If you’re an Ohio University student, current or past, you likely have heard of, and maybe even visited, Bong Hill. Generations of OU students have trekked east across the Hocking River to ascend to this memorable vantage point from which to view much of the city of Athens and OU campus.
If you’re new to Athens, your first question likely is, “does ‘Bong’ in the name of this hill mean what I think it means?” The answer is yes, and the reason is that the top of Bong Hill offers not only a scenic view but also a great party location, with only a slight chance of anybody bothering said party. This was the case in the ’70s when OU students would climb to the top and share a marijuana cigarette, and in the 21st century when small groups of Bobcats would do the same thing. (Though whether anybody actually lugged an actual bong to the top of Bong Hill is an open question.)
This hill used to be known as East Hill, though it’s uncertain what sort of intoxicant 19th century Bobcats might have shared at the very top. And it’s probably important to note that Bong Hill is a fun destination even if you’re sober as a fence post (and probably a good deal safer, since the climb is steep and potentially treacherous).
How to Access the Top of Bong Hill From Your Athens Student Rental
You probably won’t want to scale Bong Hill in the most direct manner, since the front of the hill is a nearly 90-degree incline. Rather, walk or drive across the Hocking River via the Stimson Avenue bridge, turn right, go a short distance, and turn left on Rock Riffle/Long Run Road right before the onramp to U.S. Rt. 33/50. Go about 50 yards and park on the pull-off there, on the left/north side of the road, where you’ll find a packed dirt trail ascending the hill. That trail starts off gentle, but presently turns steep, with some washed-out sections. A reasonably fit college student should have no trouble reaching the top, though if it has rained or snowed recently, you might want to opt for hanging out in your off-campus rental and waiting for a drier day. Also, time your excursion to you won’t be descending the steep trail after dark. That’s a good prescription for a trip to the ER (or worse!).
The View From the Top
At the top is a small cleared-off area that’s perfect for sitting and enjoying the view. Straight ahead across the Hocking River are the Mill Street intramural fields and the big student apartment complexes between the river and East Green. You have a memorable view of uptown Athens with its church spires and county Courthouse cupula, as well as the residential area north of uptown, with ranks of houses rising to the top of that ridge. In the far distance is the ridge line that forms the western horizon of Athens.
Aside from that spot and a nearby cleared area with a makeshift firepit (yes, night-time parties under firelight are popular on Bong Hill), the top of the hill has a lot of brush and small trees, so it can be challenging to find other good viewing spots.
Don’t forget the Cliffs
As you’re climbing Bong Hill, when you’re nearly at the top, a short distance to the right (east) is a section of cliffs and small caves that generations of OU students have explored and played on. If you look carefully, you’ll find the initials of long gone OU students carved into boulders and rock outcroppings. Beware, though, this is private property, as is the case with all of Bong Hill. Caveat emptor!