The 5.1-Mile Spring Grove Cemetery Loop Trail Might Just Be The Most Enchanting Hike In Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 13, 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.
Most of us would probably shudder at the idea of a hike through a cemetery, and I get it: cemeteries can be quite creepy! They can also be quite beautiful, as anyone who’s ever visited Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, can attest. Established in 1845, Spring Grove has been serving the Cincinnati area for over 175 years; a beautiful final resting place for many. The cemetery is known for its beautiful grounds and variety of trees, two features that can be enjoyed along the 5.1-mile Spring Grove Cemetery Loop Trail. Curious to learn more? Lace up your hiking shoes and let’s explore!
Spring Grove Cemetery has long been a muse for Ohio photographers, with photography groups coming en masse to capture the spring cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
That's not to discount summer or winter, either -- both of these seasonal extremes provide visitors with new perspective of, and appreciation for, the cemetery grounds.
There are over 220,000 people buried at Spring Grove; 220,000+ lives that touched many other lives. But the park's 700 acres don't just contain gravesites and mausoleums; there is also a beautiful arboretum and walking paths that invite guests to come and wander -- and reflect.
As one of the largest cemeteries in the country, Spring Grove is celebrated for its extraordinary trees and gardens. The towering trees at Spring Grove serve as a visual reminder of the families buried beneath the earth, and, more broadly, of the interconnected web of humankind.
In short, Spring Grove is a magical and inspiring place, and, photography aside, the best way to "see" all this Cincinnati landmark has to offer is by lacing up your walking shoes and embarking on the 5.1-mile Spring Grove Cemetery Loop Trail.
Don't let the mileage -- or "moderate" rating on AllTrails -- deter you: with little in the way of elevation gain and a smooth, well-marked path, this is an accessible loop for most hikers, offering a slow and scenic way to savor the park's expansive grounds.
Much like a Japanese garden, Spring Grove is a place for quiet contemplation and self-reflection, with each step bringing you closer to nature and your truest self. I say this because I did my yoga training at a studio down the road from Spring Grove Cemetery, and often spent my lunch break slowly traipsing along this trail.
What will you see along this magical, meandering loop? Life. Flora and fauna. Native species and immaculate foliage. Man-made mausoleums and Mother Nature's own art pieces, too.
Because the irony, of course, is that signs of life exist all throughout the cemetery grounds -- and I'm not talking about "paranormal" life, either. Come and hike along this loop trail at Spring Grove Cemetery -- I promise, you'll be enchanted by the beauty and grandeur of this Ohio gem!
While certainly more of a meandering stroll than a heart-pumping hike, the Spring Grove Cemetery Loop is a glorious outdoor adventure that’s stunning and accessible all year long — though if you’re superstitious, it might be best to keep your walks to the daytime hours, as the cemetery is rumored to be quite haunted! For more information and park maps, visit the Spring Grove Cemetery website.
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