Athens Conservancy Nature Preserves
Whether you want to hike, explore the woods with your kids, birdwatch, or simply enjoy the solitude of nature, please visit our nature preserves! These preserves are open to the public. Detailed maps, information about the preserve, directions and photos can be found on each preserve page; just click the link.
Athens County
Map of Strouds Run State Park and Surrounding Area
(Click Maps To Enlarge or Download)
Ready for a visit? To keep things safe and enjoyable for all, here are a few things to know:
Motorized recreational vehicles are prohibited in all preserves. Trails in Athens Conservancy preserves are designed for pedestrians and are not suitable for horses. Bikes are prohibited in most preserves but are permitted on the trails in Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve (except the short Gillett Pond Trail) and in Blair Preserve.
Camping is prohibited. Please take your trash and litter out with you. Unauthorized removal of roots or whole plants is not allowed.
Dogs must be on leash at all times.Bow hunting of deer is allowed in selected preserves with written permission. For more information, see our hunting policy. Target shooting is prohibited.
Preserves open to the public
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Baker Preserve
A 282-acre conservation easement on property belonging to Ohio University. The property is open to the public for hiking and deer hunting; hunting requires written permission.
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Blair Preserve
This 75-acre preserve adjoining Strouds Run State Park can be reached from the park on the Trace Trail and is a good area for birding. It is one of the few places in Ohio where the increasingly rare Ruffed Grouse can still be heard drumming on occasion.
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Bluebell Preserve
This 230-acre preserve, with the original 65 acres donated by American Electric Power and the rest purchased from AEP, adjoins the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and offers an exceptional display of bluebells, trilliums and other spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor above the bikepath.
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Brookville Preserve
The Brookville Preserve in Athens Township protects a large vernal pool, a forested wetland, which provides important habitat for amphibians.
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Canaan Preserve
The Canaan Preserve offers 441 acres of hills, forest, and rock formations. It connects the Baker Preserve with Strouds Run State Park.
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Deep Hollow–Dark Skies Preserve
This 111-acre preserve, located in Carthage Township about 13 miles southeast of Athens and 16 miles west of Belpre, is mostly forested but includes a hilltop opening well suited for stargazing. A celestial viewing platform is under development.
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Lesli Johnson Preserve
This 13.6-acre preserve adjoins Strouds Run State Park and includes part of the Beaver Pond Trail.
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Lindy Roosenburg Preserve
This exceptionally beautiful 71-acre preserve near Chauncey features mature forest, scenic rock formations, and an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife. The land was purchased chiefly through a fund generously established in memory of Selinde Roosenburg. In 2023, the preserve was designated as part of the national Old Growth Forest Network.
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Lois Busch Winner Nature Preserve
This peaceful 106-acre preserve, located in the village of Stewart, was generously donated by the Winner family. It features many large, old oaks and a walking trail that runs 0.75 mile from the ridgetop entrance to a stream bottom.
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Marietta Run Preserve
This 36-acre preserve in Bern Township extends from the Marietta Run flood plain to the upper slopes of a ridge and is heavily wooded. The north-facing slope supports a diversity of spring wildflowers. Access to most of the preserve requires wading across Marietta Run.
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Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve
This 311-acre preserve borders Strouds Run State Park and Riddle State Nature Preserve. Features include a pond with an art trail and a ridgetop trail with lovely autumn and winter vistas. The climb to reach the latter is a serious workout!
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Peach Preserve
Nestled in Athens’ Northpoint neighborhood off Peach Ridge Road, this 3.7 acre property includes a short loop trail built by local residents. The land was donated by Diversified Properties of Athens and is being nurtured as a small, neighborhood conservation preserve.
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Poston Preserve
This 48-acre preserve along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway near Glen Ebon Road has frontage on the Hocking River. The preserve includes mature riparian forest and a striking cliff face overlooking a stream-bottom wetland. The two non-contiguous tracts were purchased in 2015 and 2016 with Clean Ohio Conservation Fund grants.
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Skunk Run Preserve
This 74-acre forested preserve borders the former B&O railroad grade where it crosses Ireland road (CR 59) northeast of Coolville. It was purchased in three parts in 2013, 2016, and 2017 with Clean Ohio Conservation Fund grants as a nature preserve and to provide a possible detour for the Athens-Belpre Rail-Trail around a privately owned…
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The Plains Preserve
Land in the vicinity of the former mining town known as Eclipse, purchased with Clean Ohio funds to protect a wetland and provide a bike path corridor between Athens High School and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.
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Tucker Run Preserve
This property adjoining Strouds Run State Park protects the headwaters of Tucker Run, one of the streams that feeds Dow Lake.
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Athens-Belpre Rail-Trail
Athens Conservancy purchased about 13 miles of the former B&O Railroad grade in Athens, Waterloo, Rome, and Troy Townships. Sections of it have been developed into recreational trailway for pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Ownership of these improved sections has been transferred to the county.
Selected Foot Trails to Visit
We’ve highlighted some of our favorite trails for you to explore! From peaceful rambles through the woods to challenging hikes with stunning views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.