Miami Whitewater Forest
Cincinnati, OH
This large park is located on the northwest side of Cincinnati. It is a productive site throughout the year.
Specialty Species:
LeConte’s Sparrow: Look for this species along the edges of the marsh in the Shaker Trace Wetlands
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow: As with the LeConte’s Sparrow, this species can be found along the edges of the marsh in the Shaker Trace Wetlands
Shorebirds: When mudflats are exposed in the Shaker Trace Wetlands, many species of shorebirds may stop in the area.
Warblers: Check the tree line near the parking area for Shaker Trace Wetland. Warblers can also be found throughout the wooded trails in the park.
Rails: The edge of the marsh in the Shaker Trace Wetlands can be a great spot to look for rails.
Where to Bird:
- Shaker Trace Wetland
- Other nature trails
Shaker Trace Wetlands: Shaker Trace Wetlands is the best place to bird at Miami Whitewater State Forest. From Mt Hope Road, turn right onto New Haven Road. At the stop light, turn left onto Oxford Road. Take an immediate left onto Baughman Road. After crossing over the paved trail, proceed past the end of the tree line and turn right into the small gravel parking area. Park here and hike up onto the dike through the opening in the tree line. Turn left and follow the trail along the trees. This is a great area to observe many migrant passerines. Hike the trails throughout this area for a chance to see a wide variety of species. If the marsh is dry in the fall, walk around on the edges of the mudflats looking for both LeConte’s and Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows. To get to the viewing platform, continue on the trails until you come to the paved Shaker Trace Trail. Follow the trail south and a small gravel trail to the viewing platform will be on your left. If there is water in the wetlands, scan for shorebirds and waterfowl.
Nature Trails: The nature trails throughout the park are a great place to find migrant passerines during spring and fall migration. Hike slowly along the trails scanning for movement in the trees.
Hours:
Dawn to Dusk
Fees:
$2 for a Daily Pass
$5 for a Yearly Pass valid at all Hamilton County Parks
Accessiblity:
7.8 miles of paved trails leads you through most of the park.
Trails:
Yes, there are miles of trails located throughout the park.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
3-4 Hours
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the East: Take I-74 west towards Indianapolis. Take Exit #3 to Dry Fork Road and turn right (north). At the stop sign turn right (east) onto West Road. Take the first left (north) into the park.
From the West: Take I-74 east towards Cincinnati. Take Exit #3 to Dry Fork Road and turn left (north). At the stop sign turn right (east) onto West Road. Take the first left (north) into the park.
Address:
9001 Mount Hope Road
Cincinnati, OH 45030
(513) 367-4774
Nearby Birding: