Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Fernbank Park

    4.6 (26 reviews)

    Fernbank Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Fernbank Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Shikha C.

    Great place to just chill by the river side or get some steps in. They have both paved and dirt trails, flat and easy! Views are excellent, I've enjoyed several sunsets here!

    View from our car.
    David K.

    Continuing our carry out date night during this time. This is a nice kinda long stretch park that has some nice views of the river. It also has some really nice walking paths with some spots you can reserve for a small family outing. Was pretty busy so good for people and dog watching!! Good signs to tell you where it is along river road. If your are familiar with Cabana on the river it it close to that. So do go and enjoy this nice park.

    Trees by the banks.
    Elyse F.

    Another park in the Great Parks of Hamilton County system. Fernbank runs along the Ohio River. There is both a paved and non paved trail. The Sycamore Nature Trail offeres lots of shade. That coupled with a length of only one mile, makes It is a good trail for when one wants to go hiking in the summer. Bank fishing on the Ohio River is permitted. A couple picnic shelters are available. There is a play structure. Since our last visit I read that there was damage to the structure from flood waters, and the structure is closed. I'm not sure if the structure has yet to be reopened. Fernbank is one of their smaller parks. One word of caution, if using Google Maps, you may be directed to the old (closed) entrance. Several visits over several years, and each time this happens. Not the park's fault, but I wanted to put it out there so others know to expect it. When I am about a half mile away I start looking for the signs from the park, and follow those.

    The view
    Janthina B.

    My favorite park. I like to hike off trail and go down to the beachfront on the river. Best view of the river.

    Justin K.

    Fernbank Park is one of the best parks on the West Side of Cincinnati. Fernbank features a paved walking trail, a hiking trail, lots of (free!) parking, and some nice wide-open fields. The shelters and lodge are also very nice, although you will want to reserve beforehand to guarantee a place for your event. Nothing beats the view of the river early in the morning or late in the evening just in time for sunrise or sunset, respectively. I will say the fields used to not be kept so well, but I think they were attended to a little more last summer. The playground looks clean and fun, although I am not young enough nor do I have any kids to confirm this hands-on - hah! As for the rest of the park, I think it's very clean. Some areas get a little muddy, but hey - it's a park! Nature will do these things. Whether you're looking for a quick walk or an all-day picnic, Fernbank Park is a great area!

    Libby K.

    I have only visited this park twice, both when leading hikes with Hike It Baby Cincinnati. The paved trails are great for strollers and the nature trail is something a jogging stroller can handle, but keep an eye out for roots! I didn't find since we went at a leisurely pace and love a wooded trail anyhow. Always wear shades or a hat because a majority of the paved trail is in the sun or you may have the sun in your eyes depending on the time of day. Families appreciate a playground at the end of any walk with the kiddos and Fernbank has a great one. The only thing it's missing is swings! My 7-month old cannot appreciate the rest of the equipment yet so I usually end up leaving so he doesn't get jealous.

    Christine M.

    A friend of mine from the gym is a runner. She recently asked me if I'd ever been to Fernbank Park, and I had to admit I had not even heard of it. I am not a runner, but she said a trip there was worth it either way, and I think she was spot on. This park is off of 50 and like many urban destinations, is right off a busy road, but is also bounded by the Ohio River. The Ohio River might not be the most appealing body of water, but it's nice to appreciate it every so often. In other places I've lived, the river is often prime real estate, and the lack of this orientation in Cincinnati always boggled me. I understand the history of the river as transport and the location of industry, but even in that climate, Fernbank manages to really embrace the river locale. It rivals the development downtown for me with informative signs about flora and fauna you might encounter, there is a great playground, picnic shelters, a decently long paved trail, a shorter wild trail, and a lot of people to smile at and watch along the way. I look forward to heading back to Fernbank- to walk, watch barges, look for birds and wildlife, or whatever strikes my fancy. Yeah for a west side park on the river!

    Katrina H.

    Aside from occasional flooding, this is the nicest park I know of on the West side. The play area is large, so my son has a blast. There are walking paths, and usually many people walking their dogs. I haven't encountered any weirdos or creepers here yet... So for now this is a great place to visit!

    Some fun times with nippy weather.

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Incredible environment. Definitely does not feel like you're in Ohio when you take a trip and wander through this magical park!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom H.
    2
    53
    2

    4 years ago

    Clean. Well maintained. Great walking path in a great setting next to a great part of the Ohio River. Did I say "great" enough? Seriously.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elyse F.
    197
    1513
    9702

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel R.
    190
    41
    14

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Libby K.
    32
    15
    182

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Super nice park on the river. Plenty of paved walking trails. Plenty of places to ride your bike. Nice jungle gym for the kids.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mandy H.
    109
    13
    1

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Fernbank Park

    Review Highlights - Fernbank Park

    Plenty of cabanas and picnic tables and although it is a Hamilton County Park, no parking pass needed!!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 2,632 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Smale Riverfront Park

    Smale Riverfront Park

    4.9(139 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    Smale Riverfront Park connects downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River and the existing riverfront…read moreparks. A wonderful location to view the bustling activity along The Ohio River Trail, and a place to gather and celebrate as a community. The park boasts multiple water play features, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, an imaginative play area for kids, expansive pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann's Carousel. Several historical monuments can be found like the Black Brigade Monument and the recently dedicated Marian Spencer Statue. I was on a roadtrip and my family dropped me off in downtown Cincinnati and I gravitated to Smale Riverfront Park because I wanted a place to explore nature and see river views. I explored the scenic walkways along the Ohio, flower gardens, fountains, public art, picnic spots, and plenty of space to just chill. One of my favorite features were the riverfront swings, big, bench-style swings tucked along the water that are perfect for kicking back and enjoying the view. They're surprisingly comfortable and such a great spot to unwind and reconnect with your inner child. The park has amazing views of the Roebling Suspension Bridge and Ohio River are worth the visit on their own, the paths are wide and great for families, and there's lots to explore without feeling overcrowded. There are splash zones for kids, places to sit and picnic, and tons of photo ops.

    This was our first thing we decided to do when we got into town. Parking was not easy and we just…read moreended up in the lot paying a crazy amount of money but the views alone were worth it. Plus it was a nice little park. My son also enjoyed everything here like seriously did not want to leave. I loved the swings, just what a gorgeous place.

    Photos
    Smale Riverfront Park - Park

    Park

    Smale Riverfront Park
    Smale Riverfront Park - Labyrinth

    See all

    Labyrinth

    Fernbank Park - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...