Nature

The Great Outdoors

Whether you’re looking for a nice place to take an evening stroll, planning a day-hike or looking for a nice drive, Washington County boasts some of the best parks, both rural and urban, in Southeastern Ohio.

One of the highlights of the area is the massive Wayne National Forest, which occupies roughly 410,000 acres within the county. The Leith Run Recreational Area provides a host of boating, fishing, camping and hiking options. Additional trails and recreation spots within the National Forest are accessible in neighboring Athens and Monroe counties.

The forest occupies only a fraction of the outdoors activities in Washington County. Our area is also host to an unknown treasure, Ladd Natural Bridge, a permit only preserve featuring a fantastic rock formation. Additionally, sites like Acadia Cliffs outside of Cutler, Buell Island in Lowell, Veto Lake Wildlife Area outside of Belpre and Boord Nature Preserve near Bartlett, make it easy for people to criss-cross the county, take in a scenic drive and get some fresh air all in an afternoon. And while you’re in the car, be sure to take a detour down Ohio State Route 26, designated a National Scenic By-Way, for a glimpse back in time at our county’s numerous covered bridges.

For people interested in a more urban recreational opportunity, Marietta is the home to over 10 parks, including the Broughton Nature and Wildlife reserve and the Ohio Riverfront Park, which takes visitors down to the shores of the Ohio River. Marietta also has a well-maintained bike path that winds through the city and will soon host a portion of the North Country Trail, a hiking trail that will stretch from New York to North Dakota. Belpre boasts Howe's Grove Park, Civitan Park with a comfortable amphitheater and a skate park for skateboarders and in-line skaters.

Additional Recreational Facilities:

Marietta
Buckeye Park, 113 Fay Ave., Marietta; open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
East Muskingum Park, Front Street, Marietta.
Indian Acres Park, Linwood Avenue, Marietta, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m..
Jaycee Park, 1203 Cisler Drive, Marietta, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lookout Park, 801 Lancaster St., Marietta, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sacra Via Park, Front Street and Sacra Via, Marietta, open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sixth and Hart Street Park, South Sixth and Hart streets, Marietta.
Washington Street Park, Fifth and Washington streets, Marietta.
West Muskingum Park, Gilman Street.

Beverly
Dodge Park, Beverly dam

Lower Salem
Duck Creek

New Matamoras
Ferguson Park

Wildlife viewing areas in Southeastern Ohio
http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/Resources/wws/watdis4.htm

Ohio State Parks
http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Washington County Recreations Facilities/Parks
http://www.ohiodnr.com/counties/washington.htm

Boating
http://www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft/boat/counties/owashing.htm