
    • Around 2 hours from Cincinnati
    • Located in Slade, Kentucky
    • Hike to the Natural Bridge or ride the skylift
    • Make a day of it- grab a slice of pizza from Miguel’s and drive through the Nada tunnel. Be sure to visit in summer, too, to take a leap off of Jump Rock

take a hike

Tips to Successfully Hike with Littles 

  • Don’t rush! Let them stop to pick up and investigate a rock. Stop to literally smell the flowers. Slow down, take breaks and enjoy the moments. 
  • Be prepared. Pack a backpack with a first aid kit, wet wipes, water and a snack. 
  • Dress for Success. Check the weather and again, be prepared. Comfy shoes are a must! A light jacket is a good idea, and from a been-there-dont-that-mom… always have an emergency outfit in your trunk for your little ones! Take a slide in the mud? No problem because 1. Dirt don’t hurt and 2. We can change when we get back to the car. 
  • Print out a simple Nature Bingo card! Kiddos love being engaged in this activity and seeking out nature items to get “BINGO”.
  • Play I-spy! Simple, easy, and a good way to make nature discoveries. 
  • Look for nature’s colors! Try to find every color of the rainbow on your hike.

About the Author

Amanda Ciani

Amanda Ciani lives in Northern Kentucky with her husband and their three terrific sons. She enjoys writing haiku parenting poems for her Instagram account (@cinciciani), and Twitter account (@haikuciani).