The splash pads may not be open yet, but there are still plenty of creeks to splash in and explore around the Queen City. So strap on your rain boots or water shoes and check out the best creeking spots around Cincinnati – as recommended by you!
Best Spots for Creeking around Cincinnati
California Woods Nature Preserve
Located just east of Lunken Airport and not too far from the both the Little Miami and Ohio River is California Woods Nature Preserve. Lick Run Creek runs through this nature preserve and can be accessed from several trails.
Please note that no pets are allowed in the preserve.
California Woods Nature Preserve is located at 5400 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230
French Park
One of the most frequently recommended spots to take kids creeking is French Park in Amberley Village. Conveniently, the best spot to access the creek in French Park is from Creek Trail. It’s a very easy creek to access set in a very pretty park.
French Park is located at 3012 Section Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Gower Park
For a creeking spot that isn’t too woodsy, head to Gower Park in Sharonville. Located next to the playground (and across the street from the community center), this creek is the perfect spot to dip your toes after a play date.
To access the creek, look for the stairway down to the creek behind the swings and next to the patio area. There is an opening in the fence where the stairs begin. It’s very easy to miss – but the view from the walking path on the other side of the creek can show you exactly where to go!
And while this creek isn’t very large, there is still plenty to explore such as a waterfall, big rocks to climb, and fossils to find.
Gower Park is located at 10997 Thornview Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241
Keehner Park
Head up to West Chester to explore Mill Creek in Keehner Park. I remember splashing through this creek as a child, and it’s still just as fun!
There are 2 entrances into Keehner Park. The second entrance (by the log cabin) is the best place to park for creeking. Several trails lead down from the parking lot to the trail that runs along Mill Creek.
Keehner Park is located at 7411 Barret Road, West Chester, OH 45069
Pioneer Park & Dulle Park
In Montgomery, you’ll find two great parks to go creeking – right across the street from one another. The North Branch Sycamore Creek runs through both Pioneer Park and Dulle Park – although Pioneer Park is the more popular spot for creeking.
The best place to reach the creek in Dulle Park is near the small playground. When you turn into the park, stay to the right and drive back until you reach the playground. To reach the creek in Pioneer Park, take the most left path when the walking path splits at the entry of the park.
Pioneer Park is located at 10505 Deerfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Dulle Park is located at 10530 Deerfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Miami Whitewater Forest
Over in Harrison, you’ll find Miami Whitewater Forest where you can enjoy exploring Dry Fork Creek. To reach this creek, park in the small lot off of Mt. Hope Road and follow the Shaker Trace Inner Loop to the water. This is on the opposite side from the main visitors center and parking lot.
Miami White Water Forest is located at 9001 Mount Hope Rd, Harrison, OH 45030
Sharon Woods
While Sharon Woods Harbor offers a fun, man-made creek, if you’re looking for the real thing, you’ll need to head over to the other Side of the park, from the Lebanon road entrance.
After entering Sharon Woods from Lebanon road, either turn at the first left at Buckeye Falls Drive or the next left the parking lot for the Sharon Centre. Sharon Creek is located between the two parking lots. Access to the creek is right next to the Buckeye Falls parking lot, while access from the Sharon Centre parking lot is a short walk along a paved trail.
Sharon Woods is located at 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241
Nisbet Park
In downtown Loveland, next to the Little Miami Bike Trail is Nisbet Park. The park is located at the bend where O’Bannon Creek meets the Little Miami River, making it the perfect spot to do some creeking along the shores.
Nisbet Park is located at 126 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140
Ault Park
While Ault Park in Hyde Park is known for it’s beautiful pavilion and garden, it’s also a great spot for creeking. To reach the stream, follow Valley Trail and you’ll run right into it!
Ault Park is located at 5090 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Horseshoe Falls at Caesar Creek
Located a bit outside of Cincinnati is Caesar Creek. Here you can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and of course, creeking. One of the best spots for creeking is Horseshoe Falls. Take Perimeter Trail and you will find the falls just south of the Swinging Bridge. According to their website, it is about 1.5 miles from the Nature Center or the spillway parking lot.
The best time to visit is during a dry spell, as any recent rainfall will create a fast-moving current.
Horseshoe Falls at Caesar Creek is located at 3286 N Clarksville Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068
Nature PlayScape at Cincinnati Nature Center
Looking for a creek that was designed just for kids to enjoy? Then head to Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford. Located within CNC’s Rowe Woods, the Nature PlayScape is a fenced-in area designated for kids 11 and under and boasts a small stream that runs down the center of the space.
The Cincinnati Nature Center is located at 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150
Enjoy playing in the water with your kiddos? Then make sure to check out all the spots for water fun around Cincinnati!
