So it's not hidden or unknown to most people, but the bikepath is one of the best places to be outside in Athens. It's beautiful and convenient, and if anyone else is like me and needs motivation to exercise, the bikepath delivers.
Officially called the HockHocking Adena Bikeway, the path winds along the Hocking River and the old Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad tracks for 19 miles. The path is asphalt, which makes it perfect for bikers, walkers, rollerbladers and so on.
I set out for a walk on a gorgeous spring afternoon. I started out at the bottom of Currier Street and headed toward The Plains. I'm a fan of this section of the path because it's so secluded and more natural than the part closer to campus, which feels very exposed.
Officially called the HockHocking Adena Bikeway, the path winds along the Hocking River and the old Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad tracks for 19 miles. The path is asphalt, which makes it perfect for bikers, walkers, rollerbladers and so on.
I set out for a walk on a gorgeous spring afternoon. I started out at the bottom of Currier Street and headed toward The Plains. I'm a fan of this section of the path because it's so secluded and more natural than the part closer to campus, which feels very exposed.
Normally I take my headphones when I walk or run on the path, but I wanted to get take in as much as I could. One of the first things I noticed was the lively bunch of creatures that hang out around the path. Frogs making their signature "boing" noises, birds chirping and darting among the trees, rustles in the brush made by squirrels. Being able to hear all the sounds of nature definitely adds to the experience.
One of the first landmarks that I reached was the bridge over the Hocking River. Not the most scenic of river views but nice just the same.
Like I said before, the peaceful, secluded nature of the path makes it a great escape from the bustle of everyday life. In the nearly hour and a half that I spent on the bikepath, I passed perhaps 10 other people. And usually the other bikers, runners and walkers will smile or say hello, which always brightens my day. Every time I head down to the path, I marvel at the fact that I live just a few minutes' walk from all this beauty. It feels like a whole different world.
Here's the link to the bikepath site for further information: http://www.seorf.ohiou.edu/~xx088/index.html
2 comments:
I too love the bikepath. When I lived on campus, my favorite part was right around the golf course because that had the best view. Now that I live off campus, I agree that the path heading to The Plains is the best portion.
I love going there to get away from everything.
The area going to The Plains is my favorite part of the bike path as well. Now that I live on the west side of town (I'm formerly an East Greener), I consider myself lucky that I can easily access a quiet, fairly secluded and beautiful part of Athens County in a matter of minutes without using gas.
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