Skunk Run Preserve is a 73.5-acre tract in the valley of Skunk Run, a perennial stream that flows westward from the Torch area in southeastern Athens County to the Hocking River. A study of fish diversity by Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service indicated that Skunk Run meets Exceptional Warm Water Habitat criteria. The preserve was purchased in parts in 2013, 2016, and 2017 with three grants from the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program. 

The B&O Railroad formerly passed through much of the Skunk Run valley, and most of the railroad right-of-way is now part of the Athens-Belpre Rail-Trail. This preserve borders the north side of the rail grade east of Ireland Road and also includes part of the gorge of Bingman Spring Run. It provides a possible detour for the rail-trail around a privately owned segment of the rail grade.

To visit this preserve, take US-50 east from Athens. After it joins State Route 7, continue east about 3 miles and turn left on Ireland Road (County Road 59). Proceed 0.7 mile to the bottom of the Skunk Run valley. After crossing the stream, look for an elevated grassy area on the left, behind the Athens-Belpre Rail-Trail sign. Park there. Then cross Ireland Road and enter the preserve north of the old railroad grade. Do not enter the grade east of the road; it is private property from Ireland Road to the next bridge abutment east of the road, which is visible from the road. There are no maintained foot trails within the preserve.

Use iNaturalist to help document plants, mushrooms, insects, birds, mammals, and more in the Skunk Run Preserve!

Volunteer Preserve Steward: Chris O’Bara