This Fascinating Ohio Railroad Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Decades Now
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 10, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There’s something inherently fascinating about abandoned places. Whether it’s a ghost town, earthwork, uncompleted project, or former business, abandoned places stoke our collective curiosity in ways nothing else can. There are numerous abandoned places in Ohio to explore, from the legendary Mansfield Reformatory to the Buckeye State’s very own ghost town. Just north of Cincinnati, there is an abandoned railroad in Ohio that is a fascinating place to explore whether you’re a curious ghost hunter or a casual hiker.
If you’ve lived in Ohio for a while, chances are you’ve probably heard about the "railroad trestle trail" at Ault Park, a beautiful city park in Cincinnati.
This mysterious and infamous trek has a name -- the Ault Park Valley Trail -- and it follows the path of an early roadway between Observatory Avenue and Old Red Bank Road.
And not only that, but the trail also features an abandoned railroad bridge that once carried trains running between Cincinnati and Portsmouth, a route established in 1878.
To access this abandoned railroad trail in Ohio, you'll have to do a bit of sleuthing. There is a large trail marker right off Observatory Avenue, and a marked path that leads straight into the woods... curious, indeed.
Once you wander off Observatory and into the woods, a whole other world awaits. In here it’s quiet and calm, with a picturesque creek running parallel to the trail. There are towering trees that create a forest canopy, providing shade, beauty, and an ambient soundtrack as the wind rustles through their leaves.
What is this abandoned railroad in Ohio? This was a route that was first established in 1878. In the early years after Ault Park was established, over 97 sheep were kept to trim the lawns and shrubs of the property.
Happening upon this haunting piece of Cincinnati history makes for a magical hiking experience; one of those places sure to capture your curiosity. Though the path becomes a bit rugged and rocky at times, this hike is suitable for kids and dog-friendly, and is a fascinating and scenic trek in the Buckeye State.
Have you hiked along this abandoned railroad in Ohio before? The Ault Park Valley Trail is one of those unique hikes in Ohio that’s sure to capture your imagination.
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