Falling In Love with Cincy Parks
Paper cups filled to the brim with pumpkin spice coffee? Check. Slight breeze in the air that marks the shift from eighty-five-degree weather? Check. Rust-colored leaves that you don’t remember falling, but they now cover your entire yard? Check. Halloween decorations lining the shelves at shopping centers, throwing you for a loop as you realize that it is almost October, though you could have sworn it was just summer? Check. This can only mean one thing—fall is finally here.
Fall is my favorite season, and I eagerly await its arrival each year. With it comes the change in weather, the change in seasonal activities, the change in yourself (if you’re poetic like that) and the marvelous change of scenery. Growing up in the Midwest, I learned to appreciate the quirks and beauty of every season, though I always found myself longing for autumn even in the commonly favored warmer months. What makes fall so special? While I do enjoy a delicious seasonal latte, a cool breeze, and a scary movie, what I enjoy most about fall is exploring the vibrant parks and greenery scattered across Cincinnati.
Since moving to Cincinnati, any time I am asked what I love most about where I live, I reply without hesitation: the parks. With gorgeous skyline views, winding trails, rich history and autumn foliage, walks through Cincinnati’s beloved parks are one of my favorite pastimes of the season. Each park has its own unique features that make it shine, and fall is the perfect time to experience the beauty that nature has to offer. Now, where to start? With some difficulty, I have narrowed down five of the most mesmerizing parks that I will be strolling through and appreciating this fall season.
As a Clifton resident, Bellevue Hill Park and Burnet Woods are two of my go-to parks during the cooler months. Though this neighborhood park is only fifteen acres, Bellevue Hill towers over the city, allowing for breathtaking views of downtown below. Perched on top of Clifton Heights, this greenspace is my first choice when I want to find a nice bench to sit on and admire my surroundings. And the sunsets—they’re something else. Beneath the sinking sun in the early evening is my favorite time to snap pictures on my digital camera and take in the grandness of the twinkling downtown area. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you’re seeking out a larger park with acres of trees in the heart of nature, Burnet Woods is your next stop. Just outside the University of Cincinnati, Burnet Woods has a variety of activities and sights that make it a tasteful blend of everything you could want in a park. This large, wooded park contains winding hiking trails, a lake for fishing, a picnic area, a playground and grassy clearings for outdoor activities. I love to pop some earbuds in, play some music and wander the idyllic trails where I can admire the russet trees and the scattered leaves.
Ault Park is another Cincinnati gem that is nothing short of glorious beneath the golden autumn sun. Located in Mount Lookout, this historic park is filled with picturesque gardens and walking paths that are still filled with color this time of year. Like Bellevue Park, Ault Park features its own gorgeous overlook. From here, you can peer down at the tree-lined Little Miami River valley and appreciate the stunning natural views Cincinnati promises. I can’t forget to mention the historic structure in the midst of the park that demands to be seen—the Ault Park Pavilion. This Italian Renaissance-style pavilion is an attractive feature of Ault Park, with double staircases, detailed architecture and a wide view of the enchanting gardens—it might just be the star of the show.
Smale Riverfront Park is unique in every sense. This park felt modern, central and stylish. Having just visited this park for the first time last week, I can safely say I will be back with a latte in hand. Located downtown just along the Ohio River, these views were different from any of the other parks I had explored. Awestruck, I stood staring up at the Roebling Bridge as I admired the craftsmanship of this central structure of Cincinnati and surprised to find it right beside a park. I didn’t have to walk far to get close to the river, the towering buildings of downtown or the art pieces spotted around the park. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the park was integrated in with the city and how they complemented one another. My favorite feature of Smale Park? The bench swings. They are simply more fun than regular benches, and what’s better than a beautiful view and a bench swing?
Finally, my favorite park to enjoy in the fall is Eden Park. What’s not to love about Eden Park? It truly has it all. Right in the heart of Walnut Hills, Eden Park is filled with vibrant scenery and historic sights. When I make a trip to Eden Park, I always pack my pen and a notebook, as there’s no place more inspiring to write. Mirror Lake, the dazzling overlook over the Ohio River, lush paths, a charming gazebo, the historic memorials–all of these features are treasures that add value and character to Eden Park. Eden Park is one of Cincinnati’s most popular parks— and it’s easy to see why. Aside from its inherent beauty, the park’s proximity to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory, and Mount Adams makes it the perfect location for a day out in the cool weather. Whether you’re a writer, a nature-lover, an observer, or simply a person who wants to explore a new park, Eden Park is magnificent and worth visiting before it’s covered in snow.
Autumn is the ideal time to explore these Cincinnati Parks to view them in their true glory. It’s that magical time— just before the gardens get put to rest for winter, the trees shed their leaves, and the weather calls for a heavy coat— when these parks are at their most scenic. I go to Cincinnati parks for peace of mind, autumn strolls, and inspiration. Find your reason to go this fall, and discover your own favorite parks. Maybe I’ll see you there!
