Posted 12/2/2021
Public art, restaurants, lodging, ice cream, public restrooms, and beautiful parks and rivers make Loveland a welcoming community for all trail travelers. In fact, Loveland is recognized as a Trail Town by the Buckeye Trail, a 1,444 mile hiking trail loop that passes through the city.
Many long distance travelers of the Ohio to Erie Trail find themselves planning a lay-over day in Loveland because there is so much to do and see. Approximately 120,000 trail users pass through this area each year. This number increases to 250,000 when you consider trail uses, which includes people using the trail as a destination rather than a “pass through corridor”. This article highlights some of the don’t miss places in Loveland that you can use to plan your trip.
If you don’t have a bike with you, start at Loveland Bike Rentals, which offers weekend rentals from March through November and daily mid-May through mid-August.
If you’re looking for lodging accommodations, you have the option of roughing it at a primitive campsite located about 1,000 feet north of Nisbet Park, so you’ll be close to the public restrooms, which were newly upgraded in 2020. To reserve a spot, click on this link and then fill out the “Buckeye Trail Town Camp Site Request” form. https://www.lovelandoh.gov/requesttracker.aspx
If you’re looking for something more chic, check out the Loveland Lofts, which opened in spring of 2020, located across from Montgomery Cyclery at 210 West Loveland Avenue.
Once you get settled in, sample some local brews and spirits at Narrow Path Brewing Co or Cappy’s Wine and Spirits. Restaurant options are plentiful, ranging from a grab-and-go healthy tacos at Tahona Kitchen and Bar or sandwiches at Paxton’s Grill to many sit-down full service locations. Enjoy a burger and beer at Ramsey’s Trailside or for a special treat, check out Bishop’s Quarter which has a full bourbon selection. Authentic Italian fare is the specialty at Enoteca Emilia. Or go a little more casual at The Works. Reservations are recommended for many of these locations, so plan ahead!
After dinner take a leisurely walk along the trail and enjoy the scenery of the Little Miami Scenic River, a state and nationally designated scenic river. For an after dinner treat, your options are the Loveland Sweet Shop, Trailside Ice Shack Italian Ice, Graeters Ice Cream, Trailside Provisions, or Loveland Dairy Whip.
Start your morning off right with coffee and a treat at Cocoa Bites or Mile 42 Coffee. Head over to Loveland Canoe and Kayak for an adventure on the Little Miami Scenic River. Then, spend some time browsing the many boutiques within walking distance of the trail. Alley Boutique, Lemons and Limes, Haven Grey, Busy Bee, and Blume have unique, eclectic items for you and your home!
If you forgot a critical piece of gear at home, be sure to stop by Vertical Drop, an outfitter that supplies kayaking, stand up paddle boards, and other outdoor apparel. For your cycling needs, Montgomery Cyclery has the parts and service to get your riding again.
Once you are ready to start your trip along the trail, be sure to park your vehicle at the Linda Cox parking lot close by, which offers multi-day parking for trail users.
The Loveland community values the trail so much, that people are willing to pay a $9,000 premium to live within 1,000’ of the trail. This data comes from a 2011 University of Cincinnati property value impact study.
Spend some time in Loveland and you’ll soon be planning your return visit!
