Events Calendar
Adventures in the Hills!
Whether you're interested in hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing or just relaxing, there's a park for every mood and every outdoor enthusiast in Athens County.
Athens County Parks:
Featured
Burr Oak State Park
Burr Oak State Park features over twenty-five miles of scenic hiking trails, picnic tables, grills, 500 feet of sandy beach, and a shelter house for the public use. Fish for large mouth bass, bluegill and catfish, go boating, take a swim, or head out on a scenic hike.
Hocking Hills State Park
From 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.
Lake Snowden
Whether you like to boat, swim, camp, fish, or just watch for wildlife, Lake Snowden is the place to visit. A short drive from downtown Athens, Lake Snowden is the perfect place for a picnic or family get-together.
Moonville Tunnel Trail
Located deep in Zaleski Forest in Ohio near Lake Hope State Park, the Moonville Tunnel is all that remains from a small mining town that existed in the late 1850s.
The Athens Skate Park
Located 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.
The Ridges Trails
The 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 Cemeteries Nature Walk.
Waterloo Wildlife Area
Because 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.
Wayne National Forest
With 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.
Zaleski State Forest
The Zaleski State Forest is the second largest forest in the system and features trail loops of 23.5 and 10 miles, as well as hunting, fishing, and camping.
Desonier (Marie J.) Nature Preserve
An 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.
Fox Lake Wildlife Area
A fisherman’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 this 421-acre wildlife area.
Gifford State Forest
Ohio’s smallest state forest at 320 acres, Gifford State Forest offers some very pleasant fishing, hunting and hiking opportunities. Get off the beaten path and enjoy this peaceful forest.
Lake Hope State Park
A 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.
Sells Park
Tucked away just a few blocks off of East State Street, Sells Park is one of Athens's best hidden treasures. As you enjoy nature and explore the various trails, you'll forget that the business district is just minutes away.
