Story & Photos by Matt Bayman
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway spans 21 miles and connects two Appalachian college towns—Athens (Ohio University) and Nelsonville (Hocking College). Both communities are filled with interesting things to see and do, including taking a train ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and visiting landmark restaurants and shops, like the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store in the heart of Nelsonville or Restaurant Salaam, a popular Mediterranean-themed eatery in downtown Athens.
In between these towns and attractions, cyclists follow the Hocking River valley through two peaceful state preserves and along mostly flat terrain. However, the beautiful hills that surround the valley are always in view. This makes it a scenic but not difficult bicycle ride.
Starting east of Athens (across from Strouds Run State Park), the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway first passes through an industrial area before reaching the campus of Ohio University. The trail then winds through the university golf course and past Peden Stadium and historic White’s Mill before crossing the Hocking River and entering a more rural setting.
One of the last stops before the trail enters the wilderness is the Eclipse Company Store (a restaurant), located in the small town of The Plains. Along with comfort foods and beverages, the restaurant hosts live music and weekly events, including on an outdoor patio that overlooks the bike path. The restaurant is named after (and was part of) a “company” mining town that operated here in the early 20th century. In fact, the town is located on top of an old mine!
The most scenic (and longest) part of the bikeway is between The Plains and Nelsonville. Here, the trail passes through Bluebell Preserve, followed by Poston Preserve, all without ever straying too far from the Hocking River. Numerous birds and other wildlife can be seen near the trail.
Eventually, the bikeway reaches Nelsonville, starting with passing The Lodge at Hocking College and then entering the campus of Hocking College itself.
Upon entering campus, look for the Hocking College Nature Center and the Robbins Crossing Historic Village. The village is a living history center designed to share a love for Appalachian arts, crafts, and culture and hosts occasional public events.
The final leg of the trail follows the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and ends at the train station in Nelsonville, just steps away from many other attractions in this rustic downtown.
Train rides on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway are offered during designated times in the colder months (including Valentine’s Day themed rides) and on weekends in May through October. Other themed rides include: Robbery Trains, Dinner Trains, a Halloween Train, October Fall Foliage, Steam Specials, Santa Trains, and a New Year’s Eve Train.
In addition to the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, where you can find “products for work, play, and everything in between,” and that also includes the Starbrick BBQ restaurant, there are several noteworthy places to dine and shop in downtown Nelsonville. This includes The Makers Loft (gift store) and FullBrooks Café. And don’t forget to check out the historic architecture in the community, including Stuart’s Opera House.
All in all, an entire day or longer can be spent enjoying the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and everything it has to offer. Whether in the spring, summer or fall, the bikeway passes through a picturesque part of Ohio and connects two interesting and recreationally friendly towns.
Strouds Run State Park
11661 State Park Rd., Athens
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Restaurant Salaam
21 W. Washington St., Athens
Ohio Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art
100 Ridges Circle, Athens
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Dairy Barn Arts Center
8000 Dairy Ln., Athens
Peden Stadium
200 Richland Ave., Athens
White’s Mill
2 White’s Mill Dr., Athens
Larry’s Dawg House
410 W. Union St, Athens
Little Fish Brewing Company
8675 Armitage Rd., Athens
Devil’s Kettle Brewing
97 Columbus Rd., Athens
Mum Mum Hibachi
139 Columbus Rd., Athens
Karmageddon Disc Golf Course
Armitage Rd., Athens
Eclipse Company Store (dining)
11309 Jackson Dr., The Plains
Fast Traxx Motoplex
(off-road race track)
5999 Warren Dr., Nelsonville
The Lodge at Hocking College
15770 St. Rt. 691, Nelsonville
Hocking College Nature Center
3377 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville
Robbins Crossing Historic Village
3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville
Hocking College
15770 St. Rt. 691, Nelsonville
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Engine House
(museum)
346 Railroad St., Nelsonville
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville
Rocky Outdoor Gear Store
45 E. Canal St., Nelsonville
FullBrooks Café
6 Public Square, Nelsonville
The Makers Loft
(gift shop)
72 W. Washington St., Nelsonville
New Leaf Marketplace
31 Public Square, Nelsonville
Nelsonville Water Park
40 W. Canal St., Nelsonville
Stuart’s Opera House
52 Public Square, Nelsonville
Nelsonville Brick Park
580 Lake Hope Dr., Nelsonville