8 Cities in Butler County to Visit This Summer

Cascades Trail at Rentschler Forest
Located in Rentschler Forest MetroPark, one of Fairfield Township’s oldest parks, the Cascades Trail offers a 1-mile path. Starting at the main parking lot, the loop trail descends to follow Kennedy Creek, where hikers can stop and wade in the cool waters. At its peak elevation, the trail intercepts with the Chuck Holliday Bridge, a swinging wood suspension bridge that carries hikers over a creek. Views of the Great Miami River beckon visitors farther along to the adjacent Great Miami River Trail, which travels south several miles to downtown Hamilton. 5701 Reigart Rd., Hamilton 45011, yourmetroparks.net

Side Trip:For a place to read or catch up with a friend, Coffee Cup Overflowing delivers on warm coffee and espresso, baked goods and a welcoming atmosphere. coffeecupoverflowing.com

Voice of America MetroPark Lake Trail
This 435-acre park in West Chester once housed Bethany Relay Station, the broadcasting towers that aired the World War II-era Voice of America program internationally. Today, the Voice of America Park, which sits next to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, contains 9 miles of trails, including a 1.4-mile paved loop that meanders along the 35-acre Voice of America lake. A kayak launch provides opportunities for on-the-water recreation, while observation platforms along the path offer perches for spotting migratory birds. The lake is stocked with fish, and those interested can purchase a fishing permit at the park’s welcome center. 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester 45069, yourmetroparks.net 

Side Trip: Visit The Cone, with its iconic orange and vanilla swirl top, to snag a soft-serve ice cream, a tiramisu Wizzard or a game of pinball. thecone.com

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
Visitors to this 470-acre outdoor art park in Hamilton can appreciate its more than 75 sculptures and several miles of trail. In addition to the 1.75-mile main Gallery Loop that takes visitors by outdoor art installations, the wooded Blue Trail offers a mile-long loop with an overlook patio that is perfect for afternoon picnics. Native oak and hickory trees populate the half-mile Harry’s Hiking Trail, which was once the walking path of the park’s founder, Harry T. Wilks. Once visitors have tackled all three trails, they can return to the visitor center to get a free sticker depicting John Henry’s “Passage,” the park’s iconic, large red sculpture. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, pyramidhill.org

Side Trip:Stop by Sweden Creme for a burger topped with pickles, mustard and sautéed onions. It’s a $2 deal that can’t be ignored. facebook.com/SwedenCreme

Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum 
Mayapples, bloodroot, wild ginger and white trillium bloom along the trails of  Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum in Middletown. Visitors can wander the preserve’s three interconnected trails, which trace the woodlot and prairie that was once used to pasture bulls during the mid-19th century. The arboretum sits at the front of the sanctuary, where labeled markers identify different tree species. Farther along, a one-third-mile mulched trail guides hikers through the remaining areas of the park, including birding areas, a meadow and along the edge of Bull’s Run Creek. The sanctuary also offers free monthly programs, including tree-identification walks and guided night hikes. 3909 Rosedale Rd., Middletown 45042, bullsrun.org

Side Trip:Enjoy smoked ribs and brisket served with a heaping helping of macaroni and cheese, jalapeño cornbread and other sides at Combs BBQ Central. combsbbq.com

Horseback Trails at Nation Road Horse Rental
Since opening her business in 2015, Judy Sheard has worked to pair visitors with horses and trails that are best suited to them. Nation Road Horse Rental in Oxford offers six trails in total, with the latest being added in 2026. Measuring 8 miles, it is the longest trail yet, offering a two-hour jaunt through wooded areas and open fields. Whether cantering on the 4-mile, adults-only trail or taking children on a parent-assisted pony ride, even nervous riders return feeling confident. The Start2Finish program lets visitors saddle and ride their horses before grooming and sending them into the pasture for the day. 6484 Morning Sun Rd., Oxford 45056, nationroadhorserental.net

Side Trip:Open for early morning breakfast all the way through the late-night rush, Bagel & Deli offers dozens of steamed bagel sandwiches, specialty subs and baked bialys. bagelanddeli.com

Hiking Trails at Dudley Woods Park
A series of benches dot the trails winding through Liberty Township’s Dudley Woods Park, offering tranquil moments to pause and listen to the rush of Gregory Creek or spot a goldfinch among the maples. The park preserves 63 acres of wooded land, with three interlocking loop trails that come together for an easy 1-mile hike. Blue herons can be found populating the creek, where visitors can cool off and fish. At the trailhead, a shelter with charcoal grills provides a place to picnic. The historic 18th-century Gregory Log Cabin sits nearby and is open for tours during the Liberty Township Historical Society’s annual Heritage Day in September. 5591 Hankins Rd., Liberty Township 45044, liberty-township.com

Side Trip:Grab a morning coffee, afternoon beer or double-decker cheeseburger between games of volleyball and pickleball at the Liberty Collective. liberty-collective.com

Mountain Biking Trails at Harbin Park
Amenities at this park in Fairfield range from pickleball courts to a disc-golf course to a splashpad. But it’s the nearly 7 miles of mountain-biking trails that make Harbin Park a destination for bikers of all skill levels. The challenging Orange Trail offers significant elevation changes, while the shorter Blue Trail offers an easier alternative. Nearby, the moderate green trail offers an equal balance of challenge and ease in the wooded Muskopf Preserve. Open for hiking as well as biking, the trails are sustainably maintained in partnership with the Cincinnati Off Road Alliance. Each September, the annual Harbin Park Cyclocross takes place on the park grounds. 1300 Hunter Rd., Fairfield 45014, fairfield-city.org

Side Trip:For over 50 years Jungle Jim’s International Market has been Fairfield’s most eclectic and comprehensive market for global ingredients, snacks, produce and specialty finds. junglejims.com

Nature Trail at Rosemont Park
Walkers and bikers can explore this mulched, half-mile loop trail on the outskirts of Monroe for the chance to surround themselves with lush ground foliage, blossoming flower bushes and towering trees. Butler Tech students partnered with the city to beautify the park, installing stone landscaping and planting Russian sage near the park entrance. Tree identification markers engage curious naturalists by providing details about the red oak, black cherry, box elder and elm trees that border the walking path. Farther along the trail, visitors can see newly planted native wildflowers in an array of spring colors. Beneath the canopy of dense foliage, a pond invites meditation, with a bench to sit and rest weary legs. 6388 Hamilton Middletown Rd., Middletown 45050, monroeohio.org

Side Trip: The century-old Garver Family Farm Market remains dedicated to serving farm-fresh produce alongside local wines and baked goods. garverfarmmarket.com