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Rave Run: Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods

Stream crossing on the aptly-named Geology Trail

Every time I run at Rowe Woods, I leave saying, "I need to come here more often." It's only a half hour away from my house (15 minutes if I'm leaving from Mariemont) and probably has the longest collection of trails within the I-275 loop. But then I remember that it costs $8 to get in (or $35 for a year's pass), and I don't know if I'd come often enough to make it worth the cost. That said, Rowe Woods has up over 16 miles of trails, all of which are well-groomed including many that are sidewalk-width (wide enough to run side-by-side with a partner -- a luxury you don't often get on trails). It is exceedingly hilly, which makes it tough to hold any decent pace, but for a run to go easy on the legs it's the perfect getaway within the city.
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