Southeast Ohio is known as the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, but it’s probably best described as some awesome sledding hills for Appalachians. Those same hills that leave you huffing and puffing to and from class, not to mention after last call, make for some amazing sledding that will put your hometown to shame (unless you grew up on Mt. Everest). Here are the 5 awesome hills to fly down on a sled.
The Ridges
It’s a hike, but who said anything this good was easy? The former Athens Asylum has plenty of bone chilling sledding diggs (watch out for those grave stones), and the trails throughout the Ridges offer enough of a downcline you’ll wish you brought your skies. The King of all sledding hills sits at the top of the trail where the radio towers have the best view. Just makes sure you abandon sled before you hit the trees.
Jeff Hill
This one is an Ohio University tradition (rumor has it Paul Newman went down Jeff Hill in a barrel). If you’ve truly got the Bobcat spirit, steal a dining hall tray and race the entire East Green. Watch out for those nasty poles at the end. You might want to go foot first just to be safe.
West Elementary
For those on the West Side of town, West Elementary has some impressive sledding. It’s not as dangerous, but you can get some decent speed. You may have to share the slope with a bunch of elementary kids, so watch that potty mouth, buster.
Gas Pipeline Hills
You’ll need a car and know where to find a gas pipe line. They line the forested hills of Athens County and make the perfect runway for sledding. Get out in nature, away from it all, and let it fly.
Dow Lake
Stroud’s Run and Dow Lake feature many great sledding opportunities, including the Dow Lake Dam off Route 50. It’s as close as you can come to flying.