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Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 140 Google reviews · Running trail in Cincinnati, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Peaceful nature preserve near the city featuring shady hiking trails and scenic views.
What runners say about Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve
“Beautiful big nature park in the city.”
“Large, old trees of many varieties provide a shady canopy on hot sunny days.”
“It is shockingly quiet and peaceful.”
Very pretty little nature reserve right in the middle of the city. It is shockingly quiet and peaceful. We only saw one other person out hiking the trails. The preserve is pet-friendly and has lots of pretty bridges and a small river you can play in.
A lovely nature preserve surrounded by urban sprawl. It is moderately peaceful. The walking trails have several neat wooden bridges over small streams. Large, old trees of many varieties provide a shady canopy on hot sunny days. My family visited in October just as the leaves were beginning to change.
Grew up riding my BMX in "BUTTERCUP" along with 80% of my friends, very beautiful, pleasant, quite, wide open trails, and perfect spot for a leisure walk with the spouse or the family pet! Wonderful memories I get to experience every time I walk through the park and enjoy the beauty of the woods!
This is one of the hidden treasures of this city. Several preserves are connected and make for many miles of hiking. It feels like you are no longer in the city. This is nearby with multiple entry points to access the trail system. Most trails are maintained.
Trail conditions & character
“Large, old trees of many varieties provide a shady canopy on hot sunny days.”
“Parking is limited but there's never trouble with the parking at the trailhead.”
“Occasionally meet other hikers or people walking dogs, but typically a nice place for solitude.”
“Great hiking from easy paved paths to adventurous ravine climbs.”
Plan your run at Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecincinnatiparks.com
- Phone(513) 357-2604
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Cincinnati
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Parker Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
Nature preserve offering trails and a playground, plus paved paths, for hiking and walking.
Mt Airy Forest Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
Wooded park boasting numerous trails as well as barbecue grills and picnic facilities.
Avon Woods Nature Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Small, wooded park with trails and a nature center that can be used for events.
Caldwell Nature Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 108 reviews
Park featuring trails winding through a forest and surrounding a gorge, plus picnic tables.
Blue Rock Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 432 reviews
Wooded park featuring a playground with slides, soccer fields, and walking trails, plus shelters and benches.
