Onward with Autumn: Exploring the Great Outdoors Close to Home

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Getting outside is important for your physical and mental health. Fort Thomas and Campbell County have many places to embrace “the great outdoors”! Whether you want to walk or hike, read a storybook, fish, or participate in a nature program-our community has you covered!

According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of regular brisk walking include preventing or managing various conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes; walking improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens your bones and muscles; improves your mood, cognition, memory, and sleep and walking is known to help reduce stress and tension.

Getting Outside, Inside Fort Thomas

Within Tower Park, there are several trails, including one that starts behind the Fort Thomas Community and Military Museum, which is dotted with whimsical wooden sculptures that begin at the Model Native Garden. Keep in mind that portions of these trails can be hilly/steep. Tower Park also offers play and sports areas and gentler walking paths. Says Jill Dunne of Fort Thomas, “Our family loves Tower Park!”. The 77-acre Highland Hills Park has trails that connect to the dog park, and smaller parks offer wonderful opportunities for walks, for example, the one-acre Riggs Park has sidewalks and playground equipment for those with youngsters in tow.

The Fort Thomas Landmark Tree Trail features examples of multiple mature (and impressive) trees along a route that begins near Carmel Manor/Army Reserve Road. Start at the trail head (map posted) for a wooded hike that takes you near the Ohio River, over bridges and ridges, and past the Old Fort Ruin, all the while getting to view various types of oak trees, sycamore, ash, and buckeye trees.  You’ll likely even spy birds and other wildlife along the Trail.

Along the Licking River

Nearby in Wilder, you can pick up a portion of the Licking River Greenway Trail. An urban trail, the trailhead starts near Covington’s Wallace Woods and continues north. However, a section of the trail is in Wilder. Starting near the city building, you can follow the trail toward the Licking River and walk through a treed canopy that is at the start of Frederick’s Landing. To park in Frederick’s Landing, you will need a pass from the city. Within Frederick’s Landing, you’ll find playground equipment, picnic pavilions, a boat launch, and places to sit and enjoy views of the river and water, or drop your line and fish. Check in advance for required fishing licenses in the county.

AJ Jolly Park

In Alexandria, AJ Jolly Park & Campground is a 1,000-acre park with many outdoor activities, including horse trails, a 200-acre fishing lake, picnic areas, watercraft rentals,  sand volleyball, baseball fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Walking trails are in abundance. With 20 miles of horse trails, it’s a popular local destination for a day out on your horse.  

In the mood to camp? The park offers 89 camping spots (62 with water and electric) and 5 rental yurts. 

Please note: in September, Campbell County’s $10 million restoration plan for AJ Jolly Lake began. This will impact fishing and camping through 2026. 

The Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service Environmental Education Center has over 50 acres and visitors can experience fields, forest, and wetland habitats. On weekdays, the Education Center is open to explore. Check in advance for fees and reservations for camping, horse trails, rentals, and golf. 

At the Highland Heights campus (Lakeside Commons), they offer an array of classes and a lovely outdoor area to explore featuring native plants, a rose garden, micro-gardens, and water features. You’ll discover rose and pollinator gardens, and families will enjoy the Picture Path and the Bird Walk. Read a story together and learn about many area birds. Enjoy places to relax, a little library, and whimsical bird sculptures. 

Campbell County Trail Passport

Fort Thomas Living spoke with DJ Scully of the University of Kentucky Matin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service about exploring the “great outdoors” in Campbell County.

“There are so many options where folks can hike. The passport project features over 40 miles of trails at 20 different locations in the county.” Scully continues, “Spots include urban destinations in Newport, Bellevue, and Dayton. Suburban locations in cities like Fort Thomas and Alexandria. Rural locations such as Melbourne.”

FTL: Where do you like to explore?  “I’m partial to the trails at the Environmental Education Center because that is a location that the Cooperative Extension Service has had a large part in developing over the years.” Adding, “I also enjoy parks that I did know existed like Riddleview Park in Newport. Those that have water views are also enjoyable like Bellevue Beach Park and Frederick’s Landing – Wilder.”

On connecting with nature.  

“The best way to connect with something is to experience it. By hiking the trails people place themselves in a space where they improve their physical and mental health. They also begin to ask questions and wonder about nature’s interactions, connections, and interdependency. Two problems exist that impede action, that is the lack of knowledge or lack of care. Connecting with nature allows people to learn and develop a sense of care for the environment that sustains us all.”

What is the trail passport and how does one find it? Scully shares, “The Campbell County Trail Passport Project is a collaborative effort among the parks and recreation departments in Campbell County to encourage walking, hiking, and exploration in our community. Find a list of all the trails in Campbell County at this website: https://campbell.ca.uky.edu/campbell-county-trail-passport”

All year round, there are plenty of places to explore the great outdoors, close to home.