Self-Guided Opportunities

Want to learn interesting facts on the trails or discover fun activities to guide your hikes? You won't need a naturalist or leader with our self-guided opportunities.  Borrow a children's pack or kit or pick up a free self-guided trail brochure to enhance your experience on the trails. Then explore all the other fun learning opportunities offered daily at the Rowe Visitor Center. 

Self-Guided Trail Brochures

History Hike - Take a hike that spans more than a century; from Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin, built in the early 1800’s to the Reservoir Pond dug in the 1950’s. You will explore the rich history of the Krippendorfs, the Groesbecks and everything in between. This is a perfect hike for the history buff or anyone interested in learning more about Cincinnati Nature Center and its roots.  Click here (PDF) to view the printable History Hike Brochure.

Edge Trail - Looking for an easy trail to hike in just under an hour? Then the Edge Trail is right for you. Use the self-guided brochure to explore three habitats; field, forest and pond as you walk this .6 mile loop around Powel Crosley Lake. During your hike you will see a bird blind, Marsh Pond, and Powel Crosley Lake.  Click here (PDF) to view the printable Edge Trail Brochure.

Geology Trail - Are you interested in rocks and fossils? Then the Geology Trail is right for you. On this trail you may see rocks and fossils from the Ordovician Period, including Bryozoans, Cephalopods and many more. Please do not remove rocks and fossils - leave them for others to see. This trail is 1.2 miles and has a CNC rating of “Moderate.”  Click here (PDF) to view the printable Geology Trail Brochure.

Tree Trail - CNC can help you practice identification and keying skills. Follow this trail to identify 15 of Ohio’s native trees. This trail begins right outside the front doors of the Visitor Center, takes you past Krippendorf Lodge and loops through the Herb Garden and back. Pick up this guide and learn to identify some native trees in Ohio using a Dichotomous Key, for either summer or Winter I.D.  Click here (PDF) to view the printable Tree Trail Brochure.

Spring Wildflower Folklore Trail - Do you want to learn more about wildflowers and the folklore behind them? Then the wildflower folklore trail is perfect for you. Walk the Wildflower Trail, a one mile moderately rated trail that will take you down a beautiful hillside of a mature forest. While you are walking through the woods, be sure to keep a look out for signs describing the numerous wildflowers that you may encounter along the trail.  Signs along the trail will guide you on this hike, no brochure necessary!

Children’s Packs and Kits

Explorer Pack* - Does your young naturalist spot hawks and deer before you? Then the Explorer Pack is a perfect fit for your little explorer. It’s equipped with binoculars, view finder (4X), journal to record observations, bug box, magnifying glass, compass and identification sheets from the four habitats as well as plant and insect bingo. Ages 3 to 8.

Art Pack* - Is your child a mini Michelangelo or young Rembrandt? Why not encourage their creativity with an Art Pack? When you check out an Art Pack you will receive colored pencils, crayons, watercolors and a brush, art paper and a sit-upon. Children can capture their observations and preserve their memories with art! Ages 4 to 12.

Pond Study Kit* - Ever wonder what lives below the surface at Matt’s Pond? Well, here’s your chance to get up-close-and-personal with these creatures. Stop at the front desk and check out a Pond Study Kit today. You will receive a net, collection bin, cups, Pond Life and Pond Watchers Books as well as an identification sheet of what you may find. Collecting is only allowed at Matt’s Pond, so be sure to wear your official Pond Study Permit while collecting. Ages 6 to 14.

Other Opportunities for Fun and Learning

Binoculars* - Do you love nature but have a hard time observing animals? Then why not bring the animals to you with binoculars. Watch birds eat from our feeders or see deer up close as they search the forest for food. Whatever you want to observe, binoculars will bring it closer. Borrow these from the Front Desk Naturalist.

Snake Feedings (Saturdays at noon) - Ever wondered how a snake is able to eat something bigger than its own head without the aide of limbs? Then stop by the Rowe Visitor Center every Saturday at noon to witness one of our resident corn snakes eat. (No live prey is fed because it is safer for the snakes and more humane for the mice).

Scavenger Hunts - Learn about the season's theme with an exciting scavenger hunt. Stop by the front desk to receive your mission, and when you have finished your sheet, return for a prize.

Touch Table Activities - Do you have a little explorer who loves to learn through hands-on activities? Then stop in the Rowe Visitor Center and experience the Touch Table located near the front desk. Themes include deer, owls, animal tracks and more. There’s always something new waiting for you. Ages 3 to 10.

Fish and Turtle Feeding - Powel Crosley Lake is home to a number of fish and turtles and you have the opportunity to see them up close. Come to the Rowe Visitor Center and purchase a small amount of fish and turtle food for 25 cents. Who knows, you might even get lucky and see one of our snapping turtles that call the lake home. Please note: for the health of the animals and the lake, no outside food may be fed. Feeding is allowed from April 1st to October 31st.

Wildflower Tubes - Did you see some wildflowers on your hike, but weren’t sure what they were? Observe the wildflower tubes located outside the front doors of the Rowe Visitor Center. Throughout the season, you can examine a wide variety of common native as well as non-native species; from early bloomers like Winter Aconite to spring daffodils to Colchicum in the fall. In addition to the tubes, visit the wildflower display boards in the lobby for more help with identification.

Nature Calls - While hiking the All Persons' Trail, use your cell phone to hear a naturalist-recorded message about features along the way. There will be a number of locations where signs will provide a number to call for instant information. These will move to new locations along the trail each season. There is no fee, but you may be charged by your cell phone company for minutes used (depending on your sell phone package).

*- A ‘deposit’ of membership card, driver’s license or keys is required.