Nestled between the prestigious neighborhoods of Mt. Lookout and Hyde Park, Ault Park is one of Cincinnati’s most scenic and highly regarded parks.
Spanning over 220 acres, the park offers several miles of hiking trails, walking trails, playground areas, picnic areas, scenic botanical gardens, a pavilion, and plenty of places to sit on a bench and simply enjoy the outdoors.
A Brief History of Ault Park
Ault Park is named after Ida May Ault and her husband Levi Addison Ault, who was a former Park Commissioner and who played an active role in the development of the Cincinnati Parks system.
Initially the couple donated 142 acres to the parks system in 1911 and 9 subsequent acquisitions allowed the park to expand to its current size of 224 acres.
In 1930, a large pavilion was built in the center of the park that currently serves as a host to weddings, dances, and other private parties.
In 1980, the Cincinnati Park Board implemented an adopt-a-plot program at Ault Park in which citizens were adopted to “adopt” a plot in the garden area and care for it. The program is still in place today and is wildly popular each year.
In 1985, the Greater Cincinnati Tree Council dedicated a “Tree for Your Road Arboretum”. This tree grove currently surrounds the entire perimeter of the gardens in the center of the park and provides the public with a collection of the currently recommended tree species for the Cincinnati area.
Today, Ault Park is known as one of the most beautiful parks in the city and is host to a variety of events year-round including a large 4th of July celebration and fireworks display, a summer concert series, and an exotic car display show.
A Visual Guide to Ault Park
The following photos offer a visual guide to Ault Park, which highlight the hiking trails, the pavilion, and the garden area.
Hiking Trails
One feature of the park that draws in many visitors is the impressive network of intertwining hiking trails.
The trails offer some excellent hiking through densely wooded areas that features streams and bridges.
There’s also plenty of wildlife in the area including toads, tree frogs, salamanders, chipmunks, deer, rabbits, foxes, and a variety of birds.
You don’t have to walk very far to feel like you’ve entered a completely different world.
The Gardens
Located in the center of the park is a massive botanical garden area that features plenty of wide open space as well as a nice mix of flowers and other plants.
Paved walking trails wind through the garden, which makes it easy to navigate through the area and enjoy the different flowers and plants.
The Pavilion
The pavilion is also located near the garden area and offers a 360-degree view of the park.
Visit Ault Park
Whether you’re interested in doing some hiking, having a picnic, or simply enjoying a nice place to read a book, Ault Park has something for everyone.
You can visit the park at 5090 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 and you can find more information about the park including events going on at various times throughout the year at Cincinnati Parks.
The park is free to the public and is open year-round each day of the week from dawn to dusk.
Looking for more great nature areas to explore around Cincinnati? Check out our Complete Guide to Cincinnati Parks, Gardens, & Nature Centers.
