The best cycling routes in Athens County

Athens County offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. You can explore over 10 routes, ranging from easy, paved bikeways to more challenging rides through the region's rolling hills.

Yes, Athens County has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. The The Plains Preserve Pathway – Hockhocking Adena Bikeway loop from Strouds Ridge Preserve COAD Tract is an excellent option, offering a relaxed ride through local preserves and along the paved Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway itself is known for its gentle gradients, making it very accessible.

For those seeking a longer or more challenging ride, consider the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway – Chandlers Hill loop from Doanville, which covers approximately 36 miles and incorporates sections of the paved bikeway with some elevation changes. Another option is the Furnace Ridge loop from Lake Hope State Park, a more difficult 22.6-mile trail with significant elevation through forested hills.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Athens County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bike loop from Nelsonville and the Chauncey-Dover Trailhead Park loop from Chauncey, which are both convenient for exploring the local scenery.

Touring cycling in Athens County offers diverse scenery, from the rugged beauty of the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau with its rolling hills and deeply dissected stream valleys to the lush, forested environments of the Hocking River watershed. You'll encounter dense woodlands, serene lakes like Dow Lake, and unique rock formations, especially within areas like the Wayne National Forest and various state parks.

Absolutely! Many routes offer access to interesting landmarks and natural attractions. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway itself is a major highlight, connecting Athens and Nelsonville. You might also pass by the Salt Works Trail or the Chauncey-Dover Trailhead Park. The region is also known for its Quilt Barn Tour, where hand-painted quilt murals adorn historic barns along scenic roads.

Athens County is beautiful for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while summer offers lush green landscapes. However, many cyclists find autumn to be particularly stunning, with the region's extensive forests displaying spectacular fall foliage, making for incredibly scenic rides.

Yes, especially along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. This paved path connects Athens and Nelsonville, providing easy access to local amenities in both towns, including cafes, restaurants, and the Athens Farmers Market, perfect for a mid-ride break or snack.

The touring cycling routes in Athens County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from the gentle, paved bikeways to the challenging climbs through forested hills, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially along the Hocking River and within the Wayne National Forest.

While the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway can be popular, especially on weekends, many other routes offer a more secluded experience. Exploring the trails around state parks like Lake Hope or venturing into the less-trafficked sections of the Wayne National Forest can provide a quieter ride. Routes like the Salt Works Trail – Coal Train Trail loop from Chauncey might offer a more tranquil experience.

Public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited. However, the city of Athens serves as a central hub, and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is easily accessible from various points within Athens and Nelsonville, which are more connected by local transport services. For routes further afield, personal vehicle transport is generally recommended.

Parking is generally available at various access points for the touring cycling routes. For the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, there are designated parking areas in Athens, The Plains, and Nelsonville. State parks and trailheads for other routes, such as Chauncey-Dover Trailhead Park, typically offer parking facilities for visitors.