West State
Street Park
West State Street Park's real reason for being was to provide softball fields for active recreation, otherwise known as Jaycee Fields. It began with two ball fields being built in an old farm field in 1964.

The park also provides access to the Hocking River via a canoe/kayak ramp, to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, restrooms, a playground, shelterhouses, and picnic facilities. Behind some of the ball fields is a dog park, one of two in the city. From this park, it is possible to go over the Hocking River via bikeway to wind up at Little Fish Brewing Company and/or Armitage Estates. It is recommended that the river ramp be used as a take-out point ONLY for people floating downstream, and that river users do NOT proceed past that point -- several people have died in recent years from trying to shoot the rapids at White's Mill. This is an extremely dangerous spot! Do not attempt it!

The two shelterhouses in the park each have 8 picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and electricity. They are reservable for $30 each. See the City of Athens website.

Directions

From the center of Athens, take State Street West from Court Street. You will enter the part at almost exactly one mile from Court Street.

GPS for beginning of loop for end parking area: 39.3342, -82.1237