Avon Woods Feels Like Your Own Private Forest Despite It Being a Public Park | Cincinnati Refined

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Now entering: Avon Woods Preserve! / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Here's the thing about Avon Woods Preserve: its modest offerings cut to the core of what makes a park a special place within city limits. Located in North Avondale along Paddock Road, Avon Woods is a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, verdant oasis four miles north of Downtown Cincinnati. There, a series of small hiking trails are shaded by the trees' thick canopy overhead. Trails are clearly worn so no one gets lost, but also overgrown ever-so-slightly to make it seem like forest-walkers are going (for a lack of a better phrase) off the beaten path. When the wind whips through the trees and gently folds the low, spindly plants to the forest floor, the park's relative silence becomes apparent. It's easy to enjoy walking up and down the ravine while the active stream in the middle of the woods bubbles below. Avon Woods isn't the event destination Washington or Ault Park are; it's a place of quiet zen that's more than content in just the company of nature. ADDRESS: 4235 Paddock Rd (45229) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Just outside the woods sits the tiny Avon Woods Nature Center. It's used as a place where people gather for park-related events, such as various educational programs. Visitors can find information about upcoming events on the bulletin board outside the center. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Dogs are more than welcome to walk Avon Woods' trails so long as they're on a leash. There's plenty to sniff along the path. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Since it's small in size and relatively hidden when compared to the more popular Smale Parks and Mt. Airy Forests of Cincinnati, Avon Woods feels like a private place to breathe fresh air, tread some trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Avon Woods Preserve's modest offerings cut to the core of what makes a park a special place within city limits. Located in North Avondale along Paddock Road, Avon Woods is a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, verdant oasis four miles north of Downtown Cincinnati. There, a series of small hiking trails are shaded by the trees' thick canopy overhead. Trails are clearly worn so no one gets lost, but also overgrown ever-so-slightly to make it seem like forest-walkers are going (for a lack of a better phrase) off the beaten path. When the wind whips through the trees and gently folds the low, spindly plants to the forest floor, the park's relative silence becomes apparent. It's easy to enjoy walking up and down the ravine while the active stream in the middle of the woods bubbles below. Avon Woods isn't the event destination Washington or Ault Park are; it's a place of quiet zen that's more than content in just the company of nature. ADDRESS: 4235 Paddock Rd (45229) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

There is plenty of parking near the Nature Center. After entering from Paddock Road, veer right and head straight to the back of the park. There, you'll find parking and the trailheads. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Take a left at the pond to start hiking one of the trails. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Avon Woods Preserve's modest offerings cut to the core of what makes a park a special place within city limits. Located in North Avondale along Paddock Road, Avon Woods is a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, verdant oasis four miles north of Downtown Cincinnati. There, a series of small hiking trails are shaded by the trees' thick canopy overhead. Trails are clearly worn so no one gets lost, but also overgrown ever-so-slightly to make it seem like forest-walkers are going (for a lack of a better phrase) off the beaten path. When the wind whips through the trees and gently folds the low, spindly plants to the forest floor, the park's relative silence becomes apparent. It's easy to enjoy walking up and down the ravine while the active stream in the middle of the woods bubbles below. Avon Woods isn't the event destination Washington or Ault Park are; it's a place of quiet zen that's more than content in just the company of nature. ADDRESS: 4235 Paddock Rd (45229) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Areas with stadium-style wooden seating are found throughout the trails. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Since it's small in size and relatively hidden when compared to the more popular Smale Parks and Mt. Airy Forests of Cincinnati, Avon Woods feels like a private place to breathe fresh air, tread some trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Dogs are more than welcome to walk Avon Woods' trails so long as they're on a leash. There's plenty to sniff along the path. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

The hiking trails and forest area is a small section of a much larger facet of Avon Woods: the accompanying golf course. Carts zip down paved roads between all 18 courses while golfers quietly practice becoming the next Tiger Woods. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

The hiking trails and forest area is a small section of a much larger facet of Avon Woods: the accompanying golf course. Carts zip down paved roads between all 18 courses while golfers quietly practice becoming the next Tiger Woods. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Little bridges help hikers cross the stream with ease. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Dogs are more than welcome to walk Avon Woods' trails so long as they're on a leash. There's plenty to sniff along the path. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Just outside the woods sits the tiny Avon Woods Nature Center. It's used as a place where people gather for park-related events, such as various educational programs. Visitors can find information about upcoming events on the bulletin board outside the center. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Just outside the woods sits the tiny Avon Woods Nature Center. It's used as a place where people gather for park-related events, such as various educational programs. Visitors can find information about upcoming events on the bulletin board outside the center. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Avon Woods Preserve's modest offerings cut to the core of what makes a park a special place within city limits. Located in North Avondale along Paddock Road, Avon Woods is a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, verdant oasis four miles north of Downtown Cincinnati. There, a series of small hiking trails are shaded by the trees' thick canopy overhead. Trails are clearly worn so no one gets lost, but also overgrown ever-so-slightly to make it seem like forest-walkers are going (for a lack of a better phrase) off the beaten path. When the wind whips through the trees and gently folds the low, spindly plants to the forest floor, the park's relative silence becomes apparent. It's easy to enjoy walking up and down the ravine while the active stream in the middle of the woods bubbles below. Avon Woods isn't the event destination Washington or Ault Park are; it's a place of quiet zen that's more than content in just the company of nature. ADDRESS: 4235 Paddock Rd (45229) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Ah, peace and quiet / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Since it's small in size and relatively hidden when compared to the more popular Smale Parks and Mt. Airy Forests of Cincinnati, Avon Woods feels like a private place to breathe fresh air, tread some trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Little bridges help hikers cross the stream with ease. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

The hiking trails and forest area is a small section of a much larger facet of Avon Woods: the accompanying golf course. Carts zip down paved roads between all 18 courses while golfers quietly practice becoming the next Tiger Woods. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

The hiking trails and forest area is a small section of a much larger facet of Avon Woods: the accompanying golf course. Carts zip down paved roads between all 18 courses while golfers quietly practice becoming the next Tiger Woods. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Avon Woods Preserve's modest offerings cut to the core of what makes a park a special place within city limits. Located in North Avondale along Paddock Road, Avon Woods is a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, verdant oasis four miles north of Downtown Cincinnati. There, a series of small hiking trails are shaded by the trees' thick canopy overhead. Trails are clearly worn so no one gets lost, but also overgrown ever-so-slightly to make it seem like forest-walkers are going (for a lack of a better phrase) off the beaten path. When the wind whips through the trees and gently folds the low, spindly plants to the forest floor, the park's relative silence becomes apparent. It's easy to enjoy walking up and down the ravine while the active stream in the middle of the woods bubbles below. Avon Woods isn't the event destination Washington or Ault Park are; it's a place of quiet zen that's more than content in just the company of nature. ADDRESS: 4235 Paddock Rd (45229) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Since it's small in size and relatively hidden when compared to the more popular Smale Parks and Mt. Airy Forests of Cincinnati, Avon Woods feels like a private place to breathe fresh air, tread some trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Where the paths converge / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Avon Woods Preserve's modest offerings cut to the core of what makes a park a special place within city limits. Located in North Avondale along Paddock Road, Avon Woods is a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, verdant oasis four miles north of Downtown Cincinnati. There, a series of small hiking trails are shaded by the trees' thick canopy overhead. Trails are clearly worn so no one gets lost, but also overgrown ever-so-slightly to make it seem like forest-walkers are going (for a lack of a better phrase) off the beaten path. When the wind whips through the trees and gently folds the low, spindly plants to the forest floor, the park's relative silence becomes apparent. It's easy to enjoy walking up and down the ravine while the active stream in the middle of the woods bubbles below. Avon Woods isn't the event destination Washington or Ault Park are; it's a place of quiet zen that's more than content in just the company of nature. ADDRESS: 4235 Paddock Rd (45229) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Since it's small in size and relatively hidden when compared to the more popular Smale Parks and Mt. Airy Forests of Cincinnati, Avon Woods feels like a private place to breathe fresh air, tread some trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Dogs are more than welcome to walk Avon Woods' trails so long as they're on a leash. There's plenty to sniff along the path. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Areas with stadium-style wooden seating are found throughout the trails. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

Since it's small in size and relatively hidden when compared to the more popular Smale Parks and Mt. Airy Forests of Cincinnati, Avon Woods feels like a private place to breathe fresh air, tread some trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

The hiking trails and forest area is a small section of a much larger facet of Avon Woods: the accompanying golf course. Carts zip down paved roads between all 18 courses while golfers quietly practice becoming the next Tiger Woods. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 4.25.19

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