Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Athens, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is by far the worst trail we have ever rode on it needs so much work there’s nothing to see you ride through some of the worst areas of that town very disappointed. I love to go down to Lancaster to shop look at the cute town with all the little shops in it. However, this bike path felt unsafe, no or very little signage. The majority of the trail was still not open road construction everywhere in town to get to another part of the path you have to ride on parts of the highway to get to the other side It was a big waste of time and very frustrating. If I could give it a zero star, I would.
Nice blacktopped trail. Mostly shade and cool. Started at west state park and bike into Nelsonville. Stopped at the Company store for lunch and drinks. Great afternoon!
Trail is now open from Chillicothe into Washington Court House. Repairs have been completed to the two erosion closures. Many cracks in the pavement have been repaired but some remain.
We stayed at the Hideaway on the Hocking in a gorgeously refurbished train caboose. We rode right out on River Rd 8.5 miles until we picked up the east end of the trail. The trail is in really nice shape with bathroom stops available along the way. We rode all the way to Glen Ebon Rd just south of Nelsonville, OH. Just didn’t have it in me to go all the way today. Lol. Many sections with great tree cover and some riding along the river. There are parking options along the way. Would recommend. Less than 1000 feet of elevation gain over 52.6 miles.
Not many scenic trails of this length have a great brewery, literally on trail, at the midpoint (Austin OH). The trail runs from Chillicothe to Washington Courthouse. There is a little urban clutter/noise at either end but other than that it’s a peaceful, beautiful ride. Lots of shade. You’ll never be in the sun for long stretches. That’s all the good news. The bad news is the trail is completely closed for repairs 9 miles out of Chillicothe and also closed, for the same, about 10 miles out of Washington Courthouse. The construction sites are impassable, and there are no official detours. The whole trail needs repaved but the WCH side is particularly bad. Could be a 5 star with the proper attention.
We parked on a Saturday morning in a gravel pad off of the trail terminus on Canaan road and the car was still there Sunday noon when we returned. This was not a designated parking area on the trail map but the area had been graveled. It wasn’t clear whether the designated parking areas along the trail allowed overnight parking. The trail is delightful as everyone has noted. We spent the night at Primrose BnB in Nelsonville, which was ok but you have to pick up the key at a location 1.5 miles away and the owners aren’t present on site, so mot the most secure arrangement. Nelsonville has many gorgeous brick buildings
Did all 72 miles from West to East, over 3 days. Some tunnels were dry and others so wet had to walk bikes. 4 miles of pavement but most is gravel, grass, mud or dried dirt. One downed tree we had to lift bikes over. Hybrid bike recommended. Few bathrooms of other riders.
This is by far the worst bike trail we have ever been on! It was extremely bumpy with a combination of small rock, big rocks and grass. This path has no maintenance and is not bike friendly. At best, it is good for horses and walkers. Avoid biking on this trail. It is hazardous and extremely bad!! I would give it a zero if possible!
Rode this trail 20 miles out from Nelsonville thru Athens past the Ohio University Campus. A wide variety of sights with porta-potties, benches, and even drinking fountain and welcome center with clean bathrooms as we entered Athens. Well paved path with abundant wildlife and sites. Want to do it again soon!
The lower section below rock cut rd is now paved to Ellis Dam. There is also a section in town that goes by the river, it isn’t highlighted on the map, but the name is there if you zoom in.
Next time I will start at Scioto Trails Group Home Area parking Lot and go toward Washington Courthouse. In the woods and quiet, and was a lot more pleasant than along the highway and going into Chillicothe.
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