Find the top rated running trails in Vienna, 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.
We rode this trail in May 2019 from Happy Valley to Pennsboro. This trail is designated a WV State Park and it is in dismal shape which is too bad because it really has great potential. We rode after a rainy few days so I would expect puddles and mud but this was beyond puddles. Much of the trail is a made up of two single tracks thru grass or gravel so soft that your tires sink. Other sections someone has put down #2 gravel that only a Mtn bike could traverse. For the most part the scenery was nice and we saw several deer. We rode this over the course of a few days hoping each section would be in better shape than the previous...nope. I would NOT recommend this trail.
I notice that the bad reviews for this trail typically speak of the eastern portion. I have ridden most of the trail, riding various sections at different times. Most recently, my daughter and I rode from the easternmost end to Ellenboro (about 38 miles). We had intended to ride the entire length, but much of this portion has not yet been fully developed. Some sections had been improved since the last time I rode them. However, for now, the only portions of this trail I would recommend are those west of Ellenboro, although the tunnel near West Union is worth seeing and that section has been improved recently. Considering only the western half of this trail, I would rate it behind Greenbrier River, Virginia Creeper, and New River Trail in that order. When fully developed it has the potential to challenge all of them for the top spot in my book.
Trail not maintained well at all. Disappointment to bikers from Ohio. Won't return or recommend to fellow bikers.
Sorry but I'm maybe not as generous in my review as other trail users. Started in Athens near Habitat for Humanity. Only 4 parking spots here. The American Legion tolerates parking. That comes from a local who I talked to upon arrival. Parked there because the site map says water and bathrooms are here. Nope. A mile north is a park/baseball diamonds. No water or bathrooms. Few porta-pots along trail but no free water until you get to Robbins Crossing/Hocking College. Oh yea the fountain beside the trail with a sign proclaiming the evils of bottled, store bought water...not even turned on!! Luckily there are many hydrates in the parking lot. Nelsonville end does need signs for out of towners. The only one is for Rocky Shoe Store's restaurant The Grill. Again a local told me there are restrooms...on the third floor of the store!
Scenery, beautiful. Trail is truly in the "back country" very little crossings of busy roads. There are numerous crossings for Hanley Run, a true single lane road (?).
So, all in all, 4.5-5 for scenery and maintenance of trail; 2 stars for lack of water, amenities.
My wife and I rode part of the trail from Nelsonville out about 7 mi. Trail looks to be well maintained, there was a downed tree over the trail about 3 mi out but was able able to get over it looks like they had been working on removing it . Over all the trail was great with pretty good shade would for sure ride it again.
Very nice trail with view of wetlands. The trail is shady and scenic. Anyone who enjoys trees and nature will love this trail. Seven miles and back make a fourteen mile ride. One that is not too short or too long.
I am rating this based on my experience only. Riding mountain bikes..started at the end of the trail, around mile 70 went about 8 miles in and turned around.
The trail started out very muddy and then after that we were riding mostly on grass, although the ground was hard as if it was previously paved so it wasnt an impossible pedal. Not very scenic in the parts I saw, riding mostly alongside a highway and near homes.
I would not recommend this trail
This is our local rail trail, so we use it because it is convenient for biking with the family. We have covered from North Bend State Park to the Eastern Terminus near Wolf Summit on hybrid bikes and a trailer for our two small children.
The Good: The section between Ellenboro and North Bend State Park is beautiful! Surface is good, very scenic, a joyous experience! From Central Station to Smithburg has been re-surfaced this year, and is also very nice. Central Station Tunnel is now well surfaced and passable. Tunnels in general are really cool! The kids get a kick out of them. I like the fact that there is little concern with road traffic, especially with the children in tow.
The Bad: While the section b/w Ellenboro and North Bend State Park is great, it is also frequented by horses. With horses comes manure...that is sometimes impossible to dodge. Trail surface around Central Station is in progress (uneven, industrial gravel, etc). Trail surface east of Smithburg is fair until you get past the Long Run Tunnell, and then things get iffy quickly. The surface between Long Run Rd and West Salem is non-existent in places, there is a large slip between miles 61-63. The trail through that section has a slight uphill grade, which we definitely felt while pulling a trailer and a tag-along bike through tall grass and mud. The trail surface is also horrible in places, muddy, lots of rocks and debris, etc from East Salem to the Eastern terminus in Wolf Summit. Plan accordingly.
We will keep riding this trail because it is local. It's a great opportunity to get our nephews out and to explore, have adventures, etc. There is an opportunity for some school projects down the road based on our adventures. However, we also look forward to getting somewhere with some asphalt or finer crushed rock as pulling our kids in the trailer is difficult on the current surfaces of certain areas.
My husband and I rode this trail today. The last review of this trail was written some time ago... so I wanted to update those who are considering this trail. The construction is complete and the trail is open! Pleasant ride although there is some " road noise" as it is located along a roadway. There are a few road crossings but they are in low traffic areas. The trail boasts numerous eating area with shelter. Overall we were pleased with the trail. It is very well maintained!
In April 2017 a friend and I rode the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway from west of Athens to Nelsonville (about 12 miles each way). The trail is paved and generally good (occasional bumps from roots). Route is shaded and follows the Hocking River with mile markers every half mile. Bluebells and trillium were putting on a show - thanks to the folks who planted them! At Nelsonville the trail peters out - would be nice to have directional sign to Fullbrook Cafe or other eateries. Bring hydration as nowhere to stop in between towns.
Nice ride. Trail well taken care of. Started at Hocking College parking lot. A little difficult to follow directions to parking lot. By accident we ended up at college parking lot along side trail. Beautiful scenery at this time of the year. Gorgeous wildflowers all around trail. Only rode 10 miles. Look forward to starting in Athens and seeing that end of the trail.
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