SOUTHEAST OHIO
Chauncey Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Chauncey-Dover Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB | CHAUNCEY OHIO
Chauncey-Dover Community Park serves as the main trailhead for the Baileys Trail System. The park features a pump track, playground, restroom facility, basketball court, pavilion, amphitheater, designated food truck parking, and access to both the Baileys Trail System and Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.
2. Baileys Trail System
MOUNTAIN BIKING PARADISE | CHAUNCEY OH
The Baileys Trail System offers 88 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails for riders of all skill levels. Located in the Wayne National Forest, this extensive network provides a world-class riding experience with trails winding through the beautiful Appalachian foothills of Southeast Ohio.
3. Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
SCENIC RIVERSIDE TRAIL | CHAUNCEY OH
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a 21-mile paved trail connecting Athens and Nelsonville. This scenic route follows the Hocking River, passing through Ohio University's campus, historic sites, and natural areas. It's perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying the beauty of Athens County.
4. Eclipse Company Store
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE | THE PLAINS OH
Eclipse Company Store, located in The Plains, offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully renovated historic building. This restaurant and craft beer hall serves a full menu of BBQ and sandwiches, along with over 40 craft beers from local Athens breweries and beyond.
5. Little Fish Brewing Company
FARM-TO-GLASS BREWERY | ATHENS OH
Little Fish Brewing Company in Athens crafts world-class beers using locally sourced ingredients. Their taproom overlooks a hop arbor, fruit trees, and a reclaimed wetland project. Visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of unique brews, including 100% Ohio-grown options, in a sustainable, family-friendly setting.
6. Chauncey Depot Trail
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TRAIL | CHAUNCEY OH
The Chauncey Depot Trail is a surfaced, beginner-friendly trail directly connected to the Chauncey-Dover Community Park. This 0.46-mile trail pays homage to the original Chauncey train depot and provides easy access to other trails in the Baileys Trail System, including Gob Pile Loop and Coal Train Trail.
7. Coal Train Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN BIKING | CHAUNCEY OH
Coal Train Trail is a beginner-friendly natural surface trail within the Baileys Trail System. This 3.8-mile trail offers a scenic ride through the Appalachian foothills, featuring a few optional B-lines for more adventurous riders. It's an excellent introduction to mountain biking in the area.
8. Moonville Tunnel
HAUNTED HISTORIC SITE | MCARTHUR OH
Moonville Tunnel, located near Lake Hope State Park, is a brick-lined former railroad tunnel with a reputation for being haunted. This eerie historic site, accessible via a short hike, offers visitors a glimpse into the area's mining past and is popular among paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs.
9. Lake Hope State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION | MCARTHUR OH
Lake Hope State Park, situated in nearby McArthur, offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating on the 120-acre lake. The park also features a swimming beach, campgrounds, cabins, and a dining lodge with scenic views of the lake.
10. Wayne National Forest
VAST NATURAL PLAYGROUND | NELSONVILLE OH
Wayne National Forest, with its Athens Unit office in Nelsonville, is a patchwork of public lands covering over 250,000 acres of Appalachian foothills. This vast forest offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and off-highway vehicle trails, showcasing the natural beauty of Southeast Ohio.
Chauncey Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN CHAUNCEY
Chauncey, Ohio, a small village in Athens County, has transformed from its coal mining roots into a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This charming community is most renowned for its access to world-class recreational opportunities, particularly the Baileys Trail System and the Chauncey-Dover Community Park.
The crown jewel of Chauncey's attractions is undoubtedly the Baileys Trail System. This extensive network of purpose-built mountain biking trails spans 88 miles through the Wayne National Forest, offering riders of all skill levels an unparalleled experience in the Appalachian foothills. The system has quickly gained recognition as a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
Complementing the Baileys Trail System is the Chauncey-Dover Community Park, which serves as the main trailhead and a recreational hub in its own right. The park features a variety of amenities, including a pump track, playground, and access to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. This 21-mile paved trail connects Chauncey to nearby Athens and Nelsonville, providing a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians along the Hocking River.
Beyond its trails, Chauncey is known for its proximity to other natural wonders and historic sites. The nearby Wayne National Forest offers vast expanses for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Meanwhile, the eerie Moonville Tunnel and the serene Lake Hope State Park provide unique experiences for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its blend of outdoor recreation and small-town charm, Chauncey has established itself as a hidden gem in Southeast Ohio's outdoor tourism landscape.