Hockhocking Adea Bikeway
September 12, 2018 Nelsonville to Athens (Athens Co.) 19 miles
Big day as I have two trails planned for today and about 110 miles of riding. My launch point this morning is Nelsonville. Nelsonville is on the northern edge of Athens Co. just southeast of Hocking Co. It is home to Hocking College, an ag-tech school located on the banks of the Hocking River. There is a “pioneer village” located on the campus that has parking available.
I start my ride today by backtracking a bit back into Nelsonville proper, which takes me across a fine old rail bridge now converted for folks like me. There I also find what can best be described as a railroad bone-yard. Just my nature but now I feel like at the beginning of the trail, so I flip and go. The trail, which lies on the bed of the old Columbus & Hocking Valley Railroad, will take me to Athens (Ohio University) while touching parts of the Wayne National Forest. Trail notes: The trail has painted markers as well as mile marker posts every ½ mile.
The miles count down going towards Athens. I did see porta johns at mile 9 and 7. The trail is well paved and I was very impressed with the views of rocky outcrops and cliff
ledges on my right and the Hocking River on my left most of the way.
Remnants of the old Hocking Canal and even an old rail bridge can be spotted as well.
This is a pretty ride!! Generally flat with lots of soft turns and the vast majority of the trip, I am in a dense canopy. As I roll into Athens and on to the Ohio University campus I tried to think when my last visit here was.
Too long, it was a football game and we will leave it at that. I stop for a photo-opt at the stadium. Pretty campus! The 19 miles went pretty fast. I have a big day planned, so ready to head back. Slow recovery mile, then get back into my rhythm. I roll back to Hocking College, not even 10:30. I load up and hit the road as I have 1 more SE Ohio trail on my “to do” list.
Part II
The Paint Creek Recreational Trail Formerly known as the “Tri-County Triangle Trail” Washington Courthouse to Chillicothe (Ross & Fayette Co.)
September 12, 2018
So, I am not always the most organized and prepared person, and all I have for a reference is the Bike Ohio Trails book with an inset trail map to help me find the trail head. I have some difficultly and stop twice to ask for help, but no one seems to know where I can park and/or even where this trail is. I do a quick Google search and map. I find a gravel parking area for the Shaw Wetland. No other cars here and I have some reservation about leaving (hoping my car will be there when I get back – you know the feeling). Anyway, I am off. Maybe it is just my angst or just forgetfulness, but I didn’t pull my camera out for the 1st 10 miles or so. The trail gets a bit broken up just before I reach the Austin trail head.
Now this is a remote spot to park! Only thing in sight is what may or may not be a working grain mill. Not a peep in sight and a bit off the main road. I feel a little better now about where my car is. From Austin the trail runs to the next town of Frankfort, home to the Sunflower festival.
Somewhere between Austin and Frankfort was my ½ point. You do have a river view on your right headed to Chillicothe from time to time. I cross several covered rail bridges. 1 cool one just out of Frankfort has an observation deck so I stop for a photo.
Admittedly, there are times you can feel very isolated on this trail. I only saw 2-3 other cyclist from just out of Washington Courthouse until I was only 4-5 miles from Chillicothe. Granted it was a Wednesday early afternoon.
One other interesting attraction is the Hopewell Indian Mounds located 6-7 miles northwest of Chillicothe. It is actually federal land – Department of the Interior.
I roll into Chillicothe, knowing I have about a 35 mile return trip to Washington Courthouse.
Big day, about 105 miles total and the temperature definitely came up as the day went along. Riding in the canopy for the majority of the day was great, maybe more exposed on the Paint Creek Trail. There were times on the Paint Creek trail you are very isolated so bring a riding buddy if you take this one on. Not much access to assistance either. Still both were good trips.
Bike Ohio1000 OhioTrail Total to date: 890 Miles of unique Ohio trail miles.
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