Honestly, if you ask a local for directions to Mt Airy Park Cincinnati, they’ll probably correct you before you even finish your sentence. It’s Mt. Airy Forest. People get the name wrong all the time, thinking it’s just another neighborhood patch of grass with a swing set. It isn’t. This place is a sprawling, 1,459-acre behemoth. To put that in perspective, it’s nearly double the size of New York’s Central Park.
You’ve got to understand that this isn’t just "nature." It’s an engineering marvel. Back in 1911, this land was basically a graveyard for topsoil. Decades of aggressive grazing and bad farming had turned the hills into a muddy, eroded mess. One local farmer famously joked that his farm had slid so far down the creek it was probably sitting in New Orleans by the time he woke up. So, the city decided to do something radical: they started the first municipal reforestation project in the United States.
What you see today—the towering oaks, the dense canopy, the winding ridges—was all planted by hand. It’s a man-made wilderness.
The Treehouse That Isn’t Just for Kids
Most parks have a "feature," but Mt. Airy has Everybody’s Treehouse. Completed in 2003 with help from the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, it’s a massive, multi-level structure tucked 14 feet up in the canopy. It’s over 100 square feet of whimsical architecture connected to 12 different trees.
Here’s the thing: it’s the only public, wheelchair-accessible treehouse in Ohio. A series of long, gentle ramps winds you up into the leaves. No steps. No barriers. Just you and the squirrels. It’s cool because the design actually incorporates the living trees—they grow right through the floor and the roof.
Sometimes it closes for structural inspections or maintenance, especially after a rough winter. If you’re heading out specifically for the treehouse, check the Cincinnati Parks social media first. There’s nothing worse than hiking up there with a cooler and a book only to find the gate locked for a beam check.
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Hiking the "Stone Steps" and Getting Lost
If you want to feel the burn, you go to the Stone Steps. It’s an iconic segment of the park’s trail system. These steps weren't dropped there by aliens; they were carved and set by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. Specifically, an all-African American unit (Unit 1505-C) did a massive amount of the heavy lifting here between 1935 and 1937. They built the shelters, the walls, and those brutal stairs.
The trails are a labyrinth. You’ve got about 30 miles of them if you count everything. The Explorers Trail (often called the E-Trail) is the big one—it’s roughly 11 miles and circles a huge chunk of the park.
- Furnas Trail (Lime Green): Great for a moderate loop.
- Red Oak Trail: Beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers pop.
- Ponderosa Ridge: This leads to some of the best overlooks.
Be careful, though. The markers can be… let’s say "eccentric." It’s very easy to think you’re on the Blue trail and realize three miles later you’re actually following a bridle path toward Diehl Road. Use a GPS app like AllTrails or Komoot, but don't rely on cell service. The ravines eat bars for breakfast.
Professional Grade Disc Golf
If you see people carrying backpacks that look like they're ready for a three-day trek but they’re only carrying colorful plastic circles, you’ve found the disc golfers. The Mt. Airy Disc Golf Course is legendary. Established in 1993, it’s a 20-hole pro-caliber beast.
It’s hilly. It’s wooded. It’s frustratingly difficult if you don’t have a "big arm." The course starts right by The Nati, a dedicated disc golf pro shop that’s been operating out of the old Pine Ridge Lodge since 2008. They carry everything from high-end drivers to used bins for beginners.
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The course has hosted world championships. If you’re a casual player, be prepared to spend some time looking for your disc in the "thick rough." The elevation changes are no joke; you'll be throwing up 40-degree inclines and down into tight, wooded corridors.
The Arboretum: A Museum of Living Things
Tucked inside the forest is the Mt. Airy Arboretum. It’s about 120 acres of specialized gardens. While the rest of the park feels wild, this feels curated. It’s a testing ground for what plants can actually survive the bipolar Cincinnati weather.
They have over 5,000 species. The Dwarf Conifer collection is particularly famous among plant nerds. In the spring, the Lilac and Magnolia collections make the air smell incredible. It’s a popular spot for wedding photos and graduation shots, mostly because the gazebos and the lake look like they belong in a period drama.
Dog Park Realities
There is an enclosed dog park near the Westwood Northern Blvd entrance. It’s about two acres. It has separate sections for big and small dogs, and even some aging agility equipment.
Honestly? It can get muddy. Like, "don't wear your new sneakers" muddy. Also, because it's a popular spot, the "dog bombs" can be an issue if people aren't being responsible. In the summer, they usually have doggy pools out, but they shut the water off in the late fall to prevent pipes from bursting. If you're going in November, bring your own water bottle for Fido.
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Weird Landmarks and Water Towers
Ever notice the castle-like towers sitting on the edge of the park? Those are the Mt. Airy Water Towers. They were built in 1927 and look like something out of a fairytale, specifically inspired by the Elsinore Arch in Eden Park. They hold about 8.5 million gallons of water for the west side.
A few years back, there was a big push to demolish them because they were crumbling. The community fought back, won, and got them historic landmark status. They’re a reminder that Mt. Airy was always intended to be a blend of "useful city infrastructure" and "beautiful escape."
Logistics for Your Visit
The park is free. No entrance fee. That’s the best part. It’s open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day.
If you want to host a party, there are 26 picnic areas. Some are "first come, first served," but the big lodges (like Oak Ridge or Pine Ridge) and the group shelters need to be reserved way in advance. For 2026, the weekend rate for a group shelter is usually around $160. Note: most of these shelters don't have electrical outlets, so if you need music, bring a battery-powered speaker.
Getting There:
Take I-74 West to the Colerain Avenue exit. Turn left. Drive up the hill for about two miles. The main entrance is on the left, right at the top of the winding climb.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download an offline map: Cell signal is spotty in the deep ravines near the Stone Steps.
- Pack for mud: Even if it hasn't rained in two days, the forest floor stays damp under the heavy canopy.
- Visit the Nati Pro Shop: Even if you don't play disc golf, the lodge is a cool piece of history to see from the inside.
- Check the Treehouse status: Call the Cincinnati Parks office at (513) 352-4080 if you're making a long trip just for the accessible treehouse.
- Hit Putz’s Creamy Whip afterward: It’s a local tradition. It's located just a couple of miles away on Cumminsville Road and is the perfect reward after a hike.