The park was reclaimed from abandoned farmland in the early 20th century to study reforestation techniques.
The arboretum features one of the few designated 'treehouses' in a public park system that is fully ADA-accessible.
It is home to the Enright Gastropod Trail, a site known for fossil hunting opportunities within specific creek beds.
The park maintains a disc golf course that winds through varied woodland topography.
Mt. Airy Forest is a registered National Arboretum site, reflecting its origins as an experimental planting ground.
Mt. Airy Forest spans 1,459 acres, making it the largest park in the Cincinnati Parks system. Established in 1911, it was the first municipal reforestation project in the United States. The park features a unique public treehouse, accessible via a wheelchair-friendly ramp, that accommodates visitors of all ages. Over 17 miles of hiking trails traverse the varied terrain, including segments open to mountain biking and horseback riding. A dedicated dog park provides a fenced, off-leash environment for pets. The park's arboretum showcases diverse tree species, highlighting the area’s historic role in forestry experimentation. Picnic facilities and reservable shelters are scattered throughout the wooded expanse. The site remains a primary destination for regional outdoor recreation and ecological education.
The elevated viewing deck of the Everybody’s Treehouse.
Bring a physical or downloaded digital map, as GPS signals can be inconsistent in dense, low-lying wooded valleys.
Check the park's official website for trail status updates before arrival, especially after periods of heavy rainfall.
Carry insect repellent, as the dense forest environment is active with ticks and mosquitoes during warmer months.
Attempting to hike off-trail after heavy rain, as the clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slippery and prone to mudslides.
Park trails and roads may close intermittently during severe winter weather or high-wind events.
Stay on marked trails to protect native vegetation and prevent erosion; leashes required for pets outside the designated dog park.
