Athens County: Trails, Water and Culture

Athens County can be explored through a range of travel interests: getting active on trails, history at The Ridges, waterscapes, and museums, stages and regional traditions. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway follows the Hocking River; at The Ridges, walking trails meet historical themes. Cultural offerings range from rotating exhibitions to live music. If you are looking for a vacation rental, you can first consider which of these aspects you want to shape your stay. This turns the wide range of options into a concrete travel plan.

Trails through the landscape

The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is 22 miles long, follows the Hocking River along a former railroad corridor, and is used by cyclists, runners and walkers. It connects the City of Athens, Eclipse Company Town and the City of Nelsonville. The Baileys Trail System comprises 26 miles of trails for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and experiencing nature. The offerings have different emphases: the bikeway is a shared route along the river; the Baileys Trail System focuses on several specifically named outdoor activities.

Connections between individual trail networks also help orient visitors to the landscape. Sells Park is connected to the Strouds Run State Park trail network. The John Knouse Trail links the Strouds Run State Park and Baker Preserve trail networks. At The Ridges, several hiking and walking trails are open to the public. The historic estate, spanning about 700 acres, combines time on the trails with a distinctive historical character.

The Southeast Ohio History Center offers historical walks across the grounds of the former mental hospital at The Ridges. At the same time, the OHIO Museum Complex’s Outdoor Museum turns The Ridges’ extensive trail network and regional landmarks into an integrated outdoor learning experience. Those interested in history will find a tangible connection to the place here; those who prefer to stay active can explore the public trails.

Lakes and trips to the water

Strouds Run State Park surrounds Dow Lake. Kayaks, canoes, pontoons and small boats can be rented at the Boathouse at Strouds Run. The boathouse is at the beach or boat ramp in the park, near Strouds Run Road. Since rentals may be seasonal, it is best to check availability before your visit. Lake Snowden offers a different experience: it is a 675-acre educational and recreational park. These two places show that water can be part of travel planning in Athens County in different ways.

Exhibitions, music and regional traditions

For art enthusiasts, the Kennedy Museum of Art presents rotating exhibitions from its own collections and loan collections. The Dairy Barn Arts Center hosts exhibitions and offers educational programs. The Southeast Ohio History Center complements its historical walks with rotating exhibitions on local culture. Together, these provide different ways to explore the area: art collections, educational offerings and local history.

Stages and discovery museums also contribute to the cultural scene. Stuart’s Opera House is an opera house and theater for live music performances. The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery in Athens, Ohio, is an interactive discovery museum for visitors of all ages. Alongside the exhibitions, these venues offer a range of subjects for a stay, without requiring you to focus on just one kind of culture.

Local food and traditions offer another way to experience the area. At the Athens Farmers Market, items including meat, cheese, vegetables and fruit come together in one place. The annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival celebrates the pawpaw fruit, which is native to Athens County. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Choose a location to match your travel plans

Which vacation rental suits your plans depends first on which experiences you want to prioritize: trails and outdoor activities, historic places, water or culture. You can then focus your accommodation search on specific place names. In addition to Nelsonville, Glouster is another place in Athens County that you can explore as a destination in its own right. The county-wide selection leaves room for different priorities; your interests can help narrow your search.

Discover more destinations: Preble County, Jackson, Richland, Geauga County, Hardin County, Summit.

Go to the main travel overview: Ohio.