Photograph of Deer Creek Commons, 1936

About

What if you set out on foot to find what remains of Deer Creek Commons? Begin along Reading Road or Gilbert Avenue and let the sidewalks guide you downward, paying attention to the subtle dips and rises in the land — the faint memory of the old Deer Creek Valley beneath the pavement. Though the creek now runs hidden in concrete and highways press in from above, the terrain still whispers its past. Climb the surrounding hillsides toward Walnut Hills and the edge of Eden Park, tracing the contours that once formed a natural amphitheater around lively ball fields. Look for retaining walls, unexpected slopes, and quiet pockets of green wedged between overpasses and streets. This is not a scenic nature hike, but an urban excavation on foot — a way of reading the landscape for what was erased. Beneath the traffic noise and dense development, the valley is still there if you’re willing to walk slowly enough to see it.

Terrain & Landscape

We’ll walk on Hillside Steps, Sidewalks, Grass, Brick Alleys, and Hiking Paths.

The hike explores the area around what was known as Deer Creek Common.

We will start promptly at 10:00 at The Spring House Gazebo in Eden Park.

What to Bring

Bring your own water, sunscreen, comfortable closed-toe shoes, bug spray, and positive energy.

Urban Ranger Goods available after our hike:
City Steps Patch - $12.00

Tips are welcome but not required.
Venmo transactions are preferred @urbanranger

Registration

Please register below. You may only register for yourself. There is no cap on the registration for this event. Invite your friends! Attendees must register online.