THINGS TO DO

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...

This work-in-progress 16-mile rail trail takes visitors through the beautiful woodlands of southeast Ohio, including Zaleski State Forest; the communities of Zaleski and Mineral; and the Lake Hope State Park wetland areas. 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...

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...

Fox Lake Wildlife Area is a 421-acre Ohio state wildlife area in southeastern Waterloo Township in Athens County, Ohio. It is centered around the 48-acre Fox Lake. 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...

Hocking Hills is one of the most iconic State Parks in Ohio. With grand natural rock formations like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, the Rock House, and Conkle’s Hollow, it’s been a favorite destination for years. Read more...

Located outside of the city of Athens and within easy driving distance of Ohio University, Strouds Run State Park surrounds Dow Lake and draws a mix of trail and lake users. Miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding provide scenic views from rugged trails. The lake offers boating, paddling, swimming and a shaded campground. 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 unique, 273-acre wildlife area lies in the southwest corner of Washington County. It can be reached by way of County Road 3 from State Route 555. The area includes steep, rocky terrain, varied forest types, a small stream, and an old millstone quarry. Nearly all of it is wooded. 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...

The Pawpaw Festival or Ohio Pawpaw Festival is an annual festival dedicated to the Pawpaw fruit that is indigenous to the Athens County, and the surrounding Southeast Ohio region. Read more...