My favorite park for summer fun – Miami Whitewater Forest

When summertime is calling your name and you simply NEED to get out and enjoy some warmth and sunshine, pay a visit to Miami Whitewater Forest.

Lake at Miami Whitewater

This is one of my favorite Great Parks of Hamilton County parks as this is truly an outdoor lovers dream!

Fishing at Miami Whitewater

Something for everyone!

What’s your style? Bike ride? Take it all in from your chair? Enjoy a relaxing walk? Workout on the Parcourse trail? Get out on the water? You can do it all here!

Walking trails at Miami Whitewater

Go out on the lake, sit beside the lake, move around the lake…

The ability to rent a canoe or kayak and get out on the lake paired with MILES of paved hiking and biking trail make this park a “must visit”.

rentals at the boathouse of Miami Whitewater

The boathouse is where you’ll find your rentals: row boats and pedal boats (don’t miss the swans!), motor and pontoon boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and a variety of bicycles… all for rent. They also sell fishing gear, bait, snacks and beverages.

Miami Whitewater Forest picnic area

They have a seating area that overlooks the lake – the perfect place to catch some rays, enjoy a picnic, or take an ice cream break.

chairs overlooking the lake at Miami Whitewater Forest
Shaker Trace Trail at Miami Whitewater
Shaker Trace Trail at Miami Whitewater

Get on your bike and ride!

Note from Great Parks (added 6-10-22): “The Mt. Hope Road underpass on the Shaker Trace Inner Loop is closed as the trail is damaged and impassable. Spring rains and subsequent flood events continue to deteriorate and undermine the trail. A prolonged closure is expected as Great Parks of Hamilton County works with the Office of the County Engineer to determine appropriate repairs.

Bicycle trails at Miami Whitewater Forest

Bicyclists will enjoy the miles and miles of trails that run throughout the park. They even have a bike repair station!

Bike repair station at Miami Whitewater

You might also like: 15 of the Best Bike Trails in Cincinnati


Great fun for groups and families!

Bring your friends to enjoy a 9 hole Disc Golf course. Or go for a group kayak or canoe ride!

kayaking at Miami Whitewater Forest

Looking for a spot for a birthday party or a family reunion? Miami Whitewater has numerous shelters and picnic areas that are reservable. 

playing in the creek at Miami Whitewater Forest

There are a few spots to get in some shallow water play at the creek that’s just off the Shaker Trace Trail loop.

You might also like: The Best Spots for Creeking in Cincinnati

For the kids in the group, there’s a nice playground right on the lake. Find it near the Visitor’s Center.

the playground at Miami Whitewater Forest

Accessible canoe and kayak launch featuring EZ Launch

Miami Whitewater has an accessible canoe/kayak launch. It’s a floating dock equipped with a “Universally Accessible Transfer System” that allows an unassisted individual with a physical disability to access a canoe or kayak. It consists of a bench that slides over onto a railing system that allows the individual to sit down into a canoe or kayak.

Accessible canoe and kayak launch at Miami Whitewater
EZ Launch system for launching kayaks and canoes
EZLaunch at Miami Whitewater Forest

If you or someone you know could use this be sure to share it with them. It appears to be VERY well done. And if you’ve personally used it, I’d love to hear what you thought!


Sleep under the canopy at the campground

Are you a camper? Their campground has 45 sites and is within walking distance of the beautiful 85 acre lake.

Camping at Miami Whitewater

Campers will enjoy shady wooded camp sites, each of which includes a fire ring, a picnic table, and electrical hookup.

The visitors center at Miami Whitewater Forest

Wow! I feel like I could go on and on! A stop in at the Visitor’s Center will give you a great sense of what else there is to do at this huge park. My experiences really just skim the surface of this park. In addition to all of things I mentioned, you can take your four legged friends to the 11-acre dog park with play fields, visit Shaker Trace ( where all prairie restorations for Great Parks begin and one of the largest native plant nurseries in Ohio) during Open House opportunities, and more!

Miami Whitewater Forest is one of the Great Parks of Hamilton County and is located at 9001 Mt. Hope Road in Harrison, Ohio

You do need an Annual Motor Vehicle Permit (one per car) to enter the park. 

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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!

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