Summer is on and nature sizzles. Don’t spend it on the couch. Athens sits in the heart of some of the best hiking there is in Ohio. Make the most of it. Check out these great hikes, some within walking distance of your Athens apartment, others just a short drive away. Get your fling on with nature and kiss a tree lined sky.
The Ridges
Even if you don’t have a car, the Ridges is only an afternoon stroll away. Hike up to the former Athens Lunatic Asylum (worth the trip by itself), wander past the cemetery (very creepy headstones with numbers instead of names,) and follow the brick path up until it becomes gravel and dirt. It’s a beautiful walk to the top, and the view is worth the breath. There are also a number of side paths worth checking out. The entire forested area was once a well-sculpted garden area for the mental patients that local residents also enjoyed.
Strouds Run
Easy to bike to, Strouds Run offers plenty of great hiking trails. One of the best is the path around the lake that features amazing wildlife and exquisite lake views. In the summertime, you can hike an afternoon and literally never encounter another soul. This is nature in the raw.
Lake Hope
Lake Hope definitely takes a car to get to, but the scenic drive into Vinton County is half the experience. There are even backpacking trails so you can camp out for the weekend and never have to worry about a trespassing ticket. You’ll be glad you left your Athens apartment when the night-capped Milky Way swallows you whole.
Baker Trails
If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike, head to the Baker Trails. Located just off of Richland Avenue, these trails wind through the woods and offer stunning views of the Hocking River. The trails are well-marked and maintained, making them perfect for beginner hikers.
There are also several picnic areas and a playground, making it a great spot for a post-hike picnic or study session. Bring some friends and beat the boredom of sitting inside your student rental all day.
Sells Park
Sells Park is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts in Athens. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that offer scenic views of the surrounding area. The trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making them perfect for beginners. The park also has several picnic areas and a playground, making it a great spot for a family outing or group study session.
Wayne National Forest
Just a short drive from Athens, Wayne National Forest is a vast expanse of natural beauty waiting to be explored.
With over 300 miles of trails, there’s something for hikers of all skill levels. The forest also offers camping and fishing opportunities, so you can make a weekend of it. Some popular hikes include the Wildcat Hollow Trail, which offers stunning views of the forest, and the Buckeye Trail, a 1,444-mile trail that winds through Ohio.
Louisiana waterthrushes have returned to the national forest! These migratory songbirds spend their winters in central and south America, and are one of the first “neotropical migrants” to arrive back in southeast Ohio in the spring.#Birding
— Wayne National Forest (@WayneNationalFS) March 27, 2023
📷USFS/Kyle Brooks pic.twitter.com/dnoESfvBBW
The Plains
The Plains is a small town located just outside of Athens that offers several hiking opportunities. The Plains Community Park features a short hiking trail that winds through the woods and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The town also has several other parks and trails, including the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a 21-mile trail that runs from Athens to Nelsonville. The bikeway is perfect for hiking, biking, or even rollerblading.
Some tips when going hiking this summer
No matter which hiking trail you choose, make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. It’s also a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back, especially if you’re hiking alone. And remember to always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these beautiful natural areas for future generations. The coolest Athens rentals are the ones with the coolest people who respect their surroundings and the environment!
And while hiking can be an enjoyable and refreshing activity, it’s important to take some precautions and follow some best practices to ensure your safety and minimize your impact on the environment.
- Always stay on the trail: Hiking off the trail can cause soil erosion and damage to vegetation. It also increases the risk of getting lost or injured.
- Bring enough water and snacks: Staying hydrated and well-fed is crucial, especially during long hikes. Bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: Make sure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes or boots with good traction. Dress in layers, so you can add or remove clothing as needed.
- Check the weather forecast: Before heading out, check the weather forecast to make sure you’re prepared for any changes in conditions.
- Pack a map and compass: Even if you’re familiar with the area, it’s always a good idea to have a map and compass with you in case you get lost or disoriented.
- Leave no trace: When hiking, follow the “leave no trace” principle, which means you should pack out everything you pack in, including trash, food waste, and toiletries.
- Respect wildlife: Don’t feed or approach wildlife and give them plenty of space. Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that might scare them.
- Be mindful of other hikers: When hiking in a group, be respectful of other hikers on the trail. Yield to those going uphill, and don’t block the trail.
By following these best practices, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience while also preserving the natural beauty of the area for future generations to enjoy.