Warren County Ohio
Conveniently cradled between Interstates 71 and 75 and just minutes from two of Ohio’s most celebrated cities in Cincinnati and Dayton sits Warren County, a Southwest Ohio suburb so popular among road trip travelers it’s affectionally known as Ohio’s Largest Playground.
While it may be Kings Island’s record-crushing roller coasters, Great Wolf Lodge’s wild, winding water slides or the legendary Cincinnati Open tennis tournament that keep the county top-of-mind for its millions of visitors each year, what many don’t realize is that away from the hustle and bustle of its headline-grabbing hotspots, Warren County’s also home to some of Ohio’s most amazing outdoor offerings.
Featuring more than 40,000 acres of land designated by the Ohio Department of Natural resources, including miles upon miles of breathtaking trails, a relaxing recreational river, a sprawling state park and even skyscraping ziplines, Warren County has quietly become one of the Buckeye State’s most popular stops for fresh-air fun.
So where exactly should you head for outdoorsy excitement in Ohio’s Largest Playground? There’s truly no wrong place to start.
If there’s a paddler in your party, you won’t want to miss the Little Miami. Winding its way through miles of serene, midwestern wilderness, Warren County’s Little Miami Scenic River ranks among the region’s most beautiful and easily accessible recreational waterways. Whether you choose to navigate it by kayak, canoe, raft or tube, its excellent water quality, gentle current and experienced collection of local outfitters make it a must-stop spot for outdoorsy adventurers of all ages and experience levels – especially during Ohio’s steamy summers.
More into pedaling than paddling? Along the river’s banks runs the Little Miami Scenic Trail, one of the most popular and well-maintained paved bike trails in the United States. Stretching 78 miles from its southernmost point near Cincinnati to its northernmost in Xenia, it’s the single longest trail in the Miami Valley Trail Network and passes through five different Ohio counties.
Thrill-seekers in your squad? Tucked in the forests of Warren County’s Oregonia, Ozone Zipline Adventures treats visitors to truly unique views of the Little Miami, sending them soaring more than 200 feet above the river valley. Those into high-flying fun can find even more of it at Gentle Breeze, a locally owned and operated hot air balloon outfitter that has spent nearly 40 years helping Warren County visitors check off their bucket lists.
Looking for something a little more low-key? Consider Caesar Creek – one of the Buckeye State’s most gorgeous State Parks. Once covered by vast seas and later by glaciers, the park is now home to beautifully preserved hiking and horseback trails, carefully crafted campgrounds, an enormous, beach-bordered lake for boating, fishing and sunbathing, a ranger-staffed visitors center and even some of the region’s richest fossil hunting territory.
Speaking of hunting, adventurous Warren County visitors can also embark on the all-new Ohio’s Largest Playground GeoTour – a 15-site, scavenger hunt game which sends players scrambling all throughout the county.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, but also have a knack for history, don’t leave town without experiencing Fort Ancient. Home to hiking trails and scenic overlooks, plus more than 2,000 years of incredible American Indian history, the awe-inspiring Warren County draw recently became one of Ohio’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage sites, joining the ranks of such world wonders as the Great Wall of China, Grand Canyon and Taj Mahal.
Finally, where you play and where you stay are equally important, and when it comes to outdoorsy accommodations Warren County’s Camp Cedar is tough to top. A luxurious twist on the classic family camping trip, Camp Cedar treats guests to state-of-the-art cottages, fully connected RV sites, swimming pools, on-site restaurants and more modern amenities.
No matter where your Warren County travels take you, you’re sure to find adventure around every turn.
Plan your escape to Ohio’s Largest Playground today at OhiosLargestPlayground.com.
