The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway follows the Hocking River along a former railway line and connects the city of Athens, Eclipse Company Town and the city of Nelsonville. At 22 miles long, it offers a clear point of reference if you’d like to include cycling, running and walking in your travel plans. The route isn’t just for cyclists: runners and walkers also use the Bikeway.
Explore Trails and Scenery
Other trail networks offer different experiences. Sells Park is connected to the trail network of Strouds Run State Park. The John Knouse Trail, in turn, connects the trail networks of Strouds Run State Park and Baker Preserve. The Baileys Trail System comprises 26 miles of trails for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and experiencing nature. Alongside the Bikeway, these provide other named options for a range of activities.
The Ridges is a historic property covering about 700 acres. Several hiking and walking trails are open to the public. For a historical perspective on the site, the Southeast Ohio History Center hosts walks across the grounds of the former asylum at The Ridges. The OHIO Museum Complex’s Outdoor Museum turns The Ridges’ extensive trail network and regional landmarks into an integrated outdoor learning experience.
Culture and Special Events
Exhibitions and performances can also be a focus of your stay. The Kennedy Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions from its own collections and those on loan. The Dairy Barn Arts Center presents exhibitions and offers educational programs. At the Southeast Ohio History Center, rotating exhibitions on local culture round out the options. Stuart’s Opera House is an opera house and theater for live music performances.
Another option for an evening out is one of the Ohio University Observatory’s public telescope nights. Since these are events, it’s a good idea to check the dates for your desired visit. Alternating between trails, a museum and an evening event like this gives your stay variety without requiring you to fit everything into a single itinerary.
Markets, Pawpaws and Water
The Athens Farmers Market brings together meat, cheese, vegetables and fruit, among other items. The market rules also permit the sale of handmade non-food products from agriculture and forestry, provided a member has made them personally and the main ingredients or materials were grown or produced by that member. The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is held annually in honor of the pawpaw fruit, which is native to Athens County. Visiting the market and the festival offers two different ways to experience local products and a recurring festival theme.
Water-based activities add to the options. Strouds Run State Park surrounds Dow Lake. Kayaks, canoes, pontoons and small boats can be rented at the Boathouse at Strouds Run, located by the beach or boat ramp in the park near Strouds Run Road. Rentals may be seasonal, so check in advance whether the boat you want is available when you plan to visit. Lake Snowden is a 675-acre education and recreation park.
To help plan your trip, start by choosing your preferred focus: a route between named places, trails and scenery, culture and live music, a market and festival, or an activity on the water.
Explore more destinations: Nelsonville, Glouster, Morgan County, Logan, Trumbull County, Van Wert, Summit, Lucas County.
For the broader travel overview: Ohio.
