Explore the best rated trails in Hemlock, OH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Canal Winchester Trail System and Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail . With more than 32 trails covering 4337 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
My brother and myself rode this trail on July 23-24. We started at the Nelsonville Train Station where there is plenty of parking. Took many pictures of railroad cars and there was an active train that added to the fun. Note: The train station was not open and there are limited times so check the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway website. The day was very warm; one thing - there is plenty of shade on this trail until you get to Ohio University where it opens up. The trail is well paved and maintained. Early in the trip, we passed Hocking College and Robbins Crossing Historical Village. From my understanding, the village is open only on weekends. You can still walk around the buildings. A little after the Beaumont-Salina trailhead, we came across a beautiful image painted on a side of a shed (one part is a blue train engine labeled as Conrail Quality) - we stumbled across this riding off the trail just a bit. Next was the town of The Plains. Home of Joe Burrow. You can find his field a little off the trail. We had a great meal and service at the Eclipse Company Store. Both had one of their specialty beers. Ohio University will be next with a golf course right there as well. There are some community gardens that follow. The trail will continue for a few more miles and then ends at S Canaan Rd. The last few miles it runs parallel to a highway and there is not much to see. We had a nice few days staying in Nelsonville at the Primrose B&B. We had wondered where the word HockHocking originated. The Delaware Indians named the river Hockhocking (after which it was changed to Hocking). The word means 'a bottle' in their tongue and was derived from the fact there is a waterfall about 6 miles north of the city of Lancaster. The stream is straight and narrow above these falls but then swells like a bottle below them. Found this in a book where we had stayed at.
did this trail for the first time ever July 23/24. Had a fantastic time riding a well-shaded trail for the most part. It is open once you get to Athens and to S.Canaan rd (end point). Lots of things to see both historically and otherwise. We started in Nelsonville at the western trailhead by the Railroad Station. Plenty of pictures to be had if you are a railroad enthusiast. You can ride the high school connector by The Eclipse restaurant in The Plains and go see the Joe Burrow stadium (about 9/10 of a mile). But DON'T pass this place up. Stop and eat and grab one of the 32 draft craft beers. You won't be disappointed. About the only thing that needs some clarification is the mileage markers. It is a little confusing once you get to Athens and where they added the additional trail to the original 18 miles. I heard that there is plans (in the making) of connecting the Moonville Rail Trail up to Athens and the Athens-Belpre trail. That may be ambitious and I don't know if I'll be around to see it. However, that would be great if it happened.
Started on the north part of the trail going south. It switchbacks around a lot of major road infrastructure, but I didn’t have to cross a major road in any of the sections. I ended up getting a bit lost multiple times, but after about 3 miles in, it got a bit easier to navigate. It’s all paved and the part I road on was mostly good with a few sections of bumps. Definitely close to nature - i saw deer, rabbits, and a hawk catch another bird.
Really enjoyed this trail. We were thankful for all the shade since it was in the 90's. We stayed at the Lodge of Hocking College which was on the trail in Nelsonville. Highly recommend.
7 mile trail that is very straight, very flat with sections of shade and sun. There are a handful of roads that cross the trail so stops are at a minimal. There are several structures and benches to stop and relax at. The first part of the trail runs between a swamp and later the Leatherwood Creek with the back end running along OH State Route 265. There is a good size park at mile 6 that has some parking. The trail dead ends at mile 7 with no access for vehicles. There appears to be room for expansion beyond mile 7 someday.
My husband and I walked this beginning to end and back in 48 mins. Not bad for my husband with a bad knee and hip plus we are both bariatric patients
Wow! After reading previous reviews of cinder, grass and ping pong size gravel, I wondered what I was getting into. I don't like gravel and bumpy rides. Others can ride unpaved trails if they desire, but I prefer smooth trails. What a pleasant and welcome surprise to see that the trail has a surface of asphalt. I didn't see any cracks or problems, so it must be fairly new. It is an easy straight ride out and back. It goes along the canal and farmlands, and is mostly covered with a canopy of trees. The covered bridge was another little surprise.
TraiI is CLOSED. I wanted to go on the trail on June 12, 2025 but the trail and road in Toboso were closed for major construction. I don't know for how long. Best to verify that is it open before making the effort to go into the park. It loos amazing, so I will return someday.
Rode from Hope Schoolhouse to past King Hollow Tunnel. The section between Hope School and the first road crossing is mostly grass, but wasn’t a problem on fat tire e-bike. At the crossing you have to take the road to Moonville since bridges aren’t in yet, but once you reach Moonville it’s an easy ride. The road wasn’t bad either I didn’t pass any cars and only a few hills, but I’d give it 5 stars if it was finished. Also a visitors center at the schoolhouse that’s open on weekends.
So well maintained. Mostly friendly people along the way. Beautiful scenery. Definitely worth the visit.
Went from Three Creeks Metropark to Westerville for an overnight. Trail was fun as it had a bit of everything!!
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