HomeOhioCleves › Mitchell Memorial Forest

Mitchell Memorial Forest

4.7 ★★★★★ 512 Google reviews · Running trail in Cleves, Ohio · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Mitchell Memorial Forest'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.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicRestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Wooded park on 1,429 acres boasting hiking & mountain-biking trails, fishing & picnic sites.

What runners say about Mitchell Memorial Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (512 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“A very nice park, a picturesque though small lake, beautiful trail along the creek.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“For those who prefer a more peaceful experience, the paved trails that circle around the lake are perfect for a leisurely stroll.”

★ Popularity: Locally known. ★ Size/Location: Large. ★ Business Type: Park, Trails. ★ Business Hour: Dawn to dusk. ★ Activities: Outdoor activities. ★ Reservation: None. ★ Parking: Spacious. ★ Accessibility: None. ★ Facilities: Restroom, children playground, shelters. ★ Staff: Maintenance workers.

★★★★★ — Thang , Mar 2023

Beautiful park. You can expect to see Pileated woodpeckers and a large variety of songbirds. Not crowded at all, even on the weekend. Walk on the open grassy trails around the park perimeter as well for better lighting for bird watching.

★★★★★ — Erin , Sep 2024

Whilst I was here at mitchell memorial park. I visited the mountian bike trails. I've visited quite a few trails and trail systems recently and I've got to say Mitchell was one of my favorite. I'm an intermediate going to the beginning stages of black diamond trails and it was a blast.

★★★★★ — Austin , Nov 2018

Mitchell is a nice little park in western Hamilton county. The mountain bike trails are rough and more technical. No real flow to them and you will have plenty of work to keep moving. Tons of roots to contend with and, if you enjoy rovk crawling, there are several areas and stretches of rocks to deal with.

★★★★☆ — Kevin , Jun 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 512 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“A very nice park, a picturesque though small lake, beautiful trail along the creek.”

More trails like this →

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 6 mentions

“From simple switchbacks and nice deep roots to a decent sized technical rock bit.”

More trails like this →

🔁 Loop trail 4 mentions

“Loop A is fun, green but not without challenge.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Bottle filling station at the parking lot is appreciated.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“For those who prefer a more peaceful experience, the paved trails that circle around the lake are perfect for a leisurely stroll.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms

“★ Facilities: Restroom, children playground, shelters.”

More trails like this →

🚰 Water fountains

“Bottle filling station at the parking lot is appreciated.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Mitchell Memorial Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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, water — reported by runners
  • Websitegreatparks.org
  • Phone+1 513-521-7275
  • 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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Mitchell Memorial Forest

5401 Zion Rd, Cleves, OH 45002

Get directions

Running trails near Cleves

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Green Township Bike and Walk Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 88 reviews

Cincinnati, OH

PavedScenic

Popular park offering a paved trail for walking and running in peaceful surroundings.

4.0 miles away

Miami Whitewater Forest

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,242 reviews

Harrison, OH

8 miNatural surfaceShadedScenic

4,345-acre oasis providing wooded hiking trails, a golf course, campsite & a lake for water sports.

4.8 miles away

Campbell Lakes Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 213 reviews

Harrison, OH

Scenic

5.0 miles away

Fernbank Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,476 reviews

Cincinnati, OH

LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

Regional site for river fishing with hiking & biking trails, playground, picnics & rental shelters.

5.2 miles away

Shaker Trace Wetlands

4.1 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews

Harrison, OH

6.1 miles away

Shawnee Lookout

4.6 ★★★★★ 801 reviews

North Bend, OH

LoopScenicDog-friendly

River-view, 1,515-acre park with golf, trails & historic buildings plus archaeological earthworks.

6.2 miles away

All running trails in Cleves, OH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.