OutsideJun 29, 2026
Ohio’s Best-Kept Secret
With a world-class trail system, dense forests, and pristine lakes—and zero crowds—Athens County is like nowhere else in the Midwest
26 things in this story
- Baileys Trail SystemTrailWorld-class singletrack in Appalachian foothills
- Bear-CornTrailTechnical trail in Baileys system
- BloodrootTrailBackcountry trail in Baileys system
- Strouds Run State ParkNature reservePark with rugged trails around Dow Lake
- Dow LakeSightLake for paddling, swimming, camping
- Donkey CoffeeCaféCoffee shop in Athens town
- Hockhocking Adena BikewayTrail22-mile paved route following former railroad
- Ohio Gravel GrindersPlaceExperts for gravel biking itineraries
- Athens ConservancyPlaceManages protected acreage network
- Bluebell PreserveNature reservePreserve with wildflowers and forests
- Blair PreserveNature reservePreserve with forests and ruffed grouse
- Tucker Run PreserveNature reservePreserve with forests and birding
- Deep Hollow-Dark SkieesSightFeatures streams and hilltop clearing
- The BoathousePlacePontoon boats, kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats for rent at Strouds Run State Park…
- Hocking Hills State ParkSightPark famous for caves and waterfalls
- Lake Hope State ParkSightPark with scenic forest trails
- Ash CaveSightOhio's largest recessed cave
- Wayne National ForestPlace
- Coal TrainTrail
- Bullfrog LoopTrail
- Jackie O’sPub
- Little FishRestaurant
- Devil’s KettleRestaurant
- The Boathouse on Dow LakePlace
- Canaan PreserveNature reserve
- Poston PreserveNature reserve