Find the top rated birding trails in Athens, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Could be a really nice trail, both wooden bridges are missing planks. A tree is down on the trail. The asphalt is pretty rough.
This was an awesome ride.. I did a total of 63 miles of this trail.. trail could use some better markings along the way.. I started at Washington court.. rode though a nice park, but then had to go through an industrial park to get to the trial.. TrailLink did not show another trailhead on it's map that would have saved me about 2 miles going though that industrial park..
It was a very hot day that day.. but mostly the trail was covered in trees, there are a lot of areas or stretch's of trail that are out in open country and hardly any trees to take advantage of shade.. on that hot day, it was kind of rough to get through that area... lots of country side to see.. some of the trial got rough due to braking up of the pavement.. but still wasn't too bad.. road all the way down to Chillicothe, ate at a restaurant called "Sumburger".. cooled off there for a couple of hours (It was really hot out there) people in there was very nice.. they do have charging plugs in there to recharge you phone or battery if you have an e-bike.. thought that was cool...
All in all it was a great ride.. planning to head back there this fall when the fall colors are in..
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.
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.
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.
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.
We love to explore these trails on bicycles, it is has many spots to rest and plenty of beautiful to relax and take in the landscape. We love to pack a lunch and make a day of it. The trail is fairly easy to navigate, a few spots wind on and off the roadway,but no heavy traffic. ( Follow the signs)I would recommend packing your sunscreen,extra water and a light jacket. Very peaceful and relaxing, and great exercise.
Very clean and safe with new smooth surface. Well maintained. A lot to see and spot along the way. Beautiful scenery. We traveled the entire trail in one day even with little endurance riding under our saddle. Elevation climbs were gentle and mostly unnoticeable. Highly recommend this trail for families. I can’t wait to come back and do this one again. Highly recommend Eclipse Company Store for meals as the half way point.
Our hybrid bike tires did great on this trail from Mineral to Hope Moonville Road. The trail is packed gravel and a very comfortable ride. The Moonville Tunnel was a smooth ride but Kings Hollow Tunnel was rough. Be advised to ride through Kings Hollow slowly as it is riddled with potholes. Make sure to bring lights for the tunnels. Overall a wonderful trail and I highly recommend.
We drove from Alabama with the intention of riding 25+ miles in several states. This trail did not disappoint. We began our e-bike ride from the Ohio University Bobcats football stadium traveling 17 miles to Nelsonville’s Rocky Outdoor Gear. Beautiful scenery, safe trail (only one road crossing where you felt the need to be extra cautious), nice folks along the way. On the return trip we enjoyed a tasty meal at the Eclipse. Definitely worth the trip.
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