THINGS TO DO

Gifford State Forest is the smallest state forest in the state of Ohio. It includes some hiking trails, forested hills and bluffs, and a small breeding nursery. Read more...

Ohio’s Windy 9 is a series of motorcycle destination comprised of 9 routes that begin and end in Athens, Ohio. The abundance of curves and elevation change makes this a popular destination for motorcyclists. Read more...

The Wayne National Forest is located in the south-eastern part of the US state of Ohio, in the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. It is the only national forest in Ohio. Forest headquarters are located between The Plains and Nelsonville, Ohio, on US Route 33, overlooking the Hocking River. Read more...

One of the area’s “hidden gems,” the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a 22-mile long bicycle path in Athens County, Ohio. Read more...

A natural paradise, 2,983-acre Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run • It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. Read more...

Boord State Nature Preserve contains one of the best examples of a hemlock ravine in Washington County and the surrounding area. The preserve’s state-listed species include rock skullcap, narrow-leaved toothwort and golden-knees. Falls Run cuts through a massive layer of Permian-age sandstone to form the heart of this preserve which is an eastern hemlock-shrouded stream gorge 60-80 feet deep. Read more...

mAppAthens is a collection of self-guided tours in our area, about topics such as nature, history, art and wellbeing. Read more...

This rugged, heavily forested wildlife area is home to an abundance of native species including the gray squirrel, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, cotton tail rabbits, and approximately 80 species of birds. Recreational opportunities include hiking, birding, fishing and hunting. Read more...

Voted the #1 farmers market in Ohio, the Athens Farmers Market is the place to shop for locally grown and raised meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, pies and pastries, traditional and specialty bread, coffee, wine and cider, jams, jellies and preserves, pickled and fermented vegetables, honey and maple syrup, fudge and candies, plants and seeds. Also find items hand-crafted Read more...

Marie J. Desonier State Nature Preserve is located in eastern Athens County, Ohio, United States. It is heavily forested, on Jordan Run near its headwaters, in Deep Hollow. The preserve features a loop trail, the Oak Ridge Trail, with two footbridges. This trail can be hiked in a two-mile loop, or as a 2.5-mile loop. Read more...

The Athens Halloween Block Party is free and open to the public and has seen crowds as large as 30,000 people in years past. We welcome everyone to come enjoy a clean and safe party on Court Street in Athens, Ohio. Read more...

Located in southeast Ohio, remote Burr Oak State Park is a quiet gem with 2,593-acres of scenic wooded hills and a 600-acre “no wake” lake. You can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, boating, disc golf and relaxing at the lodge or a cabin. Read more...