Athens County: Bike Trails, Nature and Culture

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Athens County, your interests can help guide your decision. The range of trails extends from a 22-mile bike route to several hiking and walking trails. There are also nature experiences by the water, as well as museums, art, and events. The places and activities below offer different ideas to help you plan.

Biking and Hiking

The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a 22-mile bike trail in Athens County, also used by runners and walkers. It follows the Hocking River along a former railroad corridor and connects the city of Athens, Eclipse Company Town, and the city of Nelsonville. This sets it apart from trails in parks and protected areas: the focus here is on a route between several places.

Several hiking and walking trails in The Ridges are open to the public. The historic property covers about 700 acres. Sells Park connects to the trail network at Strouds Run State Park, while the John Knouse Trail connects the trail networks at Strouds Run State Park and Baker Preserve. If you include trails and hiking areas in your trip plans, you’ll find several distinct networks here rather than just a single route.

For mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and enjoying nature, the Baileys Trail System includes 26 miles of trails and is continuing to expand. The figures for the Bikeway and the Baileys Trail System describe different trail offerings. The Bikeway is a route along the Hocking River that connects places; Baileys is a trail system with several possible uses. This helps you focus on the type of activity you have planned rather than treating the offerings as interchangeable routes.

Nature by the Water and Unique Experiences

Strouds Run State Park surrounds Dow Lake. Kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and small boats can be rented at the Boathouse at Strouds Run. It is located at the beach or boat ramp in Strouds Run State Park, near Strouds Run Road. Rentals may be seasonal; check availability before your visit. Lake Snowden is a 675-acre educational and recreational park, offering another focus for nature and recreation in Athens County.

Looking up at the night sky can also be part of your plans: the Ohio University Observatory hosts public telescope nights. If you’d like to plan for one, check the dates in advance. Nature trails, activities on the water, and a public telescope night each offer a different focus for your stay.

History, Museums, and Culture

The Outdoor Museum of the OHIO Museum Complex brings together The Ridges’ extensive trail network and regional landmarks in an integrated outdoor learning experience. The Southeast Ohio History Center’s historic walks around the grounds of the former mental hospital at The Ridges are a good complement. If history is the focus of your visit, you can combine a historic site with outdoor trails.

The museums offer different ways to explore art and regional culture. The Kennedy Museum of Art presents changing exhibitions from its own collections and loan collections. The Dairy Barn Arts Center hosts exhibitions and educational programs; the Southeast Ohio History Center presents changing exhibitions on local culture. In Athens, Ohio, the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is an interactive discovery museum for visitors of all ages. Stuart’s Opera House is an opera house and theater featuring live music performances.

Market and Annual Event

The Athens Farmers Market brings together products including meat, cheese, vegetables, and fruit in one place. In addition, the market rules revised in 2026 allow the sale of handmade non-food products related to agriculture and forestry, provided a member made the product personally and grew or produced its main ingredients. The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is held annually in honor of the pawpaw fruit, which is native to Athens County. If you’d like to include the festival in your trip, check the event dates in advance.

Whether you want your trip to focus on biking, trails, water, or culture, Athens County offers a range of named attractions to choose from. Consider which ones matter most for your stay and use that focus to guide your hotel choice.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Nelsonville, Glouster, Montgomery, Jackson, Auglaize County, Marion County, Portage County, Tuscarawas.

Back to the main travel overview: Ohio.