This Ohio City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
Curving along the Hocking River in the unglaciated hills of Appalachian Ohio, Athens shows a side of the state that has far more in common with forested ridges and sandstone valleys than with flat farmland. Located in southeastern Ohio, the town puts you close to standout outdoor spots like Strouds Run State Park, where Dow Lake, the Blackhaw Accessible Trail, and the wooded Lakeview Trail give visitors easy access to water and hill country scenery. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway adds another major draw, following the river for miles and linking parks, bridges, and open countryside right through town. Athens also sits within easy driving distance of Hocking Hills landmarks like Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Old Man’s Cave. Add the year-round Athens Farmers Market and a compact downtown near the trails, and the city delivers both outdoor access and everyday charm.
The Underrated Gem of Appalachian Ohio
Athens is often overshadowed by towns closer to Hocking Hills, like Logan or Rockbridge (located northwest of Athens). Residents of the Buckeye State are no strangers to the Hocking Hills Region, famous for its beautiful hiking trails, steep bluffs, caves, and waterfalls. However, roadtrippers looking for a secluded escape often head to the town of Logan or Rockbridge, which can get pretty crowded in the peak season. The crowds in Athens, even in the fall, are minimal, making it a cozy and quiet escape without all the traffic.
The town of Athens is often described as the Gateway to Hocking Hills and offers all the amenities of home with pristine parks a stone's throw from amazing pubs and bustling farmer’s markets. It’s also home to Strouds Run State Park, which offers trails that are just as amazing as Hocking Hills but far less crowded. In Athens, you don’t have to sacrifice a high-quality meal and local attractions to take in a bit of fresh air at one of their many parks, which is why it’s such an underrated gem for nature lovers.
Strouds Run State Park
In the midst of the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau lies Strouds Run State Park, an untouched stretch of wilderness ripe with carved valleys left behind by glaciers nearly 12,000 years ago. You can take a leisurely stroll down the limestone Blackhaw Accessible Trail or opt for more of a challenge with the Chestnut Trail or Lakeview Trail, which offers nearly 7 miles of wooded and water views of Dow Lake.
Strouds Run State Park isn’t as crowded as many of the trails in the Hocking Hills region, offering visitors peaceful views that are just as stunning, sans the crowds. Some of the best times of year to visit the park are in late September to early October when the leaves change or late April as the fragrant meadows of wildflowers come into bloom!
Bike Athens
If you love biking, you'll adore Athens' bike paths! The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway offers 22 miles of paved trails that follow the Hocking River, cross scenic bridges, and wind through rolling countryside. It’s an excellent way to explore the town and enjoy its scenic views and river scenery. Even if you're not a cyclist, the paved pathways are popular with walkers and runners too.
The name Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a bit of a mouthful, so locals usually refer to it as the The Bike Path or The Athens County Bike Path. The Bike Path also hosts the Brewed on the Bikeway, which is a self-guided bike tour that allows riders to stop for a brew at one of their many craft breweries, such as Devils Kettle Brewing or Jackie O's. If breweries aren’t exactly your thing, the bikeway will also take you right up to the all-season Athens Farmers Market!
Athens Farmers Market
While you'll discover unique and interesting stops along the Bike Path, the Athens Farmers Market stands out. Unlike most seasonal farmer’s markets in the Hocking Hills area, it operates year-round! During summer, vendors set up tents outside the Athens Community Center to sell a variety of items, including homebaked treats, meats, cheeses, fresh produce, and crafts.
When the weather cools in the winter, vendors head inside the community center to keep the market open all year. It’s such a great farmer’s market that it was recognized by America’s Farmers Market Celebration and the Farmers Market Coalition as the best market in the state of Ohio! No trip to Athens is complete without a trunk full of treats for the ride home from this amazing farmer’s market.
Cozy Town Community Events
The Athens Farmer’s Market may be open year-round, but there are other events in Athens that only happen once a year. Athens’ charming community events highlight the natural beauty of the town and will make you feel like part of the community. The Winter Wildlife Hike along the Beaumont-Salina Trailhead Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, for instance, offers guided tours through the frozen wilderness of Athens in search of traces of native wildlife.
To enjoy the scenic beauty of Ohio's backcountry, hop on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway! Regular tours run year-round, but special events like the January Elegant Dinner Train and Fall Foliage rides add a unique touch. Even if hiking isn’t an option, this railway offers everyone a simple way to experience the stunning landscapes of Appalachia Ohio.
Hocking Hills
Approximately 45 minutes from Athens lies Ohio's premier park: Hocking Hills. The journey along OH-56 is nearly as charming as the park. This route winds through scenic countryside, passing charming small towns, B&Bs such as Bit Of Country Cabins and Bed and Breakfast, and roadside stops for snacks. The scenery is particularly breathtaking during the peak fall foliage season from September to October!
While there are tons of exciting trails in Hocking Hills, Ash Cave should be your first stop. The trails are densely wooded and fragrant, leading you to the iconic Ash Cave and a stunning 90-foot waterfall. The Ash Cave trail is less than a mile, and it’s a perfect hike for families looking for an easy hike with a spectacular view. Other notable trails in Hocking Hills include Rock House, Cedar Falls, and Conkle’s Hollow. Old Man’s Cave is one of the most popular trails in Hocking Hills, named after a hermit who once lived in the cave in 1796. If you tell an Ohion you visited Hocking Hills, their first question will likely be, “Did you visit Old Man’s Cave?”
Why Athens Should Be On Your Ohio Bucket List
If you want to connect with nature, there is no better spot in Ohio than Athens. It’s a common misconception that Ohio is nothing but vast cornfields and flatlands. Parts of Ohio, like Athens, lie at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, also known as Appalachian Ohio. It’s the strong community spirit and the lack of crowds (especially during the fall foliage season) that make Athens a quiet respite for nature lovers.
Athens provides stunning views of gentle rolling hills dotted with vibrant hemlock and sugar maples, among the best in the state. Visitors can experience these scenic vistas through the Bike Path, Strouds Run State Park, or Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. The town hosts charming community events such as the Athens Farmers Market and the Winter Wildlife Hike, making it one of Ohio’s most overlooked treasures. Nature enthusiasts will find Athens to be a genuinely underrated retreat.
