Crew destination Mt. Airy Forest has a rich history

Spring is in the air! The Crew has returned to one of our favorite hiking locations in the region, Mt. Airy Forest. At 1,459 acres, it is our largest Cincinnati Park with numerous natural areas, hiking paths, landscape features, gardens and even an accessible treehouse.

Founded in 1911, Mt. Airy was our nation’s first urban reforestation project after the land was originally cleared for agricultural use. Considered one of FDR’s most successful New Deal employment programs, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) restored this barren land to a place of beauty in the 1930s with a variety of hardwoods, wetlands, evergreens and meadows, giving us this recreational and educational oasis right in the middle of our city.

Our modern tenets of conservation arose from the national and state conservation work begun by the CCC under the guidance of the National Park Service, and the youth service corps movement of today is also founded on the CCC's concept.

At a time when their camps were still segregated, young Black, White and Native American men worked together to preserve and develop our nation’s natural resources. We're proud to build upon the legacy of CCC by ensuring such a historic and beautiful place of nature can be accessed and enjoyed by all.

Explore and appreciate the rich history of Mt. Airy for yourself this spring. Discover other beautifully preserved natural treasures using our Outdoors for All Guide.