Self-Guided Hikes and Walks

Self-Guided HW Want more information to guide your hikes? Pick up a free self-guided trail brochure in the Rowe Visitor Center or print your brochure at home.

History Hike

Take a hike that spans more than a century; from Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin, built in the early 1800’s to the Reservoir Pond dug in the 1950’s. You will explore the rich history of the Krippendorfs, the Groesbecks and everything in between. This is a perfect hike for the history buff or anyone interested in learning more about Cincinnati Nature Center and its roots.  Click here (PDF) to view the printable History Hike Brochure.

Edge Trail

Looking for an easy trail to hike in just under an hour? Then the Edge Trail is right for you. Use the self-guided brochure to explore three habitats; field, forest and pond as you walk this .6 mile loop around Powel Crosley Lake. During your hike you will see a bird blind, Marsh Pond, and Powel Crosley Lake.  Click here (PDF) to view the printable Edge Trail Brochure.

Geology Trail

Are you interested in rocks and fossils? Then the Geology Trail is right for you. On this trail you may see rocks and fossils from the Ordovician Period, including Bryozoans, Cephalopods and many more. Please do not remove rocks and fossils - leave them for others to see. This trail is 1.2 miles and has a CNC rating of “Moderate.”  Click here (PDF) to view the printable Geology Trail Brochure.

Tree Trail

CNC can help you practice identification and keying skills. Follow this trail to identify 15 of Ohio’s native trees. This trail begins right outside the front doors of the Visitor Center, takes you past Krippendorf Lodge and loops through the Herb Garden and back. Pick up this guide and learn to identify some native trees in Ohio using a Dichotomous Key, for either summer or Winter I.D.  Click here (PDF) to view the Tree Trail Brochure.

Spring Wildflower Folklore Trail

Do you want to learn more about wildflowers and the folklore behind them? Then the wildflower folklore trail is perfect for you. Walk the Wildflower Trail, a one mile moderately rated trail that will take you down a beautiful hillside of a mature forest. While you are walking through the woods, be sure to keep a look out for signs describing the numerous wildflowers that you may encounter along the trail.  Signs along the trail will guide you on this hike, no brochure necessary!

Hike for Your Health! (May-December)

From June through December, sign up for your passport to a healthy summer and end of the year.  Stop in at the Rowe Visitor Center to purchase your passport for $5.  As you hike all 18 miles of trails at Rowe Woods, ask the front desk naturalist to stamp your passport.  When you've completed all trails, come back and show your completed passport to win an attractive and handy drawstring backpack.

"Nature Calls" Tours

Use your cell phone to hear a naturalist-recorded message about features along the trails.  Signs will provide a phone number to call for instant information at different locations. Each season, "Nature Calls" tours will move to new spots to highlight the season's theme.  There is no fee, but you may be charged by your cell phone company for minutes used (depending on your cell phone package).