Explore the best rated trails in Marietta, OH. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Moonville Rail Trail and Marietta River Trail. With more than 9 trails covering 127 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We rode from Nelsonville to Athens on June 1, 2023. It was a beautiful day and we stayed at the Hocking Tec Lodge. We just got on the trail and saw a turtle. My husband put it over in the grass. It had been several years since we rode this trail. That evening we ate at Sonic and my husband had a sparrow land on his head while he was eating a hamburger. We will remember this great trip.
We started in Cairo and went to Ellenboro (about 8 miles), such a lovely peaceful ride. We went through 3 tunnels, there is a 4th tunnel but you must have to verve off the path some. We have 4 little kiddos with us and they all did great! They also replaced some of the bridges since the last time, they look so good.
I parked at the west end riding a touring/gravel bike with panniers on 700x38s. This is really a trail best suited for horses, mountain bikes, and fat bikes. It starts out with nice farms and is very quiet, tree-lined with multiple stream crossings. very pretty and well maintained. The state park (first place for water east-bound) was a nice place to stay with showers, camp store, nice campsites. There is a beautiful shelter that overlooks a river/stream on the trail, at the east end of the tunnel that's immediately east of the SP. Somewhere east of there, and definitely at the Dodges /Ritchie county line, the trail has been a bit neglected. There is chunky rock with deep loose gravel piles, occasional double track, and at each road crossing gate it's a real challenge to pass through with panniers. Expect to walk the underpass for Dodges county park. It's super slippery with moss, mud, and grass, then the trail stops... with no further direction. I saw a HWY sign and headed down the road to a no-vehicles gravel road that looks like the trail. Yep, good choice. But then the sign sends you pushing up a steep, muddy, rocky 4wheel drive road. The arrows on the sign need to be adjusted, or place the sign better. Go left at the sign toward the river and it'll bring you into the campground, also across more loose gravel, deep asphalt piles, and mud. The campground is nothing fancy, but there is a shower.
CAUTION! -- GRAVEL! -- In April 2023 I started from Wolf Summit and headed west on this trail, expecting crushed stone like the GAP or Mon System. This was not the case --- it is GRAVEL. I had 1.5-inch hybrid tires with a mild tread and I was getting bounced around like a carnival ride. I went about a mile and turned around and abandoned the idea of this trail. I went up I-79 a few miles and rode the Mon System instead, which is crushed stone, almost like asphalt. At least for the Wolf Summit area, you need a fat tire bike for the North Bend, or at least some really serious mountain bike tires. Maybe it will smooth out over the years, but for now this is the case.
Really flat. Not much scenery. The pavement was in good shape though. Won’t ride again, as there are much better trails not too far away.
Rode from Nelsonville south about 7 miles south and back September 14, 2022. It was a beautiful day on a great trail. Would love to go back and ride the other end.
My wife and I started our ride in Nelsonville, at the trailhead located behind Rocky’s Outdoor Gear Store. We rode down to Athens and back (approx 16 miles round trip). It was a beautiful fall day along the peaceful trail covered with foliage. Upon returning to Nelsonville, we then were pleasantly surprised to find a great lunch spot right inside Rocky’s at their own restaurant called Starbrick BBQ. Made a great day even better.
Rode 3.7 one-way beautiful, secluded miles from Mineral to the Hope-Moonville Rd trailhead. The new bridges are wonderful. Really enjoyed the two completely different tunnels. Trail surface was great…just watch out for the road apples 😀
Bridges west of Moonville trailhead still not done. I didn’t even see any signs of construction so I think it might be many years until we see those.
Did not see a designated parking lot in Mineral. There is room across from the trail for about 3 cars. We parked there, but found out later that it is actually someone’s driveway….oops. I suspect you can park in the church lot north of the trail.
You can ride about 1/2 a mile east of Mineral on the driveway until it ends at a double locked gate with posted signs and flags. We saw one fellow ride around…hmmm. A few shallow mud puddles.
Like orangedoug said, better bring the bug spray. No problems while we were moving, but they loved to visit us when we stopped.
I’m thinking this might be one of the most secluded rides in Ohio. Loved it!!! Hoping they can extend it east and west someday….bikin-mike…Aug 2022
I haven’t ridden the trail on bike, but I’ve driven the parts that are on the road. Depot St. is bordered by abandoned buildings that are known for drug activity. As a woman, I wouldn’t ride this trail alone or without protection.
Started in Clarksburg and rode South 26 miles r/t. This trail could be great but the base is grass, mud and stones that are so large it is dangerous to ride .2 tunnels were nice but had to walk our bikes through them. Base is large ruts, large stones with water running through tunnels. Salem was asphalt and great! I do not recommend this trail until base is safer to ride on. is tricky.
Rode from Athens to Eclipse last fall. Now finished from Nelsonville to Eclipse.. Great Trail! Drove 2hrs and was worth it both times.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
