Riverwalk
4.5
About
Take a pleasant walk along the Ohio River and enjoy the fantastic views of the Cincinnati skyline on the three-mile-long Riverwalk. This trail connects several waterfront parks in downtown Cincinnati. Start at the Smale Riverfront Park, which has giant swings and water play areas. You can also bike along the Ohio River before crossing the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to reach Kentucky and enjoy a commanding vista of the city. After enjoying the trail, you might want to watch a baseball match at the Great American Ball Park nearby, or visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighborhood: Central Business District
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816 within 3 miles
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303 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
322 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
89
Average
17
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0
Terrible
1
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN6,234 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Scenic walk along the Ohio River near downtown Cincinnati. Views of the city skyline, steamboats on the river and of the historic John A Roebling Suspension Bridge. Built in 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. The architect Roebling also designed the Brooklyn Bridge which opened 20 years later. You can include a walk across the bridge to Covington, Kentucky where you can find some bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreaUbok
Florida4,120 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Beautiful walk way with landscaping, playgrounds, shady seating, waterfalls and views. We enjoyed walking with the bikers, runners and fog walkers. There were some picnicking & lists of events scheduled here.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Courtney W
Willow Grove, PA188 contributions
Jul 2019
I spent a little time wandering the Riverwalk and was impressed with the views. I also really liked the swings that were available. I don't know what type of parking is available as I was staying in a hotel less than 1/2 mile away from it.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas & Susan C
13 contributions
Jul 2020
Riverwalk is so relaxing and you can see everything from the many bridges to Newport on the Levee across the river. Many gardens and children activities. Gonna miss spending time here.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike D
12 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
The Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter are a must see. The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the very best. We enjoyed the Findlay Market for old downtown nostalgia and great food. The Newton Levee is excellent with great dining and a carnival with riverboats and a fantastic view of Cincinnati across the terrific Ohio River. We love ❤️ Cincinnati!
Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amyw2012
Birmingham, AL2,227 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This was a very night park to go visit. We walked from our hotel. There were swings, fun things for kids of all ages to play on, and a really nice view. The flying pig and water features were favorites of my family.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bajantravel
Las Vegas, NV110 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Did the Ohio side of walk and was peaceful with little history lessons on the way. Perfect for a stroll after a good lunch. The brown river isn’t picturesque but it serves its purpose. Great for running/workout as well
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
Lexington, KY210 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
There is much to see and do while walking near the Ohio River, both on the Cincinnati, Ohio side and the Newport/Covington, Kentucky side.
You can walk from Cincinnati's Smale Park near the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge east (upriver) to the Purple People Bridge (a pedestrian only bridge now, less well known by its name as the Newport Southbank Bridge). Then you can cross that bridge into Newport, Kentucky then turn right (west, downriver) and walk to Covington, Kentucky and cross back into Ohio on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. As an alternative, instead of crossing the Purple People Bridge into Kentucky you can walk east through more riverside parks.
Among other things, on the Kentucky side in Newport are several restaurants and an aquarium. A trail in Newport above the river includes some interesting, educational plaques along the way that tell about the history of the area. The sidewalk/trail also connects with a sidewalk leading to Covington. A few blocks away from the river in Newport is a World Peace Bell that is supposedly the largest free swinging bell in the world. On the Kentucky side in Covington, among other things there are some nicely done murals of several scenes on the floodwall.
On the Cincinnati side, Smale Park includes what is supposed to be the world's largest foot piano, exercise equipment, a flower garden, a labyrinth, an indoor carousel, swings that look toward the river, and access to the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.
The suspension bridge served as the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge and includes pedestrian pathways on either side of the driving lanes. The bridge leads from Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky. Some beautiful murals are on the floodwall on the Kentucky side as mentioned earlier. Lighting makes the murals visible even at night.
On the Cincinnati side, as you walk east from Smale Park there are several plaques that describe the history of various steamboats. Cincinnati was a major docking point for steamboats back when they were popular. As you walk east, you also go through some other parks which have sculptures and other features of their own, including a statue of Cincinnatus, for whom Cincinnati is named. I walked a bit east of the Purple People bridge, but did not go through all the parks. I walked much of the riverwalk on the Ohio side on October 25, 2017 and much of the riverwalk on the Kentucky side on an earlier trip.
There is much to see and do in the area, and it is worth a few hours of one's time as I see it. Admission is free to the parks and World Peace Bell. If you decide to visit the Newport Aquarium, there is a charge for that.
You can walk from Cincinnati's Smale Park near the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge east (upriver) to the Purple People Bridge (a pedestrian only bridge now, less well known by its name as the Newport Southbank Bridge). Then you can cross that bridge into Newport, Kentucky then turn right (west, downriver) and walk to Covington, Kentucky and cross back into Ohio on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. As an alternative, instead of crossing the Purple People Bridge into Kentucky you can walk east through more riverside parks.
Among other things, on the Kentucky side in Newport are several restaurants and an aquarium. A trail in Newport above the river includes some interesting, educational plaques along the way that tell about the history of the area. The sidewalk/trail also connects with a sidewalk leading to Covington. A few blocks away from the river in Newport is a World Peace Bell that is supposedly the largest free swinging bell in the world. On the Kentucky side in Covington, among other things there are some nicely done murals of several scenes on the floodwall.
On the Cincinnati side, Smale Park includes what is supposed to be the world's largest foot piano, exercise equipment, a flower garden, a labyrinth, an indoor carousel, swings that look toward the river, and access to the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.
The suspension bridge served as the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge and includes pedestrian pathways on either side of the driving lanes. The bridge leads from Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky. Some beautiful murals are on the floodwall on the Kentucky side as mentioned earlier. Lighting makes the murals visible even at night.
On the Cincinnati side, as you walk east from Smale Park there are several plaques that describe the history of various steamboats. Cincinnati was a major docking point for steamboats back when they were popular. As you walk east, you also go through some other parks which have sculptures and other features of their own, including a statue of Cincinnatus, for whom Cincinnati is named. I walked a bit east of the Purple People bridge, but did not go through all the parks. I walked much of the riverwalk on the Ohio side on October 25, 2017 and much of the riverwalk on the Kentucky side on an earlier trip.
There is much to see and do in the area, and it is worth a few hours of one's time as I see it. Admission is free to the parks and World Peace Bell. If you decide to visit the Newport Aquarium, there is a charge for that.
Written October 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RidewithRachel
5 contributions
Jun 2013
The riverwalk is super pretty and a relaxing environment. You can see the city but its right on the Ohio River. I loved walked across the bridge straight into Kentucky and being able to see both the football and baseball stadiums.
Written June 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BritishWonder
London123 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Great circular walk, which can extended to see a number of the sights on the Cincinnati side of the Ohio River. I parked in the underground car park in Newport on the levee.($2 for the day). I did the full walk and with stopping for photos etc it took 2 hours, but next time it will take 1 1/ hours.
Written March 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would you say safe for two women to walk around dark? And can you tell me where we can park and walk for best city views? Thanks!
Written October 27, 2019
We were there before dark, but I think it would be safe. Plenty of parking in the area.
Written October 29, 2019
There were a few in Kentucky off I75 about 45 min outside of Cincinnati.
Written July 12, 2019
You can park for free near The Montgomery Inn 925 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Friendship Park section of the walk). The is also a Red Bike station in this car park.
Written April 30, 2017
Is there an organized tour of the Riverwalk?
Written July 25, 2015
Yes, there are ferry type boats that will take you on a tour. I believe they are about $7. very enjoyable and informative. Water taxis too. They have carriage rides in town and a trolley car.
Written July 25, 2015
Is there are tour that takes you around the Riverwalk?
Written July 25, 2015
Not that I know of. The Trolley has a stop there and just before dropping you off the guide gives a short speech about what there is on the waterfront, but that's it. It is really just a great stroll with things to do, places to shop & eat and several activities.
Written July 27, 2015
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