Hiking Level – Moderate; stairs and some muddy hillsides required; approximately 40 minutes; dogs are welcome on a leash; see accessibility option below.
Alms Park, 710 Tusculum Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226; Park along the street near the Lunken Airport Overlook.
1. Overlook of Lunken Airport – We begin our final winter hike at this incredible overlook - the best place in the city to watch planes and helicopters come and go at Lunken Airport. A long, stone bench awaits visitors to take in the sights and have a moment of respite. This is also a popular spot to watch a magnificent winter sunrise on clear mornings. Set your clocks early. A Cincinnati winter sunrise usually breaks through the frosty morning at around 7:45 am.
2. Catawba Trailhead (C) – This wooded trail begins near the stone bench and is named after the Catawba grapes that once grew along this hillside by previous land-owner Nicholas Longworth. Longworth produced his Catawba wine prior to the Civil War and one of the entrances to the vineyard tunnels can still be seen today.
3. Pergola and Comisar Overlook – Originally called “Bald Hill”, this scenic overlook was the area where local Native Americans cleared the trees to have an unobstructed view of early settlers of “Columbia,” the site of the first Cincinnati-area settlement in 1788. Today this special overlook has a paved path that leads to an intricately wood-framed pergola – a popular spot for ceremonies and taking in a winter sunset. A compass rose, donated by the Comisar family, is surrounded by park benches and offers park users a gentle place of respite overlooking the Ohio River.
SELFIE CHALLENGE SPOT (details in the “Things to Know” flier)
4. Trail Marker (C) – At the west end of the overlook, continue on the Catawba Trail.
5. Trail Marker – At the next two trail markers, veer right to stay on Catawba Trail (C).
6. Trailhead End – At the end of the trail, take a right to follow the paved road toward the Pavilion. Along the way, don’t miss the seated statue of Stephen Foster, author of “My Old Kentucky Home”. The statue faces south towards the hills of Kentucky.
7. The Pavilion - Designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Stanley Matthews and Charles Wilkins Short, Jr., the distinguished Alms Park Pavilion is located in the center of the park and is a popular place to rent for private events or take cover during a rain shower. The second story offers gorgeous 360-degree views of the park and overlook.
EXTEND YOUR HIKE: Follow the paved sidewalk to the playground and picnic grove. Alms has several playground areas with slides (including a must-try cement slide), swings, and other activities that are perfect for keeping kids of all ages entertained for hours.
ACCESSIBILITY OPTION: Alms Park features accessible sidewalks that link the Pavilion to the playground area. Both Comisar and Lunken Overlooks have accessible sidewalks that link both park features.
