Forest Run MetroPark--Timberman Ridge Area

Forest Run MetroPark--Timberman Ridge Area

Hamilton, Ohio 45013

Forest Run MetroPark Official Website
Forest Run MetroPark map

About this Location

The Timberman Ridge Area is a part of Forest Run MetroPark in Ross Township, bordering the City of Hamilton just south of New London Road.

Thanks to a cooperative conservation project with The Trust for Public Land, the Richard J. Fitton Family Foundation, Three Valley Conservation Trust, the Ohio Public Works Commission, and MetroParks, the 173-acre Timberman Ridge property opened daily to the public in 2014. The Three Valley Conservation Trust holds and maintains a conservation easement on the property, which will support conservation, education, and passive recreation opportunities. The property was purchased with a Clean Ohio Greenspace Conservation program grant, as administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission.

In 2018, work began on the reforestation of 9.8 acres, the paving of 1.3 miles of a 10 ft wide multi-purpose trail, and installing a parking lot and associated driveway improvements to this property. This enhancement was made possible by $691,023 from a Clean Ohio Grant and a private contribution of $225,000 secured by MetroParks in 2017 and approximately $5,500 provided by MetroParks towards project costs.

Timberman Ridge is mostly former farmland, which is currently being restored to a natural landscape, which includes grasslands, prairie, woodlands, wetlands, a stream corridor, bottom-land floodplain, and cold water springs.

Highlights of this park include 9.1 miles of natural trails, including a spectacular scenic overlook featuring an observation deck. The trail system is available for hiking to give park customers and owners access to the beauty of the property firsthand. Part of this trail system also facilitates cross-country running. Three catch and release ponds are available for fishing. A reservable shelter and additional picnic tables are also available.

Access to the park is available from the main entrance off of Timberman Road, from the parking area located east of Timberman Road on New London Road near the spring house (the small storehouse built over the cold water spring on the property), and from the new Warvel Trailhead on Warvel Road. The Welcome Center, which is reservable and open for scheduled programming only, is accessible via the main entrance to the park off of Timberman Road.

About Forest Run MetroPark

See all hotspots at Forest Run MetroPark

Forest Run MetroPark, located in Ross Township and bordering the City of Hamilton, consists of 342 acres with three activity areas. They include a variety of natural landscapes and habitats with opportunities for a mix of outdoor activities: Wildlife Preserve Area, Timberman Ridge Area, and Little Dry Run Area. There is also a Welcome Center and Engle House Area (MetroParks’ Administrative Office).

Motor vehicle permits are required to enter the various areas of Forest Run MetroPark. Motor Vehicle permits are free to Butler County residents. Non-residents can obtain motor vehicle permits at $5/daily or $10/annually.

Notable Trails

Trails at Timberman Ridge include:
Timberman Ridge Trail – 1.3 miles – paved loop
Scenic Ridge Trail – 1 mile – loop
Grand Circle Trail – 1.7 mile – loop
Rolling Meadow Trail – .7 mile – loop
Old Orchard Trail – .4 mile – loop
Cross Country Route 1 – 3.1 miles -loop
Cross Country Route 2 – 2.1 miles – loop

The AllTrails website has descriptions and maps of hikes at Forest Run MetroPark.

Features

  • Entrance fee

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Roadside viewing

Content from Forest Run MetroPark Official Website and Timberman Ridge Area webpage

Last updated February 8, 2023