Adventures in the Hills!

Hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing or just relaxing. There's a park for every mood and every outdoor enthusiast in Athens County. On the way there expect winding roads and scenery that will tickle the soul.

Athens County Parks:

Burr Oak State Park There’s a reason why the Burr Oak State Park Resort and Conference Center is one of the most popular conference and wedding sites in the region. Besides fishing for large mouth bass, bluegill and catfish you can also boat, swim or head out on a scenic hike.
Location: Glouster, Ohio
Phone: 740-767-3639 Desonier (Marie J.) Nature PreserveAn ideal example of an Appalachian Forest, the Marie J. Desonier Nature Preserve includes a 2.5 mile hiking trail and a perfect place for viewing birds and butterflies.
Location: Southeastern Athens County
Fox Lake Wildlife AreaA fisher’s delight, the Fox Lake Wildlife Area boasts a large stock of large mouth bass, channel catfish, bluegills and red ear sunfish. Hunters are also welcome in the 421-acre wildlife area.
Phone: 740-589-9930 or 1-800-945-3543 Hocking Hills State ParkFrom the moment you enter these lush, rolling hills, you sense that you've arrived someplace remarkable. The scenery is simply dazzling. Deep craggy gorges carry hikers down hundreds of feet along gorgeous scenic trails. Waterfalls cascade over soaring ledges.
Location: 13178 St. Rt. 664 S, Logan
Phone: 1-800-HOCKING Lake Hope State ParkA natural paradise, Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. In addition to the beautiful scenery you’ll also see remnants of abandoned mining and iron industries, the Hope Furnace and a pioneer cemetery.
Location: SR 278, Athens County
Phone: 740-596-5253 Lake SnowdenFish for large-mouth bass, saugeye, blue gills, crappie and yellow perch. You can also boat on this no-wake, idle-only lake that attracts Canada geese, beaver, mink, fox, raccoons and wild turkey.
Location: 5900 SR 50, Albany
Phone: 740-698-6373 Moonville Tunnel TrailLocated deep in the Zaleski Forest near Lake Hope State Park is Moonville. Not much remains from this former mining community except it's infamous tunnel and a restored trail following the old railroad bed.
Location: Rt. 278 Near Lake Hope State Park
Sells ParkSells Park is just a quick drive from Ohio University's campus. Right off of East State Street the park is a hidden treasure. Once there you'll find it hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of Athens is just around the corner.
Location: Avon Place, Athens
Strouds Run State ParkIncredibly popular for kayaking and canoeing, Strouds Run State Park’s Dow Lake is cut deep into the Appalachian foothills.
Location: 11661 State Park Rd, Athens
Phone: 740-592-2302 or 740-767-3570 The Athens Skate ParkLocated on East State Street next to the Athens Community Center, the 17,000 square foot concrete skatepark is one of the most innovative and challenging parks in the Eastern United States.
Location: behind 701 East State St., Athens
The Ridges TrailsThe Ridges, formerly part of the historic Athens Lunatic Asylum and now part of Ohio University offers an abundance of hiking opportunities, including the popular Ridges Cemetery Nature Walk.
Location: Richland Avenue, Athens
Waterloo Wildlife AreaBecause of its abundant fauna, Waterloo is part of the Division of Wildlife’s “Watchable Wildlife” program. Waterloo is home to more than 80 species of birds. Fish in one of three ponds and hunt in season.
Phone: 740-589-9930 Wayne National ForestWith covered bridges, rock shelters, springs and rugged hills covered with hardwood and pine, the Wayne is a serene beauty with over 300 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and ATV riders.
Location: Headquarters: 13700 US Hwy 33, Nelsonville
Phone: 740-753-0101 Zaleski State ForestPhone: 740-596-5781