Did you know that a sea lion was once caught in the Ohio River at Chilo Lock 34 Visitors Center? Take the family and your furry friends and hear about this story and more as you explore the site of a former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lock and dam. Located right on the Ohio River you can visit the Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Center and Museum and learn about the history of the Ohio River and its paw-some locks and dams. The park also features a 1.5-acre wetland is in the park, that provides great wildlife-watching opportunities with two picnic shelters and a steamboat-themed playground!

Canine’s Choice: Scouting out the river for rogue sea lions.

East Fork State Park is one of largest parks in the State of Ohio in a region that exhibits beautiful hill country scenery. The 2,160-acre William H. Harsha Lake provides ample water recreational opportunities for splashing about with your pup. The park stretches over an impressive 4,870 acres with an attached wildlife area of 2,750 acres. The park offers the ulti-mutt camping and hiking experiences with over 400 pet friendly campsites and 100 miles of trails.

Canine’s Choice: Enjoying a lake view paw-ty on the beach.

Main Entrance: 3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, Ohio 45106

East Fork State Park is one of largest parks in the State of Ohio in a region that exhibits beautiful hill country scenery. The 2,160-acre William H. Harsha Lake provides ample water recreational opportunities for splashing about with your pup. The park stretches over an impressive 4,870 acres with an attached wildlife area of 2,750 acres. The park offers the ulti-mutt camping and hiking experiences with over 400 pet friendly campsites and 100 miles of trails.

Canine’s Choice: Frolicking through the leaves of the Tailwater trail.

North Entrance/Campground: 2837 Old State Route 32, Batavia, Ohio 45103

Nestled along the shores of the Ohio River in New Richmond, the Green Kayak is housed in two 1850’s vintage buildings. With great food, and a wide variety of both craft and domestic beer, the Green Kayak breaks the mold of an old river town saloon. While enjoying a great dinner or drink, Kayak guests enjoy beautiful views of the mighty Ohio river, watch the pleasure boats and barges drift by and take in the incredible vista of rolling hills of Kentucky. The Green Kayak is a family-friendly Grille and Pub.

Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery is southwest Ohio's premier winery and entertainment destination chosen as one of the nation's '20 Most Pet Friendly Wineries'. Harmony Hills is a boutique winery nestled in the quiet village of Bethel, just miles from the historic Ohio River Valley. The winery features a picturesque country setting surrounded by 72 acre Nationally Certified Wildlife Refuge farm with a unique underground wine cave that is one of only eight in the United States.

Sample their award-winning wines while viewing the paw-inspiring vineyards from the covered outdoor café with a spot reserved for your four-legged friend! The Tasting Bar is open for samples during all normal visiting hours, and by special request for private parties of 20 or more.

Miles of walking trails, pristine flower gardens and manicured grounds make Harmony Hill the perfect destination for those who want to explore these dog-friendly trails.

Food is not served on the property; you are encouraged to pack up a picnic for you and your pooch to enjoy in the vineyards or under the shade of the hundreds of trees that surround the winery.

Canine’s Choice: Sniffing around the paw-tunias in the flower gardens.

Created in part with a gift to the Park District by Virginia Kelley as a memorial to her husband, Walter A. Kelley, the 42-acre nature preserve located along the scenic Little Miami River features more than a mile of hiking trails, canoe/kayak access to the Little Miami River, scenic river views and a meadow with a spectacular display of summer wildflowers.

Little Miami Brewing Company is a state-of-the-art, small batch, 7-barrel brewery and casual taproom serving up brick oven pizzas, salads, & more alongside their in-house brewed craft beers. Located on the Little Miami River and Bike Trail at the edge of old Milford with a picturesque rooftop and patio seating making it the paw-fect destination for chilling with a beer and your best bud!

Canine’s Choice: Muttin’ around the tap room begging for some pets.

Specializing in the fusion of espresso and ice cream, edible cookie dough from scratch, and a full, traditional creamy whip menu what more could you ask for from this fun local parlor? Old Milford Parlor offers the ulti-mutt experience for a doggo that loves a good dip, of ice cream that is!

Canine’s Choice: Slurping up a vanilla scoop on the front patio.

Roads Rivers and Trails is Cincinnati’s family owned outdoor outfitter located off the scenic Little Miami River in Milford. Their staff knows outdoor gear because they use outdoor gear. Specializing in kayaking, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, and travel, RRT have an experienced and encouraging staff for personalized outfitting for you and your furry friend.

Canine’s Choice: Exploring the colorful kayaks is a pup-errific experience.

Consisting of 1,058 acres the still waters of the lake and stately woodlands provide the perfect setting for a host of outdoor recreational activities for you and your best buddy to enjoy. The lake, which allows electric motorboats and has two launch ramps for kayaks, canoes, paddle boarding, and fishing boats. Additionally, on the lake south shore there is a pup-tastic public beach perfect for taking a swim, soaking up some sun or playing a game of fetch! There are also several trails and a pet friendly campground with 100 sites.

Canine’s Choice: Hounding around on the south shore beach.

The Grail is a rural oasis that welcomes the public to walk the pet friendly natural trails that crisscross 70 acres just outside of Loveland year-round during the daylight hours. The trails loop through fields, woods, and the O'Bannon creek. All pups on leashes are welcome to explore the trails!

Along the trails Grail initiatives and places of note are marked with blue and white signs. The Grail is known for the wide variety of birds spotted and with a newly installed bird watching station is on a short loop close to the parking area, perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without hiking through the trails.

Canine’s Choice: Bird watching with their bestie.

Valley View is a 190 acre preserve with over 5 miles of mowed trails, a mile along the East Fork River, wetlands, wooded areas and prairie fields and is an ideal spot for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy. Valley View was established by a group of citizens with a shared vision to preserve this historic family farm and against all odds, raised $4 million to permanently preserve this open space. Its natural and cultural assets offer a great op-paw-tunity to get out and explore with your pooch!

Canine’s Choice: Having a howlin’ good time rolling in the mud.

Valley View is 190 acre preserve with over 5 miles of mowed trails, a mile along the East Fork River, wetlands, wooded areas and prairie fields. Valley View was established by a group of citizens with a shared vision to preserve this historic family farm and against all odds, raised $4 million to permanently preserve this open space, its natural and cultural assets for everyone to enjoy.