Athens-Belpre Multi-UseTrail

Help the Athens Conservancy purchase this trail corridor soon. If somebody else buys it for private use there are no feasible detours. The trail stops at the county line.

Why an Athens to Belpre Trail?
Purchasing this property is a critical step towards opening the way for trail development connecting Athens and Washington Counties with a multi-use trail. Imagine the following possibilities for SE Ohio residents and visitors. Ride your bike (or horse on many sections) from Athens to Belpre along the old B&O railroad corridor. Wind your way between historic Guysville and Stewart crossing the Hocking River five times,  experience the peaceful valley between Frost Rd and Torch, watch birds and other wildlife. Contemplate the ancient brickwork on the cliffs below Brandeberry road, picnic in quiet solitude with the ghosts of stone masons past under the sandstone bridge over Skunk Run. Continue through Belpre and Parkersburg to the North Bend Rail Trail. Head up to the Great Allegheny Passage and points beyond. Use the trail for alternative transportation if you live in Guysville, Stewart or points south, walk or ride your bike to Federal Hocking high and middle schools, or just head out for a stroll and meet your neighbors on the trail. Likewise if you live in Little Hocking, walk or ride the trail to the elementary school or to the ball fields at Ferndale Park in Torch. Or head east to Belpre for work or recreation.

The Athens to Belpre Multi-use Trail will also provide Hocking River access. We will be able, on some warm sunny day, to park in the lot near the Frost Road bridge at the site of the future Hocking River access ramp. Paddle your kayak down river. Or lean back and float along with the current, watching the overhanging trees pass above. Detour onto Frost Run to see the butterflies gathering on the sandy banks and the sandstone bridge abutments where the trail passes above. Exit at the boat ramp just before State Route 7 and  ride your bike back along the trail. 

Help us take advantage of this one-time opportunity to purchase this important piece of land so that we may begin creating more outdoor recreation opportunities for SE Ohio communities, and to increase low-impact tourism in the region that will contribute to our local economy. Thank you for considering!