There’s something about fall in Athens County that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. The hillsides begin to turn brilliant shades of gold, orange and red, cool mornings give way to crisp afternoons, and the scent of autumn seems to linger in the air. As the landscape changes, so does the rhythm of the season—football fills the air with excitement, trails beckon beneath a canopy of changing leaves, and local farms and markets celebrate the harvest. In Athens County, fall is an opportunity to get outside, explore the hills and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.
Start with a ride at the Baileys Trail System, where mountain bikers can explore an 88-mile network of purpose-built trails through the Appalachian foothills of Wayne National Forest. These trails offer a range of options for different riding abilities, making Baileys a good place for anyone to experience the changing scenery on two wheels.
For a slower-paced outdoor experience, head to Strouds Run State Park. Rent a kayak and paddle across Dow Lake while taking in the surrounding forest. Then hit the trails. Consider a hike along Sundown Trail, where the afternoon light filters through the colorful fall foliage as you wind your way over and around the hills on the eastern side of the lake. For a more leisurely stroll with spectacular views hike the Blackhaw Accessible Trail, a flat, fully ADA-compliant paved path spanning roughly 0.5 miles along the north shoreline of Dow Lake.
Back in town, spend a Saturday morning browsing the Athens Farmers Market. Open year-round, the market is a place to find seasonal produce, baked goods, prepared foods and locally made products while meeting some of the farmers and makers who contribute to the local food scene.
Autumn also brings football Saturdays to Athens. Cheer on the Ohio Bobcats at Peden Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, against Stonehill; Saturday, Oct. 10, against Central Michigan; or Saturday, Oct. 24, against Eastern Michigan. The Oct. 10 game is especially notable as Ohio University’s 2026 Homecoming game.
For a different way to see the fall landscape, climb aboard the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville. The historic excursion railway offers rides through the Hocking Valley, providing a relaxed way to experience the region’s scenery and railroad heritage.
Families can embrace the season at Libby’s Pumpkin Patch and Venue in Albany. The 2026 season opens on Saturday, September 26 and includes pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, giant hill slides, a hiking trail, games and other activities on select weekends through October.
This time of year always seems to fly by. Don’t take a single weekend for granted. We hope you’ll enjoy the fall season to its fullest and we hope you’ll make plans to enjoy some of it here in Athens County, Ohio. You won’t be disappointed.
