Plan Your Visit
Rowe Visitor Center
Rowe Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) and offers a wide range of amenities for visitors, including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, animal ambassadors, and friendly staff, eager to help with any questions. Relax in the Whittaker Library or near the wildlife observation windows.
Don't forget to stop by The Nature Shop—which sells locally made goods that support conservation efforts, and the Raptor Ambassador Mews—home to resident a Eastern screech owl and Red-tailed Hawk.
Award-winning Trails
Explore a variety of beautiful habitats, shaded areas, and interactive displays along our 0.72-mile, all-accessible Mashburn Family Discovery Trail. Just beyond Rowe Visitor Center, take a walk along our 0.66-mile Edge Trail and enjoy a peaceful moment on the boardwalk overlooking Powel Crosley Lake. Discover something new as you traverse through a variety of elevations in woodland habitat, over Limestone Steps, and along Avey's Run (creek) on our Geology (1.33 miles), Wildflower (1.13 miles), or Upland Trail (1.34 miles).
Go for distance on our 2.93-mile Redwing Trail or take on the (11.1 miles) Perimeter Trail as part of our Hike For Your Health Challenge.
Nature PlayScape
Our Nature PlayScape is intentionally designed to provide children with opportunities for unstructured play in a resilient version of local natural habitats. Native plants, fallen logs, boulders, rocks, water, and soil create forest and field habitats for children to explore. The Nature PlayScape contains very few man-made structures (swings, slides, etc.), and strives to re-create the kind of childhood experience many parents and grandparents had in nature when they were young.
The Nature PlayScape can be located just off the all-accessible, Mashburn Family Discovery Trail across from Krehbiel Pavilion.
Pollinator Gardens & Krippendorf Arboretum
Wander through a spiral-shaped garden of native plants that attract birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The Witt Pollinator Garden is always changing; see what’s in bloom at different times of the year and get ideas for your own yard.
Surrounding Krippendorf Lodge is the newly accredited Krippendorf Arboretum. Explore this arboretum, and a section of Old Growth Forest along the Mashburn Family Discovery Trail, Upland Trail, and along a small portion of Edge and Fernwood Trails.
Forest Ear-nocular
Listen to the forest in an entirely new way! This first-in-the-region Forest Ear-nocular is designed to amplify the subtle sounds of nature—birds calling, leaves rustling, streams flowing. It’s a place for reflection, mindfulness, and connection to the natural world.
The Ear-nocular is located just off the Wildflower Trail, near the intersection of Wildflower and Geology Trail.
Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin
The Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin was originally built by pioneer settlers in Adams County, Ohio in the early 1800s. The owners of the property where the cabin stood are long-time members and benefactors of Cincinnati Nature Center. They donated the cabin as a centerpiece for education about pioneer life. The cabin was dismantled for transport and reassembled on this site in 1997.
Stop by and explore Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin via the all-accessible, 0.72-mile Mashburn Family Discovery Trail, near Witt Pollinator Garden and Matt's Pond.
Rowe Visitor Center
Rowe Visitor Center
Rowe Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) and offers a wide range of amenities for visitors, including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, animal ambassadors, and friendly staff, eager to help with any questions. Relax in the Whittaker Library or near the wildlife observation windows.
Don't forget to stop by The Nature Shop—which sells locally made goods that support conservation efforts, and the Raptor Ambassador Mews—home to a resident Eastern screech owl and Red-tailed Hawk.
Award-winning Trails
Rowe Visitor Center
Explore a variety of beautiful habitats, shaded areas, and interactive displays along our 0.72-mile, all-accessible Mashburn Family Discovery Trail. Just beyond Rowe Visitor Center, take a walk along our 0.66-mile Edge Trail and enjoy a peaceful moment on the boardwalk overlooking Powel Crosley Lake.
Traverse through a variety of elevations in woodland habitat, over Limestone Steps, and along Avey's Run (creek) on our Geology (1.33 miles), Wildflower (1.13 miles), or Upland Trail (1.34 miles).
Go for distance on our 2.93-mile Redwing Trail or take on the (11.1 miles) Perimeter Trail as part of our Hike For Your Health Challenge.
Nature PlayScape
Rowe Visitor Center
Our Nature PlayScape is intentionally designed to provide children with opportunities for unstructured play in a resilient version of local natural habitats. Native plants, fallen logs, boulders, rocks, water, and soil create forest and field habitats for children to explore. The Nature PlayScape contains very few man-made structures (swings, slides, etc.), and strives to re-create the kind of childhood experience many parents and grandparents had in nature when they were young.
The Nature PlayScape can be located just off the all-accessible, Mashburn Family Discovery Trail across from Krehbiel Pavilion.
Pollinator Gardens & Krippendorf Arboretum
Rowe Visitor Center
Wander through a spiral-shaped garden of native plants that attract birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The Witt Pollinator Garden is always changing; see what’s in bloom at different times of the year and get ideas for your own yard.
Surrounding Krippendorf Lodge is the newly accredited Krippendorf Arboretum. Explore this arboretum, and a section of Old Growth Forest along the Mashburn Family Discovery Trail, Upland Trail, and along a small portion of Edge and Fernwood Trails.
Forest Ear-nocular
Rowe Visitor Center
Listen to the forest in an entirely new way! This first-in-the-region Forest Ear-nocular is designed to amplify the subtle sounds of nature—birds calling, leaves rustling, streams flowing. It’s a place for reflection, mindfulness, and connection to the natural world.The Ear-nocular is located just off the Wildflower Trail, near the intersection of Wildflower and Geology Trail.
Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin
Rowe Visitor Center
The Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin was originally built by pioneer settlers in Adams County, Ohio in the early 1800s. The owners of the property where the cabin stood are long-time members and benefactors of Cincinnati Nature Center. They donated the cabin as a centerpiece for education about pioneer life. The cabin was dismantled for transport and reassembled on this site in 1997.
Stop by and explore Abner Hollow Pioneer Cabin via the all-accessible, 0.72-mile Mashburn Family Discovery Trail, near Witt Pollinator Garden and Matt's Pond.
Seasonal Hours
Rowe Woods is open 7-days a week!
May Grounds Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm
Rowe Visitor Center: 9 am–5 pm
The Nature Shop: 10 am–5 pm
Admission ends 20 minutes prior to closing.
For your safety, we do not allow hiking after hours, and we may close trails due to severe weather conditions.
Daily Admission
Daily admission is FREE with membership! Not a member? Come check us out for a day!
Adults: $12
Seniors 65+/Active Military: $10
Children 4–12 years old: $8
Children 3 years old and younger: FREE
Pets: $5 each
Did you know that you can use your daily admission fee toward the cost of a membership? Purchase a membership within 14 days of your visit, and the TOTAL price may be applied (up to the price of membership).
Location & Parking
Tealtown Road, Milford, Ohio 45150
Click Here for Directions
Parking at Rowe Woods is FREE!
We encourage all visitors to park in any one of our parking lots—each with access to popular trails, features, or facilities. Both the Rowe Visitor Center, Krippendorf Lodge, and Nature PlayScape parking lots have designated ADA parking spaces.
Navigating Rowe Woods
At Cincinnati Nature Center, we want everyone to experience the beauty of nature. Our landscape has a bit of everything for a nature lover, with some areas more physically accessible than others.
Our trails at Rowe Woods vary from smooth, accessible boardwalks over ponds and walkways made of finely crushed limestone to natural, sloping trails with gravel or mulch surfaces. On trails farther out from the parking areas, you'll find rocky creek crossings and a handful of areas with steep stairs or inclines.
Please stop by Rowe Visitor Center to connect with our Visitor Services team, or call (513) 831-1711, to learn about our programs, building spaces, or trails. We would love to discuss your needs and provide accommodations and suggestions for a fantastic visit!
Explore All 10 Hiking Trails!
Year after year, Cincinnati Nature Center receives awards for having some of the best trails in the region. Our trails meander through pristine old-growth forests, fields dotted with native prairie grasses and flowers, across flowing streams, and alongside ponds filled with turtles, fish, frogs, salamanders, and invertebrates.
Mashburn Family Discovery
0.72 miles
Easy, All-Accessible
Edge
0.66 miles
Easy
Whitetail Trace
1.22 miles
Easy
Upland
1.34 miles
Easy
Wildflower
1.13 miles
Moderate
Geology
1.33 miles
Moderate
Lookout
2.27 miles
Moderate
Far Ridge
1.4 miles
Difficult
Fernwood
1.54 miles
Difficult
Redwing
2.93 miles
Difficult
Amenities
Visitor restroom facilities are located behind Krehbiel Pavilion—just across from the Nature PlayScape and adjacent parking lot. This restroom also offers a shower station that is available to use after play sessions in the Mud Zone.
Restrooms are also located inside Rowe Visitor Center. All restrooms are accessible during grounds hours, even if Rowe Visitor Center is closed. Water fountains and fountains for dogs are located near both restrooms.
Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase in the Nature Shop, located inside Rowe Visitor Center. While stopping by the Nature Shop, take a moment to browse a variety of items, including hand-glazed ceramics, bird feeders, mason bee houses, books, apparel, jewelry, toys, and more for purchase. Many of our items are locally made and support artists and small businesses in our community.
All proceeds from The Nature Shop go to support our mission of Inspiring Conservation.
Rules
Our trail rules are supported by scientific research and based on respect for nature and other visitors.
1. Foot traffic only on trails. Bikes are not permitted.
2. Remain on trails, boardwalks, and stepping stones to protect our habitats.
3. Drones are not permitted without authorization.
4. Do not litter. Pack it in, pack it out.
5. Picking flowers and collecting specimens, rocks, or fossils is not allowed. Observe these treasures, and take only memories home with you.
6. Feeding waterfowl and other wildlife is prohibited.
7. Children 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
8. Hammocking is only permitted at the Hammock Hangout posts found around the premises.
9. No fishing or hunting allowed.
10. Weapons, including concealed firearms, are prohibited on our premises.
11. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and all other smoking devices, is prohibited. Welcome to a smoke-free environment!
Cincinnati Nature Center reserves the right to apply penalties or revoke membership if a person does not follow the rules we have put in place. In such a case, no refund will be issued.
Policies
Hazards of terrain, weather, wildlife, and other conditions may exist that have inherent risks. By entering, you acknowledge these risks, accept responsibility for your personal safety and property, and agree not to hold Cincinnati Nature Center, its Board of Directors, employees, and volunteers liable for injury, death, damage, or loss.
