When perusing Court Street and sitting in the dorms get old, Ohio University students head for the hills.
Fun spots to hang out during the year are definitely not found only on campus. Athens’ location is prime for hiking, swimming and adventuring in the woods, and many of the city’s best-kept secrets aren’t hole-in-the-wall bars, but instead caves hidden in the wilderness.
The closest place to get a breath of fresh air is The Ridges, which overlooks Athens off Richland Avenue near the Dairy Barn Arts Center. The go-to spot for freshman frolicking, The Ridges features buildings that were home to the asylum where many lobotomies were performed as well as the tuberculosis ward that contains the legendary “stain.”
Despite the creepy aura that surrounds The Ridges, during the day the area offers beautiful scenery, mini-golfing and the Kennedy Museum of Art, which rotates through many exhibits during the year.
Wandering up from The Ridges through the hiking trails leads to the famous Radar Hill, which is the highest point in Athens and provides panoramic views of the county.
There are other lesser-known spots for campus hiking. Witches Hill, to the south, is a prime spot for climbing and hosts interesting rock formations.
Opposite of Witches Hill, Bong Hill offers students a challenging climb, beautiful views and plenty to explore.
To find Bong Hill, turn right onto Rock Riffle Road off Stimson Avenue, take a left under the bridge, and the trailhead is on the left. Equipped with a fire pit and room for blankets and chairs, Bong Hill is a popular stargazing site on clear nights.
“Bong Hill is awesome just because of all the caves,” said Paige Barnes, a sophomore studying theater management. “I spent a few hours there once in a night thunderstorm and it was amazing.”
For those who have a vehicle and can travel a little farther from campus, Athens is a short distance from many amazing nature spots.
The Hocking Hills, a popular tourist spot, are famous for their hiking trails and large, beautiful caves. The Hocking
Hills are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity, including horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.
“(I like) the Hocking Hills,” said Ellen Bryant, a sophomore studying Spanish. “I like to hike up by the caves there. (I visited) Old Man’s Cave, but Ash Cave is much better.”
Old Man’s Cave, located off route 664 in Hocking Hills State Park, is one of the most popular areas of Hocking Hills.
The massive cave is awe-inspiring as you hike through the deep ravine it overhangs. In the winter, giant icicles garnish the vertical walls.
A little closer to home is Strouds Run State Park, a beach and hiking spot about fifteen minutes away by car. Here students can soak up the sun, play frisbee and volleyball and enjoy Dow Lake, nestled between the hills.
Find more information about hiking in Athens at www.athensohio.com/whattodo/hiking.
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