Hiking
Ohio has many hiking trails and paths, though few are found in or near Mason. One notable exception is the Little Miami Scenic River Trail. The trail stretches for 50 miles along the Little Miami River. Mason's trailhead is found just three miles driving east on Kings Mills Road. Park your car at the marked parking lot near the intersection of Kings Mills and Grandin, right before Grandin crosses the bridge over the river. Head north or south along the alternating pavement and gravel path. This trail is moderately easy and can accommodate even beginning walkers and hikers. Many individuals can be seen biking, walking and running there. In the winter, individuals also use the trail for cross-country skiing. Bring a water bottle and sun protection, and make sure you time yourself so you return to your car before sunset as much of the path is dark.
Swimming
A limited amount of outdoor trails doesn't mean Mason's residents are sedentary. On any given day, its many pools and swim clubs can be found filled with swimming enthusiasts and athletes. The Lou Eves Municipal Pool is the city's major municipal pool and has eight 25-meter racing lanes, a water slide that's over 100 feet long, diving boards and a children's pool. After swimming, you can get food at the pool's snack bar and relax on the lawn. If you find the municipal pool too crowded, drive 10 minutes north to the Hy-Crest Swim Club on the edge of West Chester and Mason. A concession stand keeps hungry swimmers happy after they play in the pool or try their hand at beach volleyball or soccer at the nearby courts.
Lou Eves Municipal Pool
6249 Mason Montgomery Road
Mason, OH 45040
(513) 229-8553
Hy-Crest Swim Club
8370 Grinn Drive
West Chester, OH 45069-2666
(513) 777-9902
Schappacher Farms
Schappacher Farms is popular among residents and visitors. During the warm spring, summer and fall months, you'll find free hayrides, dizzying corn mazes and kid-friendly petting zoos where children can meet horses, goats and pigs face-to-face. Adults will love the farmer's market, a veritable bounty of fresh local ingredients at budget-friendly prices. One of the farm's biggest attractions is its sprawling pumpkin patch during the fall, which draws hundreds of visitors from across the state who want to pick their perfect Halloween token.
Schappacher Farms
3829 S U.S. Route 42
Mason, OH 45040
(513) 398-0904
Theme Parks
Children, young adults and mature adults with an adventurous streak will enjoy the thrilling rides of Mason's two theme parks. The Beach Waterpark has over a dozen rides, from relaxing tube rides down a river to the adrenaline-inducing Volcano Panic ride, the park's longest slide involving a 360-degree spiral through a faux volcano. If waterparks aren't your ideal attraction, drive 10 minutes southeast from downtown Mason to Kings Island. This roller coaster-filled park's flagship ride is the Diamondback, a 230-foot tall ride with an initial drop of 215 almost-vertical feet.
Beach Waterpark
2590 Water Park Drive
Mason, OH 45040-2358
(513) 398-7946
thebeachwaterpark.com
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Mason, OH 45040
(513) 754-5800
pki.com
