The best cycling routes in Clermont County

The Kroger Hills – Kroger Hills loop from Loveland offers a delightful touring cycling experience, primarily on the smooth, paved surfaces of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. As you pedal, you'll enjoy picturesque views of local hills and the serene riverine landscapes of the Little Miami River. The route skirts the edges of the 217-acre Kroger Hills nature preserve, providing a natural backdrop of old-growth forest and restored prairie, even if you're not cycling directly through its dense interior.

This moderate 22.3-mile (35.9 km) ride, with its 565 feet (172 metres) of elevation gain, is generally completed in about 2 hours and 5 minutes, making it accessible for most skill levels. The trail's connection to the larger Little Miami Scenic Trail system means you'll find convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic tables along the way. Parking is readily available in Loveland, making it easy to start your adventure.

Built on an old railroad bed, the Little Miami Scenic Trail provides a historically rich and consistently flat, easy-riding path. This makes the Kroger Hills loop a fantastic option for those seeking a well-maintained route that offers both natural beauty and a comfortable ride. It's a great way to explore the natural heritage of the area without encountering overly challenging terrain.

The Kroger Hills – Kroger Hills loop from Milford offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, winding through preserved green spaces and along the scenic Little Miami River. You'll enjoy views of old-growth forests and restored prairies, with the Little Miami Scenic Trail providing a smooth, paved surface for much of the journey. This easy route is perfect for a relaxing ride through varied natural beauty.

This 9.6-mile (15.5 km) loop, with a gentle 251 feet (76 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 56 minutes to complete. Starting from Milford, a convenient hub with amenities, the route is easily accessible. It's an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a quick, scenic escape without significant physical demands, suitable for any fitness level.

This area is known for its diverse topography and natural beauty, with opportunities to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer. Milford's status as a Buckeye Trail Town highlights its importance as a junction for several long-distance trails, making it a prime location for exploring the region's extensive cycling network.

This touring cycling route offers a delightful mix of natural and urban scenery, perfect for a leisurely day on two wheels. Starting from Milford, you'll glide along the tree-lined Little Miami Scenic Trail, enjoying the peaceful river views before transitioning to the vibrant cityscape of Cincinnati. The highlight is undoubtedly the Serpentine Wall, an undulating flood wall along the Ohio River, providing picturesque views of the city skyline and bridges. You'll also pass by the Kroger Hills nature preserve, appreciating its old-growth forest and restored prairie from the trail's edge.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as Milford is a well-equipped Trail Town. You'll find accessible parking, restrooms, and even bike repair services right at the trailhead, making it a convenient starting point. The route is predominantly on paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride, and its moderate difficulty makes it suitable for most touring cyclists. Consider visiting on a clear day to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes.

At 36.4 miles (58.6 km) with a gentle 603 feet (184 metres) of elevation gain, this loop is a manageable ride that takes approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes. It uniquely combines the tranquility of natural preserves and charming small towns like Milford with the architectural interest and riverfront views of downtown Cincinnati. This blend of environments makes it a standout option for those seeking a varied and engaging cycling experience in the region.

This easy touring cycling loop along the Little Miami Scenic Trail from Milford offers a delightful journey through lush, shaded woodlands and alongside the picturesque Little Miami River. You'll glide on a well-maintained paved path, enjoying continuous scenic views and passing the historic "Signal of Little Miami River Railroad" monument, which serves as a tangible link to the area's rail-trail heritage. The route's gentle terrain makes it a perfect escape for a relaxing ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as Milford is a designated "Trail Town, USA" with ample amenities like bike shops and eateries. The trail is easily accessible with multiple entry points and is suitable for all skill levels, including families. No special permits are needed, and the paved surface means it's enjoyable in most weather conditions, though a sunny day enhances the river views.

This 12.2-mile (19.7 km) loop, with a minimal 306 feet (93 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a quick, rewarding outing. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a prime example of a successful rail-to-trail conversion, preserving history while providing a valuable recreational asset that connects to a vast network of trails in southwestern Ohio.

The Signal of Little Miami River Railroad loop from Milford offers a delightful touring bicycle experience on a paved, flat path that follows the historic railway corridor. You'll glide through shaded woodlands, often alongside the Little Miami River, enjoying the serene countryside of Southwestern Ohio. The trail's easy difficulty and minimal 208 feet (64 metres) of elevation gain over 8.0 miles (12.8 km) make it perfect for a quick 44-minute spin or a relaxed family outing.

Milford is a fantastic starting point, providing amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and even a bike repair shop right at the trailhead, ensuring a hassle-free beginning to your ride. Parking is readily available, and the shaded sections of the trail make it a comfortable option even during warmer weather. This route is ideal for anyone seeking an accessible and enjoyable cycling experience.

This section of the Little Miami Scenic Trail is part of one of the longest paved multi-use trails in the United States, built on the right-of-way of the old Little Miami Railroad. The trail's path along the Little Miami River, a designated State and National Scenic River, offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and connects to other greenways, expanding your touring possibilities in the Cincinnati area.

The Bicycle Ramp loop from Loveland offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, winding through diverse landscapes that showcase the area's natural beauty and urban connectivity. You'll pedal past serene lakes like Boyd Lake, follow the Big Thompson River, and enjoy views of the Rocky Mountain foothills, all while traversing a mostly paved surface. This moderate 23.3-mile (37.5 km) route, with its 725 feet (221 metres) of elevation gain, provides a satisfying challenge that takes approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a scenic and engaging ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is part of the well-connected Loveland Recreation Trail System. You'll find numerous access points and parking options at the parks along the loop, such as Centennial Park, which also offers amenities like restrooms and drinking fountains. The trail is well-marked with quarter-mile markers, ensuring easy navigation. For the best experience, consider cycling in the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and the scenery is particularly vibrant.

This loop is a testament to Loveland's commitment to outdoor recreation, offering a comprehensive way to explore the city's natural and developed areas. The trail system has seen continuous expansion, with its 21-mile loop completed in 2021, providing a seamless experience for touring cyclists. It's a great way to experience the local environment, linking parks, natural areas, and neighborhoods, and offering a glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystems.