I love hiking, especially as a “timeout” from my online work projects. Sometimes fresh air and exercise are just what I need to recharge and reset.
I’m sharing some of my favorite places to hike in Northern Kentucky that you’ll want to add to your list.
Hiking Trails at Devou Park
The Overlook
1201 Park Dr, Covington, KY
Enjoy a great view from the Overlook and walk the paved paths throughout the park on muddy days.
Devou Backcountry Trails
On dry days, explore the backcountry hiking trails that double as mountain biking trails.
Be prepared to jump over to the side quickly if you hear a mountain biker coming down the path.
There are two different parking lots on opposite sides of Sleepy Hollow Road.
The Sleepy Hollow Montague Trail is one of my go-to trails. I like the vantage point beneath the train bridge, and the inclines are a great workout.
You can find more things to do at Devou Park here.
Hiking Trails at Highlands Cemetery
2167 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY
This is one of my other favorite hidden hiking gems. I have relatives buried at Highlands, and I only discovered their trails in the last few years.
There are 5.2 miles of trails on the 150-acre cemetery property.
It’s one of my favorite places to hike because it’s conveniently located off the I-75 expressway at the Fort Mitchell exit.
To get to the parking lot inside the cemetery, take all right turns as soon as you enter the cemetery, and you’ll find the parking lot on the left.
The trailhead starts near the creek, and there are a few spots where you can relax on a bench to watch nature along the water or at the top of a hill.
Kids and superhero fans will also love discovering the “Batman” themed trail signs.
Many hiking trails connect, making it fun to “choose your own adventure” and see where you end up.
Hiking Trails at Boone Cliffs Nature Preserve
4700 Middle Creek Rd, Burlington, KY
The “cliffs” weren’t as dramatic as I had anticipated, given the preserve’s name. I was picturing something more like Red River Gorge, but I still enjoyed hiking the trail.
The 74-acre preserve features 20 to 49-foot cliff formations, 2.4 miles of unpaved walking trails, and beautiful wildflowers.
Be on the lookout for the wild columbine flowers in bloom at Boone Cliffs Park that naturally grow out of limestone cliffs.
The parking lot for the preserve is small. Pay attention to the parking signs to ensure you’re in the designated location.
Hiking Trails at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site offers 4.5 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate terrain, from paved to unpaved.
Yes, we know the name of our local hidden gem sounds odd. The name inspiration came from the Pleistocene megafauna fossils found onsite.
During prehistoric times, mammoths frequented this location by the salt licks deposited around the sulfur springs.
With that understanding, the name makes a little more sense.
You can learn more about prehistoric history during the Ice Age on the markers placed along the Discovery Trail behind the visitor center on the paved trail.
Afterward, you might want to explore some of the unpaved hikes.
Visit the Bison
Kentucky had wild bison around the 1800s, and the current bison herd at the park is a reminder of the park’s more recent history.
While at the park, you’ll want to take the paths that lead to the bison viewing area.
Hiking Trails at Dinsmore Woods State Nature Preserve
5700 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY
The Park entrance is just past the Dinsmore Homestead on the right. You can park at the Middle Creek Park Parking lot across the road.
This 107-acre park has a mature forest and a cemetery at the top of the hill.
Hiking Trails at Middle Creek Park
5655 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can easily hike at The Dinsmore and Middle Creek Park on the same day because of their proximity.
The 3-mile loop trail can get very muddy in the lower sections so be mindful of what the weather has been a few days before your hike.
Hiking Trails at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park
6750 Sperti Ln, Burlington, KY
There are 1.2 miles of unpaved hiking trails, but the best part about Gunpowder Creek Nature Park is the creek.
Challenging yourself to find a rock path in the creek to walk across without falling in is still fun as an adult.
This is a popular hidden gem with limited parking. You start going down a very steep hill on a gravel trail to access the trails by the creek.
Be prepared because you’ll also have to walk up the steep hill when you leave.
I suggest wearing old shoes that can get wet and bringing towels because your kids will want to get wet if it’s a nice day.
There is also a large grassy section where you can toss a ball or plan a picnic.
Hiking Trails at Doe Run Lake Park
1501 Bullock Pen Rd, Covington, KY
You’ll want to visit the hiking trails at Doe Run after several days without rain. The trails can get really muddy, and the trail is often closed.
The 2.8-mile loop trail encircles the 50-acre lake, but many areas along the trail are prone to erosion and can be difficult to navigate.
I’m still mentioning it because the park features a scenic, small lake, and you can walk along the road. Toward the end of the trail, closer to the road where you drive in, is a particularly scenic spot.
Try them all and decide which Northern Kentucky hiking trails are your favorite.
