Jun 6, 2026
ParkOhio, US
Mount Airy Forest
Mount Airy Forest offers an expansive natural escape within Cincinnati.
About
Mount Airy Forest offers an expansive natural escape within Cincinnati.
This sprawling urban oasis, encompassing nearly 1,500 acres, stands as one of the nation's earliest and most successful urban reforestation projects. It's a testament to environmental vision, transforming once-eroded farmland into a vibrant, biodiverse landscape. Visitors can immerse themselves in miles of trails winding through mature forests, discover unique horticultural collections within the arboretum, and explore recreational opportunities designed for all ages and abilities.
Key features include the delightful Everybody's Treehouse, Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse, providing an elevated perspective of the canopy. The Mount Airy Arboretum, a 120-acre section of the park, boasts an impressive collection of over 5,000 plants representing 1,600 species of woody plants, including a significant dwarf conifer collection and beautifully curated annual, perennial, and pollinator gardens surrounding a scenic lake. Beyond its curated flora, the forest is home to native wildlife such as white-tailed deer, turkey, coyote, fox, and various bird species, often spotted along the numerous hiking and mountain biking trails.
Mount Airy Forest is more than just a park; it's a living legacy of conservation and community, offering diverse recreational activities and serene natural beauty. Whether seeking a challenging hike, a peaceful stroll through an arboretum, a family picnic, or a unique experience at the treehouse, this magnificent forest provides memorable outdoor adventures. Its blend of historic significance, ecological diversity, and accessible amenities makes it a compelling destination for nature lovers and urban explorers alike. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.
Established in 1911, Mount Airy Forest holds the distinction of being one of the first, if not *the* first, urban reforestation projects in the United States. The land, originally cleared for agriculture in the 19th century, suffered severe erosion and poor soil conditions. To combat this, the city of Cincinnati embarked on an ambitious project to replant the barren land. Much of the park's foundational development, including many rustic structures, roads, trails, lodges, and stone walls, was carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression in the 1930s. These efforts transformed the area into the vibrant forest it is today, featuring 700 acres of reforested hardwoods, 200 acres of reforested evergreens, wetlands, and meadows. Recognizing its historical significance in conservation and urban planning, Mount Airy Forest was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 2010.
What to do here
Hike or bike the extensive trail system, enjoy a picnic, play disc golf, observe native wildlife like deer and birds, explore the unique plant collections in the arboretum, and visit Everybody's Treehouse. Keep an eye out for Ordovician fossils embedded in limestone rocks on some trails.
Seasonal info
Spring: Witness blooming flowers and trees, especially vibrant in the arboretum.
Summer: Enjoy lush greenery and shaded trails, but be mindful of warmer temperatures.
Autumn: Experience spectacular fall foliage across the forest.
Winter: Offers a quieter, serene landscape, though horse trails are closed five days a week from November to February due to deer hunting. Trails can be muddy in wet weather.
Accessibility
Everybody's Treehouse is wheelchair accessible via a series of ramps. The arboretum features paved walkways. Several restrooms are available throughout the park.
Don't miss
1
Everybody's Treehouse
Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse, offering panoramic views of the forest canopy.
2
Mount Airy Arboretum
Explore its diverse collection of woody plants, including a notable dwarf conifer collection, scenic lake, and various gardens.
3
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
Discover miles of trails, some featuring historic CCC stone steps and views of wooded ravines.
4
Doris Day Dog Park
A large, enclosed off-leash area for canine companions.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
We are still adding species preview cards for this place.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Download offline maps
** The park is vast, and cell service can be spotty, so having offline maps for navigation is highly recommended.
Wear appropriate footwear
Many trails feature exposed roots and rocks, and can become muddy, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must.
Check Treehouse status
Everybody's Treehouse is occasionally closed for repairs, so check the Cincinnati Parks website beforehand if it's a must-see.
Visit the Arboretum
Don't miss the Mount Airy Arboretum for its curated plant collections and tranquil gardens; note that dogs are not permitted inside the Arboretum section.
Stay hydrated and prepared
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months or for longer excursions.
Be aware of hunting season
If visiting between November and February, be aware that horse trails may be closed five days a week for deer hunting.
Frequently asked questions
- Mount Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park, renowned as one of the nation's earliest urban reforestation projects, transforming eroded farmland into a thriving forest. It uniquely features Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse, Everybody's Treehouse, and the extensive Mount Airy Arboretum with its diverse plant collections.
- Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on most trails throughout Mount Airy Forest. Additionally, the park boasts the Doris Day Dog Park, a large enclosed area specifically for off-leash play. Dogs are not allowed in the Mount Airy Arboretum to protect the plant specimens.
- Mount Airy Forest offers a wide range of activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding on designated bridle trails, disc golf, picnicking, and exploring the arboretum's plant collections. Visitors can also enjoy the unique Everybody's Treehouse and observe local wildlife.
Recent snaps at this place
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