Buttercup Valley

The Buttercup Valley Preserve is one of the many green spaces that the city of Cincinnati has to offer. Located in the neighborhood of Northside just north of downtown, this natural gem is a favorite among locals thanks to its hiking trails and woofderful scenery. Though only a mile long, the trails will give you and your pup a pretty decent workout through the woods.

Untouched since the Pioneer Days, Buttercup Valley is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including some trees that are more than 200 years old. You'll also spot wild geraniums, celandine poppies, and trilliums along the way. It's hard to believe that such a beautiful piece of forest is situated in the heart of the city, but believe it—you and Fido are still in Cincinnati! The trails on the preserve can become steep and very wooded, ideal for adventurous hikers who don't mind a bit of a challenge. One trail will lead you and your pup to a meadow or prairie habitat known as the Flats, while another will take you to a clearing and Crawford Avenue. From Crawford, you'll be able to see the Spring Grove Cemetery, where many notable individuals are buried.

If you feel like hiking some more once you're done exploring Buttercup Valley, you and Fido can continue on to the adjacent Parkers Woods, where you'll find a couple of beginner-friendly trails. Wherever you're headed, be sure to keep your doggo on a leash at all times, clean up after them, and carry enough water with you. The Buttercup Valley trails received the National Recreation Trail designation in 1979. Help keep the preserve an enjoyable place for all by practicing good petiquette. For a refreshing forest hike in the city that you can experience with your furry pal, look no further than the Buttercup Valley Preserve!