Walking Tour of Eden Park

As I shared yesterday, Eden Park has many interesting attractions. There are a few one-way streets which can make driving in a new area a bit frustrating and with all the lovely walking paths and trails, the best way to experience the place once called The Garden of Eden, is by foot.

Begin your tour at the Donald Spencer Overlook, (Cliff Drive) there you will see the sign marking the southern terminus of the Loveland Section of the Buckeye Trail- a very good place to start.  The Krohn Conservatory and Cincinnati Art Museum do not open untill later in the morning so you will have ample time to take in the Ohio River view while enjoying your morning coffee. When I travel to a new place I find it difficult not to get ahead of myself. I am eager to explore what is to come which can mean missing out on what is right in front of me. I often have to remind myself to slow down. One trick I learned is to get a really early start to the day. The shops, museums and most restaurants will not be open yet which means I have the luxury of time to sit and enjoy the view, stroll about the quiet streets, enjoy a short walk on the Buckeye Trail or just work on capturing some good pictures.

Continue along Cliff Drive, crossing the bridge over Eden Park Drive. In front of you you will see the water tower- an often photographed Eden Park landmark. To your right and down the hill, is the Vietnam War Memorial, beyond the water tower a small garden and to the left a view of Krohn Conservatory and your path to The Memorial Groves. Within the grove, established in 1882, a tree is planted honoring each president.

Directly across from Krohn Conservatory, on the grove side of Eden Park Drive, a flight of stairs will take you from the grove to the conservatory.  For more on Krohn Conservatory, click here.

Gazebo in the Magnolia Garden

Continue south on Eden park Drive (Krohn will be to your left) to the Magnolia grove at the corner of Eden Park Drive and Martin Drive. This is an impressive collection of Magnolias, complete with a small gazebo and a few stone water features.

Follow the Hinkle Floral Trail to Mirror Lake. The trail parallels Eden Park Drive and offers a quieter walk than along the narrow, twisting road.

From 1866-1876 a 12 acre reservoir was built which pumped water from the Ohio River to the reservoir. In 1960 the reservoir was closed and the shallow Mirror Lake as well as a baseball field was created. Large, stone retaining walls, remnants of the old water reservoir, can still be seen.

With Mirror Lake to your back and looking out over the old reservoir walls you will see Northern Kentucky as well the steep hillside of Mount Adams (an excellent side trip destination if time allows).

Here you will find the Spring House Gazebo, the oldest park structure and perhaps the most often photographed park feature. This is a popular spot for readers, picnickers, wedding parties and simply enjoying a lovely view of the lake and surrounding hillside.

Continue along Eden Park Drive. To your left you will see the Seasongood Pavilion and to the right, the entrance to the Cincinnati Art Museum (open Tuesday – Sunday 11am-5pm. Free general admission- free for special exhibits as well). The Terrace Café offers some pleasing dishes and lovely view of a courtyard garden.

To conclude your tour, simply retrace your steps to Krohn Conservatory, continuing along Eden Park Drive, under the bridge to the Twin Lakes on your right.

Once an old quarry, Twin Lakes has a footbridge, walking trails, playground area and fabulous views of the Ohio River. We started our day with a view of the river and we close our day in Eden Park with a new view of the river.  Next on the Blue Blazing tour- DeSales, O’Bryonville, Hyde Park and Mariemont! A bit of shopping, history and good food all rolled into one!