Find the top rated wheelchair accessible trails in Athens, whether you're looking for an easy short wheelchair accessible trail or a long wheelchair accessible trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a wheelchair accessible trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.











The scenery is nice with lots of shade and hints of the foothills in the distance in some areas. Much of the trail is super bumpy and not great on a road bike. The root incursions have been recently ground flat but they’re still rough. There are long sections with many many cracks - some of the cracks are a couple inches wide. Most of the bridge transitions are mismatched with sunken pavement. The trail also hasn’t been cleared off when we ride today - lots of leaves sticks and nuts that are difficult to see at times with the dappled light from the surrounding trees. Once this trail gets resurfaced, it will be fantastic. Until then, it’s walking or mountain biking.
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.
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.
I parked at the school close to US 40 and rode the trail out and back in June. It passed farmland on the southern end and residential and businesses on the northern end, crossing several bridges and some streets. The trail was in fairly good shape. There is a bike fix-it station by the historic National Road Station. There are no restroom/port a pots available. I would encourage the park to put at least a port a pot near the southern end, but maybe it has been tried. A good trail for the area and probably a good training trail since there is a high school at each end.
Could be a really nice trail, both wooden bridges are missing planks. A tree is down on the trail. The asphalt is pretty rough.
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