Guide to Loveland Ohio: Bike Trail, River, Dining & Loveland Castle

Only 1.5 hrs from Columbus, Loveland is the perfect destination for leisurely day trip. Located along the banks of the Little Miami River, Historic Loveland offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activity, and a charming downtown.

image: Deb

Did you Know? Loveland is nicknamed the “Sweetheart of Ohio”, but not because of its name. For the past 79 years, the Chamber of Commerce has offered a world-famous Valentine re-mailing program, complete with a special postmark from Loveland. If you want to add a little something extra to your next Valentine’s Day celebration, check out more details here.

Visit Historic Loveland

Hugging the famous Loveland Bike Trail, historic Loveland offers a relaxed, but vibrant atmosphere with a mix of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Park your car and spend the day exploring this appx 0.3 mile stretch of trail.

image: Deb

Stop by the Scenic River and Trail Center (Fri-Sun, 9am-5pm) to learn more about the Miami Valley area. Take a walk in the adjacent Nisbet Park, offering a playground, amphitheater, and a short trail to access the river.

Continuing north on the bike trail, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the tree canopy to escape the heat of the day. Paved and nicely maintained, this trail is great for everyone, including strollers and wheelchairs. The trail goes for miles, so walk as far as you like and then turn around.

Note: Please take a few minutes to review proper trail etiquette to ensure the safety of all users.

Where to Dine

Hungry? There’s plenty of restaurants with shaded outdoor seating. Check out Ramsey’s Trailside, Paxton’s Grill, The Wicked Pickle, or Tano Bistro. The Works has fantastic brick-oven pizza and adds the fun of train car seating.

image: Deb

Don’t forget dessert! Sucre offers French inspired pastries to die for. And whoever said “no” to a delicious scoop (or two) of Greater’s ice cream?

Quench your thirst at Narrow Path Brewing with a kick your shoes off, backyard-style seating. Check out the lively scene at Cappy’s Taproom, or a more modern and unique self-pour system at Hops & Berry Taproom.

image: Deb

Cruise the Loveland Bike Trail

Biking is a fun activity for the entire family. Rent a bike or bring your own to ride along the tree-lined trail, as you follow the scenic Little Miami River.

Whether you just want to cruise around Historic Loveland or spend a few hours trekking to the next town or two, the 70-mile long Little Miami Scenic State Park Trail has you covered. Check out several suggested routes here.

Bikes are available for rent at Loveland Bike Rental, in Historic Loveland. They are open daily from Memorial Day through mid-August; weekends only from March through May and mid-August through mid-November.

Note: Please take a few minutes to review proper trail etiquette to ensure the safety of all users.

image: Deb

Paddle the Little Miami River

Spend a relaxing afternoon paddling the Little Miami River from historic Loveland. Designated as a State and National Scenic River, paddlers will enjoy miles of unspoiled river passage, natural beauty, and plenty of wildlife.

Loveland Paddlesports offers kayak rentals to both individuals and large groups. Located steps from the bike path in Historic Loveland, spending a few hours on the river is an easy activity to enjoy. The most popular trip is Castle Adventure, a leisurely 5-mile trip that takes paddlers by the Historic Loveland Castle.

For those who prefer to bring their own equipment, public river access points can be found at Bishop Park and Nisbet Park. If you’re up for a longer river experience, the Little Miami Conservancy offers a detailed map & mileage chart between Loveland and adjacent cities to the North and South.

Loveland Paddlesports is open daily from 9am – 6pm. Trips depart every 30min between 10am – 3pm. Cost per person is $40 (weekday) and $45 (weekend/holiday). Participants must be at least 5 years old and a minimum of 40 pounds.

Loveland Paddlesports

174 S Karl Brown Wy, Loveland, OH

Visit a Medieval Castle

Explore the Historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche, the life’s work of Harry D. Andrews. It all started in the early 1920s with a group of Boy Scouts who loved to camp along the Little Miami River but struggled to safely secure their gear. These “Knights of the Golden Trail” (KOGT) needed a real-life castle and Andrews agreed.

image: Deb

A medievalist, preferring hand-to-hand combat over modern warfare, Andrews had served as a medic during WWI. After his deployment ended, Andrews decided to remain in Europe to explore the many castles and fortresses.

By 1929, the first stone tents along the Little Miami were completed by the KOGT, but it didn’t end there. For the next 50 years, Sir Harry continued building what would become Chateau Laroche, meaning “Rock Castle”. The castle represents many of the styles and features found in the castles of Germany, France, and England.

Knight of Armor at the Loveland Castle in Loveland, Ohio

image: Deb

Plan Your Visit

Still guarded by the Knights of the Golden Trail, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the hand-built castle and beautiful gardens, learning more about its history through videos featuring Andrews himself.

Exploring inside its walls promises to be an unexpected treat for everyone, as each doorway provides a unique surprise from fascinating architecture to displays of medieval collections. Be sure to stop and play a few games along the way. Outside, stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy perfect picnic spots along the river.

Swords in Loveland Castle in Loveland, Ohio

image: Deb

Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of the uneven terrain, staircases, and narrow passageways. Due to the nature of the structure, elevators or ramps are not available. Portable restrooms are available in the parking lot.

Loveland Castle is open 7 days a week from April 1 – September 30, from 11am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday only from October 1 – March 31. Admission is $5.00/person (5 & under are free). Be sure to check online for special events, such as wine tastings and ghost hunts, offered for an additional cost.

Historic Loveland Castle

12075 Shore Dr. Loveland, Ohio

Looking for more to do in the area?
September 6, 2025 – Loveland Annual Art Festival

Our Ohio Travel writer, Deb, randomly picks a new destination in Ohio to visit each month with her husband. Some of their trips are full weekend trips with overnight stays, while others are day trips. Their trips are always full of fun and unique stops that you’re going to want to check out. See more of her trips here.