It is no surprise that Cincinnati is blessed with a plethora of parks, gardens, and wildlife preserves, all of which are open to the public. Kelley Nature Preserve, located on the city’s east side, is one of our favorite spots.
The preserve, which is located near Miamiville, is 42 acres in size and provides easy accessibility to the Little Miami River, which may be used for kayaking and rafting, as well as two kilometers of hiking tracks.
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The preserve itself was granted to the Clermont County Park District in 1986 by Mrs. Virginia Kelley in memory of her late husband, Walter Kelley, who passed away in 1985.
On approaching the preserve, you will discover a huge parking lot, a sheltered area with several picnic tables, and several trails to explore.
You may access hiking trails from the parking lot through a forested region before looping around to an open meadow area with a diverse collection of wildflowers indigenous to the area.
The paths are well-maintained and provide a pleasant trip for beginners.
According to a sign at the preserve, a bald eagle may be seen hunting for fish in the Little Miami River during the winter months, and you may be able to identify one if you look carefully.
Several other species are regularly found in the region, making it a fantastic location for bird watching.
There are a few different areas along the walk where you may get a good view of the river as well.
Using a concrete road that runs straight from the parking lot into the Little Miami River, the preserve also provides convenient access to the river for kayaking and canoeing activities, among other things.
Residents often gather here to launch their watercraft and enjoy a day on the river with their friends and family.
Kelley Nature Preserve is the ideal location for a short trek, bird watching, or launching a kayak or canoe in the river.
Kelley Nature Preserve is a worth visiting spot.
Kelley Nature Preserve is located at 297 OH-126, Loveland, OH 45140.
The preserve is available to the public year-round, seven days a week from sunrise to dark, and admission is always free.
There is a large parking area with lots of parking spaces from which you can easily access the trailhead for hiking and the river for launching kayaks and canoes into the water.
If you want to visit after a rainy day, have proper footwear because the trails might get muddy.
Craving more great nature areas around Cincinnati? Check out our Comprehensive Guide to all Parks, Gardens, and Nature Centers in Cincinnati
