Walking Cincinnati. Danny Korman

      Statue of Father Quinn, one of the neighborhood’s mythic figures

      BOUNDARIES: Celestial St., Martin Dr., Eden Park Dr., Ida St.

      DISTANCE: 1.7 miles

      DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous

      PARKING: Free street parking on St. Gregory St., Hill St., Jerome St., and other nearby streets

      PUBLIC TRANSIT: The 1 bus line has stops along Parkside Dr., as well as Paradrome St. between Louden St. and Wareham Dr., both of which are points in the middle of this walk.

      Mount Adams is a small tangle of streets lined with narrow, pristine old houses, all perched on a hill that offers some of the best views of the city. Surrounded by highways on three sides and Eden Park on the other, its isolation has always been part of its character—most days, Mount Adams offers its charms inside a blanket of pleasant quiet. Historically home to German and Irish Catholics, since 1950 Mount Adams has witnessed an influx of hippies, yuppies, empty nesters, and young families. Now, its views and proximity to downtown make homes there some of the most sought-after (and expensive) real estate in the city.

      Eden Park contains some of the city’s most visited attractions: the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and the Krohn Conservatory. Mount Adams itself is probably most known to outsiders for its active nightlife, drawing young professionals from all over the city each weekend to its bars and restaurants.

      This walk is best done on a sunny day so you can fully enjoy the various lovely views and sights. Spring and fall are especially wonderful times to see the park and the well-groomed gardens of the neighborhood. Mount Adams is one of the hilliest parts of the city—one of the reasons Cincinnati has earned the nickname San Francisco of the Midwest—so make sure you wear some comfortable shoes and are prepared for a few steep areas. If you come in the late afternoon, don’t miss the chance to finish your walk with a bite to eat at one of the famous Mount Adams pubs.

      Walk Description

      Begin on St. Gregory Street between Jerome and Hill Streets. On the east side of St. Gregory, take the stone stairs (Mt. Adams Steps) up. There are about 90 steps; this should be the steepest portion of the entire walk, so take your time and, on the landings, feel free to turn around and note the incredible view emerging behind you.

Look above you: you’re approaching the Holy Cross Immaculata Church. About 150 years ago, shortly after this church was first completed in 1860 (then the Church of the Immaculate Conception, home to the hill’s German Catholics), a tradition known as “praying the steps” was begun. On Good Friday, pilgrims begin on Adams Crossing, cross Columbia Parkway, and slowly ascend the hill, ending with the steps you’re climbing now, silently praying the rosary (one prayer on each step). This tradition is unique in Cincinnati and rare throughout the world.

      At the top of the stairs, admire the view of downtown Cincinnati over the rooftops—you’re at one of the highest points in the city. From here, go left around the church and begin to follow Guido Street. You’ll pass the former rectory and school on your right.

      When you reach Pavilion Street, glance to your left to see some of the main business strip; we’ll return to that later. Instead, turn right on Pavilion. Ahead, as you continue forward, Pavilion will curve to the left and become Carney Street; walk on the left side to stay on the sidewalk and continue. For the next few blocks, headed mostly downhill, observe the colorful siding of the homes and the range of architectural styles. This is residential Mount Adams today: wealthy, private, filled with neat gardens and creeping ivy, settled closely together, intrinsically urban. Between the buildings to your right, you’ll catch more glimpses of wonderful river views.

      Turn right on Parkside Place. You are now walking along the borders of Eden Park.

Just before reaching Martin Drive, turn left on the small service road that is roped off to cars. Continue up the service road as you pass Mirror Lake to your right. Initially built as a reservoir, some of the remnants can be seen on the south side of the park. If you want to add a little distance to the walk, this is a great spot to loop around the lake and enjoy Eden Park, named after Nicholas Longworth’s estate, which he called the Garden of Eden.

Continue along the road through two brick constructions and toward the back side of Seasongood Pavilion, built in 1959 and named after Cincinnati Mayor Murray Seasongood, who served 1926–1930. Walk around either side of the pavilion and continue up the path that goes through the middle of the grassy natural amphitheater. Many live music and theater events happen here, especially in the summer.

At the top of the bowl, you’ll reach Art Museum Drive. If you look to your right, you’ll see the Cincinnati Art Museum. The original building, which can’t be seen from this view but which you can admire if you follow the driveway that leads off to the left around the new additions, was the first purpose-built art museum west of the Alleghenies. The museum’s collections include some 60,000 works, and admission is free. Stop and peruse a few galleries if you have time, or continue your walk by turning left at the top of the amphitheater.

      Follow Art Museum Drive away from the museum as the road curves around the hill. Continue right at the fork; do not turn left on Mt. Adams Drive.

      Turn left on Ida Street. You’re reentering the Mount Adams neighborhood, and to your right you will again see the beautiful narrow houses hanging off the side of the hill.

Turn left on Paradrome Street. On the corner here you’ll see a staircase leading to your left up the hill; a short distance down Paradrome Street, you’ll be able to look up and see a fine view of the beautiful Playhouse in the Park, which is at the top. Not quite visible from here are the Mount Adams playground and pool, which are hidden off to the right of the Playhouse.

      Turn right on Wareham Drive, and then immediately turn left to continue on Paradrome Street.

      Turn right on Louden Street. As you walk slightly uphill, you’re nearing the main area for businesses and nightlife.

Turn right on Hatch Street. Here on the corner you’ll find the Mt. Adams Bar & Grill, a former speakeasy that was the first establishment in Ohio to obtain a liquor license after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. If you step inside, you’ll appreciate the elaborate old bar and gorgeous wooden paneling. Just next door to the

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