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Fernbank Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,476 Google reviews · Running trail in Cincinnati, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Fernbank Park'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.
Regional site for river fishing with hiking & biking trails, playground, picnics & rental shelters.
What runners say about Fernbank Park
“This is well maintained metro park that has a playground, shelter houses, paved walking paths and a trail that goes through the woods.”
“As one of the best parks in the city of Cincinnati, it boasts beautiful walking trails, river views, and open fields both for running and watching the birds and the bess.”
“It's peaceful, clean and made for all ages.”
★ Popularity: Locally known. ★ Size/Location: Medium. ★ Business Type: Park, Trails. ★ Business Hour: Dawn to dusk. ★ Activities: Outdoor activities. ★ Reservation: None. ★ Parking: Spacious. ★ Accessibility: Handicapped parking lots. ★ Facilities: Restroom, children playground, shelters, lodges. ★ Staff: Park rangers.
My family and I enjoy this park. It's large, clean, and has some great features. There are a few large shelter houses for gatherings, a great play park for the kids, fields where you can throw a ball, fly a kite, or just run, and a long paved path for jogging, biking, or roller skating.
My family enjoyed a little walk here. I wish I had remembered my binoculars as my Merlin APP picked up quite a variety of birds. I did see Indigo Buntings along with sparrows and cardinals. There are nice views of the river and the river traffic of tugboats and barges with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy.
These are photos of the Riverview shelter. Awesome accomodations. Level, restrooms right in the shelter, a little raised stage area with 2 electrical outlets, two large grills, beautiful riverview and breeze, horseshoe pits, open space for other activities and tree shaded areas. A perfect place!
Trail conditions & character
“As one of the best parks in the city of Cincinnati, it boasts beautiful walking trails, river views, and open fields both for running and watching the birds and the bess.”
“★ Facilities: Restroom, children playground, shelters, lodges.”
“They have an amazing playground for the kiddos, paved and nature trails, fishing, conservation efforts, and tons of room to explore and recreate in the lovely forest we call home.”
“There was plenty of parking and the rest rooms were clean.”
“Lots of Space to Run , Jogging , Walking And Play Area For Your Little Ones , Pets Are Allowed As Long As You Keep Them On A Leash .”
“big walking or biking path, at least a mile plus loop.”
Plan your run at Fernbank Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitegreatparks.org
- Phone(513) 521-7275
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–6 PM |
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