Find the top rated running trails in Buffalo, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_153233_st.jpg)
_251418_st.jpg)
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 length, setting and scenery are hard to beat, could be the best trail in the state. However, trail surface badly needs work. We love nature and quiet on this trail, but found the ruts, large stones, branches and horse hoof damage on this trail hard to ignore. There were signs of attempts at repairs, but they weren’t done to pre-damage condition. By day’s end, our wrists, backs and backsides were complaining loudly. Very disappointing after a long drive to get there. Glad we did it, but won’t go out of our way to ride it again, unless we see reports of major improvements.
Could be a really nice trail, both wooden bridges are missing planks. A tree is down on the trail. The asphalt is pretty rough.
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.
We rode parts of this trail the week of June 22, 2025. The trail is remote (not much cell service) which we like. My wife suffered a blowout not far from the bigfoot. That shortened our ride that day. The trail surface is decent for the most part but there are sections where there are pretty large rocks/stones that you have to watch out for. My wife's blowout was due to one of these. No big hills which is nice. The 2nd day we rode from Gassaway to Strange Creek. Saw no other humans either day however it was pretty hot both days we rode. The big takeaway for us was the trailheads need a lot of work. For the most part, they were just parking lots. No water, no covered shelter or picnic table and no restroom at the trailhead. (restrooms were scattered over the trail, however). Shoutout to Trailhead Farm Meats & More and Bigfoot Braxxies in Gassaway for helping us with the flat tire and yummy pepperoni rolls.
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.
So well maintained. Mostly friendly people along the way. Beautiful scenery. Definitely worth the visit.
My daughter n I parked at Ivydale and headed north on the trail, 3 miles up this BEAUTIFUL trail there's pick-nic table under the watchful eye of a gi-normous wooden carved Bigfoot! Five star attraction!
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.
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.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
