Stay fit with a visit to one of these local parks
As the pandemic continues into winter and with some of us avoiding gyms, finding a reliable outdoor space for regular exercise can be tricky. But if you do happen to discover a new, not-too-crowded, location to walk and enjoy nature while also burning a few calories, it could be the start of a fresh routine for the New Year. These three locations across Greater Cincinnati provide residents with paved walking trails while offering various degrees of incline and difficulty to really get the blood flowing.
Amberley Green
7801 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati
Hours: Dusk to dawn
The old site of the Crest Hills Country Club in Amberley Village has been transformed into a seemingly endless trail of abandoned golf cart paths, weaving around the course’s old fairways and putting greens and transforming into rolling pastures and meadows. The former golf course acts as a great space for dogs and humans alike. However, be ready for a few steep climbs.
Glenwood Gardens
10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
An outstanding place to go bird watching or to check out a range of different landscapes and natural features is Glenwood Gardens, located in Woodlawn. This park is a perfect spot for a casual stroll or heart-pumping jog as The Great Parks of Hamilton County website describes it as a “335-acre park that features formal gardens, prairies, forests and wetlands, as well as a 1.0-mile paved trail and the 1.6-mile Wetland Loop nature trail.”
Voice of America Park
7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester Township
Hours: 8 a.m. to dark
Voice of America Park, better known as VOA, is a local staple located in Butler County. Aside from the massive sledding hill that would work better with some snow, the park also includes a 1.4-mile paved trail around VOA Lake, which is a great place to walk your dog and check out some birds, avoiding the mud and muck of winter.
