LITMIR.BIZ

      Statue of Father Quinn, one of the neighborhood’s mythic figures

      BOUNDARIES: Celestial St., Martin Dr., Eden Park Dr., Ida St.

      DISTANCE: 1.7 miles

      DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous

      PARKING: Free street parking on St. Gregory St., Hill St., Jerome St., and other nearby streets

      PUBLIC TRANSIT: The 1 bus line has stops along Parkside Dr., as well as Paradrome St. between Louden St. and Wareham Dr., both of which are points in the middle of this walk.

      Mount Adams is a small tangle of streets lined with narrow, pristine old houses, all perched on a hill that offers some of the best views of the city. Surrounded by highways on three sides and Eden Park on the other, its isolation has always been part of its character—most days, Mount Adams offers its charms inside a blanket of pleasant quiet. Historically home to German and Irish Catholics, since 1950 Mount Adams has witnessed an influx of hippies, yuppies, empty nesters, and young families. Now, its views and proximity to downtown make homes there some of the most sought-after (and expensive) real estate in the city.

      Eden Park contains some of the city’s most visited attractions: the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and the Krohn Conservatory. Mount Adams itself is probably most known to outsiders for its active nightlife, drawing young professionals from all over the city each weekend to its bars and restaurants.

      This walk is best done on a sunny day so you can fully enjoy the various lovely views and sights. Spring and fall are especially wonderful times to see the park and the well-groomed gardens of the neighborhood. Mount Adams is one of the hilliest parts of the city—one of the reasons Cincinnati has earned the nickname San Francisco of the Midwest—so make sure you wear some comfortable shoes and are prepared for a few steep areas. If you come in the late afternoon, don’t miss the chance to finish your walk with a bite to eat at one of the famous Mount Adams pubs.

      Walk Description

      Begin on St. Gregory Street between Jerome and Hill Streets. On the east side of St. Gregory, take the stone stairs (Mt. Adams Steps) up. There are about 90 steps; this should be the steepest portion of the entire walk, so take your time and, on the landings, feel free to turn around and note the incredible view emerging behind you.

Look above you: you’re approaching the Holy Cross Immaculata Church. About 150 years ago, shortly after this church was first completed in 1860 (then the Church of the Immaculate Conception, home to the hill’s German Catholics), a tradition known as “praying the steps” was begun. On Good Friday, pilgrims begin on Adams Crossing, cross Columbia Parkway, and slowly ascend the hill, ending with the steps you’re climbing now, silently praying the rosary (one prayer on each step). This tradition is unique in Cincinnati and rare throughout the world.

      At the top of the stairs, admire the view of downtown Cincinnati

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