Find the top rated hike trails in Chillicothe, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
Trail extension from Octa to Milledgeville near completion. Extension just over two miles. One bridge needs guard rails finished, and two road crossing in Octa to be completed
We traveled over 4 hours to the Xenia area to ride this trail. We biked from Xenia Hub to Octa and back for just under a 40-mile round trip. Not real good signage from the Hub to this trail but we biked around until we found it! The trail is in very good condition, asphalt paved. The parks / county does a good job keeping the grass along the trail mowed. The trail is about half shaded and half open farmlands. We stopped in Jamestown for lunch at a Pub in town. There is a short paved path from the bike trail into Jamestown. Not much signage along the trail. Found nice restrooms at Caesar Ford campground between Xenia and Jamestown. At the Octa end we continued through the tiny one-block town and saw where it appears they are working on extending the trail East.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
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
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
While there's no real breathtaking scenery along this route, it's a really nice ride. Well maintained, smooth, with a few towns and other places to stop. I did a video of my ride if you're interested in seeing more. https://youtu.be/tIFhje88VpQ
I rode both portions on a beautiful spring day. The surface on the gravel trail varies from crushed gravel, packed dirt and larger gravel stones. Your experience may vary depending on your tire size and bike, when it was last groomed, and any past nasty weather. Parts are shaded, but expect most to be in the sun, depending on the time of day of course. The northern portion was flat to rolling hills, but (I felt) it would be doable by most riders. The scenery of the lakes in the northern portion was great. The maps were helpful. The southern portion was flatter. I'm glad I saw the bison. I tried to imagine horses on the track as I pedaled along side it. I put in 20 miles doing both sections.
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!
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