Hiking through the woods, or even walking along one of the many paved trails throughout Cincinnati can be fun, but there’s something extra special about a hike that includes the beauty of a garden. Unless you live in Boone County, which is located just across the river in Northern Kentucky, you probably haven’t heard of Boone County Arboretum, also known as Central Park. This large park is known for several sports fields, but it also happens to be a walk-through garden that may just be the best-kept secret in the Cincinnati area. A walk through this foliage-filled park will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale and is definitely worth a visit from across the river.

Boone County Arboretum, also known as Central Park, is located on Camp Ernst Road, just 25 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. This 121-acre property is the first arboretum in the nation to be set within an active recreation park setting.
Facebook/Boone County Arboretum
Facebook/Boone County Arboretum
What that means, is that you can interact with a variety of trees, shrubs, and plants, while also enjoying the benefits of a more traditional park. The arboretum definitely has a garden feel in many areas, and the shared-use paved trail allows everyone access to its features.
The plant life is the star of the show at the Arboretum and is reason enough to visit.
Facebook/Boone County Arboretum
Facebook/Boone County Arboretum
You can pick up a map from a kiosk at the park, or even use an interactive one on its website, and track down all of the categorized plants that can be found throughout the property. The winding trail is about two miles long and is the ideal hike for nature-lovers of all ages.
The Arboretum has many unexpected features that make this one of the best outdoor destinations in the Cincinnati area.
Facebook/Boone County Arboretum
While walking along the path, you'll pass a spot to gather around an amphitheater, as well as two shelters that you can reserve through the park.

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The butterfly garden is a favorite spot amongst visitors.
Google/Kathy Freeman
In fact, with a plant collection that contains more than 3,600 individual trees and woody shrubs in 26 collection areas, you'll want to take your time discovering each section of this park and gardens.
There are also many features within the Arboretum that make it the perfect place to bring kids.
Facebook/Boone County Arboretum
Google/Lauren M. Doud
There's a children's garden, playground, space to run around, and several children-focused events and learning opportunities throughout the year.
The Boone County Arboretum is more than a collection of trees and flowers. It's a community gathering place, with a variety of events for all ages, in addition to the secret garden pathway that winds around all of the activity.
Google/Pam Doremus
Google/James Scott
The next time you're looking for a serene spot, that's beautifully maintained and is filled with colorful blossoms, check out this garden of a park, just across the river from Cincinnati.

Boone County Arboretum allows you to play in nature, and enjoy plenty of beautiful trees and plant life at the same time. Have you spent time admiring the natural beauty of this secret garden? Any other secret spots you like to hike? Let us know in the comments!

Boone County Arboretum/Central Park is located at 9190 Camp Ernst Rd., Union, Kentucky 41091. For more information, visit its website here.

And for more short hikes throughout Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.

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