The best walks and hikes in Athens County

Yes, many trails in Athens County are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep your dog on a leash and follow park-specific rules. The trails within Wayne National Forest, such as the Baileys Trail Lower Salt Works/Coal Train Loop, are generally welcoming to leashed dogs. State parks like Strouds Run and Burr Oak also permit dogs on most trails.

For a family-friendly outing, the Utah Pond loop from Nelsonville is a great choice. It's a relatively short and flat trail that offers a pleasant walk in nature. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is another excellent option; it's a paved, multi-use path that is perfect for strollers and young children.

While both regions are beautiful, they offer different experiences. Hocking Hills is famous for its dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and rock formations, which can draw large crowds. Athens County provides a more classic Appalachian foothills experience with rolling hills, dense forests, and ridgeline trails. It's often considered a quieter, more remote alternative for those looking to escape the crowds.

Absolutely. Winter hiking offers a unique perspective on the landscape, with the bare trees opening up views you wouldn't see in other seasons. Trails can be muddy or icy, so proper waterproof footwear with good traction is essential. The trails in Strouds Run State Park and Sells Park are popular year-round.

Yes, for those seeking a longer trek, the Wildcat Hollow area in the Wayne National Forest features a 15-mile loop trail suitable for backpacking. Additionally, a portion of Ohio's long-distance Buckeye Trail passes through Burr Oak State Park, offering more extensive hiking opportunities.

The trails in Athens County are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the region's serene woodlands, the variety of trails through the rolling Appalachian hills, and the well-maintained paths in places like the Baileys Trail System.

Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are loops, allowing you to enjoy a continuous journey without backtracking. The Radar Hill loop from Athens is a great example, offering a varied walk through the forest with some elevation changes.

The terrain is characteristic of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. Expect trails with frequent, sometimes steep, ascents and descents as they wind through hollows and up to ridgelines. The paths are typically dirt, often with exposed roots and rocks, and can become muddy after rain. Sandstone bluffs and rock shelters are common features.

Yes, the region is rich in history. The most famous landmark is the Moonville Tunnel, a supposedly haunted railroad tunnel from 1856 that is now part of the Moonville Rail Trail. You can also find remnants of the area's 19th-century iron industry, such as the Hope Iron Furnace, near some of the trails.

Turtlehead Cave, a small rock shelter, can be found along the trails in Sells Park. A popular route that passes by it is the Crumley Knob loop from Athens County. This trail connects Sells Park with the larger network in Strouds Run State Park.

Most hiking in Athens County is free. There are no entry fees for state parks like Strouds Run or Burr Oak, and access to Wayne National Forest is also free of charge. Parking is generally available at designated trailheads without a fee.

The Ridges was formerly the Athens Lunatic Asylum and is now part of Ohio University. The grounds include the Ohio University Ridges Land Lab, a nature preserve with a network of trails. These paths wind through the hills and woods behind the historic buildings, offering a mix of nature and history. The Chandlers Hill loop from Athens explores part of this unique area.