Now that the temperatures have finally moderated, we’re reaching the best time of year for the outdoors: autumn. Lucky for us, in Athens we’re surrounded by beautiful natural areas that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking. Here are three of the best trails for it:
Rockhouse Trail
This is without a doubt one of the most interesting trails in the area. There’s always something to look at, whether it be the rockhouses, views from the hills, or Turtlehead Cave, a massive stone structure known for its interesting formation that quite literally looks like a turtle’s head poking out of its shell.
Be warned, though. This is one of the more strenuous trails in town, due to several elevation gains and descents, a slim path to follow and sometimes unclear markers that can make it easy to get off track.
However, it’s worth it. Start off at Sells Park on the Athens Trail before turning right onto the Rockhouse Trail. Follow along through the forest and past smaller rockhouses and boulders before coming to a bridge. Turn left on the bridge and keep following along the Rockhouse Trail until you reach Turtlehead Cave, at which point you will pass by and loop back onto the Athens Trail and along the ridge of the mountain. This will loop back around to Sells Park, allowing you to complete the trail.
The Ridges Loop Trail
Want to kill two birds with one stone and get a history lesson while hiking? The Ridges Loop Trail is perfect for this. Just under three miles, the trail allows you to pass cemeteries of the deceased patients, the old climbing challenge tower and old structures used by both the university and the asylum. You’ll also get beautiful views of the gorgeous area by walking through forests, fields and the hills (which also double as a great workout).
Start off on Dairy Lane, just past the Dairy Barn Arts Center and near the Compost Facility. There should be a small area to park as well as a marker for the trailhead. However, if you’re like me and don’t have a car, it can also be accessed from the Kennedy Art Museum at the The Ridges. Simply start heading west down the road towards the climbing tower, where there should be a trail marker along the way.
Radar Hill Trail
Don’t let the fact that it’s a hill fool you. This is one of the least strenuous trails in the area. It’s mostly flat and safe for a short, steep incline at the end. However, the payoff is worth it, as once you’re at the top, you get a fantastic view of the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. At just over a mile, the trail is one for a pleasant, quick hike rather than a long trek. I personally did this trail early in the morning with my learning community during my freshman year, so I can attest to its ease.
Start out at the Kennedy Art Museum and head towards Water Park Drive. After heading up the road and passing a cemetery on the hillside, you will reach a point where cars can no longer pass, and the road becomes a dirt trail. Keep going along this dirt trail and follow the yellow loop. As stated before, it’s mostly flat, but once you reach about the halfway point of the loop, you will see a steep hill. After a short, intense climb, you will reach the top of the hill, and be rewarded with that gorgeous view of the trees, mountains and fields.
