Four end-of-winter walks for a sneak peek at Spring along the Great Miami Riverway
It’s that time of year in Ohio again. You know, the time when Spring has started, but can’t quite commit to warm weather for the season. The appearance of the occasional day over 50 degrees has us eager to break out the shorts and tank tops, even though it’s not quite warm enough for that. For now, the days are still short and cold, and another winter storm could hit at any time.
However, just because the weather gets topsy-turvy this time of year, does not mean we should all be stuck inside staring at our hiking boots longingly, and wishing for warmer days to come. There are plenty of amazing and picturesque walks along the Great Miami Riverway that are fun to explore as we say goodbye to winter and look ahead and the spring days still to come.
Here are four favorites from our 99 things to do along the Great Miami Riverway:
#18 - Hike the trails at Shawnee Lookout to take in the amazing scenic vistas of the Great Miami River valley.
2008 Lawrenceburg Road, North Bend, OH 45052
Shawnee Lookout, located in Hamilton County, is a great place to take in nature any time of year. The park is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin as well as its Native American archaeological earthworks. The park's nature trails, including the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, 2.0-mile Little Turtle and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail, offer spectacular views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys. The 4.3 miles of former golf cart paths are also open for biking, hiking, rolling or strolling. The park also features picnic areas, a playground and boat access to the Great Miami River.
#57 - Grab scenic views of the Great Miami River at Lock Nine Park.
125 E Water St., Piqua, OH 45356
Lock Nine Park is a 1-acre scenic observation point of the former levee lock and Great Miami River. It features a convenient and easy-to-walk pathway to take in the river views, as well as an access point to Linear Park, where you can continue on to more than 12 miles of paved pathway through the city, including a trail that runs east and west along an abandoned railroad bed.
#61 - Visit Tawawa Park and take photos at the Big Rock or the Ross Covered Bridge.
12 Tawawa Dr, Sidney, OH 45365
Tawawa Park in Sidney offers 220 wooded acres of protected wildlife and natural areas. The park provides shelters, a new inclusive playground and areas to play ball. Two lakes (Tawawa and Amos) are located within the park. The William Ross Covered Bridge, dedicated in 1971, has been the object of countless photography and presents a very picturesque view for a walk anytime of year.
#72 - Hike Charleston Falls Nature Preserve to see beautiful waterfalls and wildflowers.
2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371
Any time of year is a good time to visit Charleston Falls. As winter breaks into spring, watch the iced waterfalls give way to spring and wildflowers start to bloom. The Falls at Charleston Falls can rightly be called a “Miniature Niagara” because its rock strata is the same as Niagara Falls. Charleston Falls Preserve is the most visited Park District property in Miami County with more than 216 acres of prairie and forests. This picturesque park is the perfect place to hike and view wildlife or seek out uncommon plants such as wild columbine, walking fern, purple cliff break and rock honeysuckle grace the limestone faces of the surrounding gorge.
These are just four of the walks we recommend to break free of the winter doldrums. The Great Miami Riverway is full of ideas if you are looking for more! If you haven’t checked out our list of 99 things to do along the Great Miami Riverway, check it out here.
