18
hikers
02:25
9.60km
10m
Hiking
The Lunken Airport Trail offers a truly distinctive hiking experience, circling the Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport on a paved path. You'll enjoy a fascinating blend of urban activity and natural beauty, with planes taking off and landing as a constant backdrop. The trail also follows the Little Miami River, providing serene water views, and passes by local spots like Land of Make Believe Park, making it a great loop hike for all ages.
Planning your visit to the Lunken Airport Trail is straightforward, as ample parking is available right at the trailhead. This trail is accessible year-round due to its paved surface, so you don't need to worry about specific seasonal conditions. There are no permits required, and it's a popular spot for families and dog-friendly outings, though always check for current conditions before heading out.
Beyond its unique airport views, the Lunken Airport Trail is a significant hub for regional connectivity. It links directly to the Ohio River Trail, which extends into downtown Cincinnati, and is also part of the much larger Ohio to Erie Trail network. Additionally, the Armleder-Lunken Connector provides access to the Armleder Park Trail, making it a gateway for longer adventures and a notable trail in Cincinnati.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.58 km
Highlight • Structure
4.79 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
9.60 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.41 km
190 m
Surfaces
7.20 km
2.26 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Sunday 12 July
29°C
20°C
60 %
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This route was planned by komoot.
The trail is easily accessible with ample parking available at various points around Lunken Airport. You can find parking lots near the Land of Make Believe Park or Reeves Golf Course, both of which are directly adjacent to the trail.
Yes, the Lunken Airport Trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on the trail, but please ensure they are kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to keep the path enjoyable for everyone.
The Lunken Airport Trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and colorful scenery. Summer is great for longer daylight hours, while winter can provide a unique, quieter experience, though you should check for ice conditions on the paved surface.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access or use the Lunken Airport Trail. It is part of the Great Parks of Hamilton County system, which generally offers free access to its trails.
The trail features a mostly flat, wide, and paved surface, making it accessible for various activities. A significant portion runs atop a levee. While predominantly flat, there are two short, noticeable hills where the trail ascends and descends the levee on the east and south sides of the airport.
You'll enjoy diverse views, including excellent opportunities for plane spotting at Lunken Airport. The route also offers pleasant views of the Little Miami River, passes by Land of Make Believe Park and Reeves Golf Course, and includes a Viewpoint on Lunken Loop. You might also notice a Crane Blockage.
Yes, this trail is a crucial link in a larger regional network. It connects to the Ohio River Trail, the Armleder Trail Connector, and is part of the extensive Ohio to Erie Trail, which spans from Cincinnati to Cleveland.
Absolutely! Its mostly flat, paved surface and relatively short loop make it an excellent choice for beginners, families with children, and those looking for an accessible outdoor experience. The two short hills provide a mild challenge but are manageable for most.
The trail is integrated into a larger recreation area. While specific amenities directly on the trail might be limited, you can typically find restrooms and water fountains at nearby parks like Land of Make Believe Park or facilities associated with Reeves Golf Course.
The trail is approximately 4.9 to 5.1 miles long. For hikers, it typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete the full loop, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
The Lunken Airport Trail offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery. It's one of the few places where you can enjoy a scenic walk alongside an active municipal airport, providing fantastic plane-spotting opportunities, combined with river views and historical significance.
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