Walking Cincinnati. Danny Korman

      The National Steamboat Monument sits across from the Great American Ball Park.

      Veer left along the north edge of the central lawn past P&G Pavilion, host to concerts and other events during warmer months. North of the pavilion is the main entrance to Bicentennial Commons, which includes a whimsical flying pig sculpture and a model of the Ohio River and accompanying locks. Gateway Sculpture honors the Ohio River with a spectacular environmental installation by Andrew Leicester. This 250-foot-long by 50-foot-wide sculpture depicts Cincinnati’s history in 18 sections and offers a child’s-eye view of the city.

      Backstory: CROWN

      This section of the Ohio River Trail bears significance on a local, regional, and national scale. A plan has emerged in recent years to link this riverfront haven for pedestrians and bicyclists to several other multiuse trail corridors in development in Cincinnati. CROWN (Cincinnati Riding Or Walking Network) is a vision for a 104-mile active transportation network connected by a 30-mile trail loop traversing many Cincinnati neighborhoods. Led by local advocacy organization Tri-State Trails, CROWN plans to connect the Ohio River Trail, Mill Creek Greenway Trail, Wasson Way, Lunken Airport Trail, and Little Miami Scenic Trail to other local trails and on-road bicycling infrastructure. CROWN will improve bike and pedestrian connectivity between residential neighborhoods and destinations like employment centers, schools, parks, retail establishments, recreation areas, and entertainment hubs. Benefits include expanding active transportation options, encouraging economic development, improving public health, increasing transportation equity, and promoting environmental sustainability. Information: tristatetrails.org.

Continue east under the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, past the fitness area, playground, volleyball courts, tennis complex, and all-weather skating rink. To the right are limestone foundation ruins of the old Front Street Pumping Station, which supplied the Mount Adams reservoirs and is used today as a performance venue. Running parallel to this path is a walkway with jutting overlooks offering relaxing views of the river and Northern Kentucky’s hillsides. Continue walking east past The Boathouse, which houses veteran barbecue chain Montgomery Inn–The Boathouse and gives diners impressive views. Look east from the railroad tracks in front of Montgomery Inn–Boathouse to see where the Oasis Trail will connect Lunken Airport to Sawyer Point.

      Past the long parking lot is the Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, featuring an impressive display of sculpture and flora representing five continents. It has two intertwining walkways guiding park visitors through gardens of the continents in a celebration of international peace and friendship. Named for Cincinnati’s first African American mayor, the park draws inspiration in part from a child’s friendship bracelet. One of Cincinnati Parks’ premier rental facilities is the pavilion toward the middle of the park. You can choose to walk the winding path past the pavilion to the end of the park for a longer walk, or turn around at any point to return to the Purple People Bridge, just beyond the statue of Cincinnatus.

Climb the stairs of the Purple People Bridge (purplepeoplebridge.com) and begin your interstate walk into Newport, Kentucky. Formerly the L&N Railroad Bridge, this is the only bridge in the region that is designated exclusively for pedestrians. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy named the Purple People Bridge one of the nation’s top five pedestrian bridges in 2015. Follow the bridge to Third Street and turn right to walk in front of Newport on the Levee. The Levee is a hub of activity, with people seeking out bars and restaurants and first-run films at AMC Newport on The Levee 20.

      Continue west along Third Street, past Newport on the Levee, and cross York Street before turning right on Columbia Street. Climb the steps to the top of the levee. Completed for the city’s 1995 bicentennial, Newport’s Riverwalk is a pleasant stroll through the town’s 200-year history, with views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. Newport’s history is depicted on seven weather vanes individually mounted on 30-foot poles. At the end of the levee sidewalk, you’ll come to the Fourth Street Bridge, officially known as Veterans’ Memorial Bridge. Turn right and cross the Licking River into Covington. Continue until you reach Greenup Street.

Turn right on Greenup Street and enter the tiny Roebling Point business district, home to multiple restaurants and bars and an independent bookstore. On the left across the large parking lot along Fourth Street is Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, a three-story eatery with a good beer selection. Continue north on Greenup Street past Park Place for more dining options. Blinkers Tavern specializes in steak and seafood, while Keystone Bar & Grill is known for its macaroni and cheese menu. At the corner of Third and Greenup Streets is Roebling Point Books & Coffee, a compact coffee shop and bookstore that is also home to Wilderness Press’s Ohio office. Continue north on Greenup Street past E. Third Street. On the left at E. Second Street is The Gruff, a spacious outpost serving Neapolitan-style pizza, sandwiches, and craft brews steps from the Roebling Suspension Bridge. Cross E. Second Street and follow the elevated sidewalk around the small brick building to the bridge expanse. Cross the Roebling and return to the start.