A celebration of nature, outdoor activities, and family fun in Cincinnati.
TrailFest 2024 brought out Cincinnati’s outdoor community in full force. Sunny skies and a light breeze made for an ideal day to celebrate nature and explore the trails. Mt. Airy Forest was buzzing with hikers, bikers, runners, and families enjoying everything the park has to offer.
Hiking, Biking, and Running for Every Skill Level
Hikers were invited to explore the forest’s winding paths, while cyclists and runners had a chance to test their skills on the park’s tougher trails. This year’s TrailFest included accessible hiking for individuals with disabilities with Luke5Adventures and their “Rosie” all-terrain wheelchairs. Additionally, the Momentum Refresh mobile restroom, provided by Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, ensured that all guests had access to fully accessible facilities.
Inspiration and Entertainment for All Interests
Visitors got the chance to discover all kinds of outdoor activities available around Greater Cincinnati, as well, with something for both beginners and seasoned pros. Whether it was disc golf, orienteering, mountain biking, trail running, or hiking, TrailFest was the perfect place to explore new hobbies or deepen the connection to nature.
The event was packed with highlights. Empower Ultras kicked off the day with a motivational talk that set the tone for adventure and exploration. Jeff Alt, the Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and author, shared some amazing outdoor stories, giving everyone a boost of inspiration. The live performances by The Foles and Tracy Walker Allstars kept the energy high throughout the event, and families loved the kids’ activities organized by Little Schoolhouse in the Woods. Food trucks were on hand to serve up tasty meals, and there was a raffle with cool prizes, benefiting Cincinnati Parks Foundation, which supports TrailFest through its Cincinnati Parks Advisory Councils grants. Oh, and we can’t forget the free s’mores!
A Community Effort to Celebrate Nature
This year’s TrailFest was organized by the Mt. Airy Forest Advisory Council (MAFAC), with the help of Cincinnati Hikes, Cincinnati Parks, CORA – Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance, Mt. Airy Trail Runners, Mt Airy CURE, and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Together, they created a day filled with adventure, community, and support in one of Cincinnati’s most cherished parks.
Thanks to everyone who attended and made TrailFest 2024 a huge success. We’re already looking forward to next year—hope to see you there!
Photo credit: Cincinnati Parks Foundation Photo Gallery and Mt. Airy TrailFest Facebook Page