Scenic River Trailhead

Area Status: Open

This trail connects with the North Country Trail and Leith Run Recreation Area. It's a scenic climb up the bluff to the ridges above the Ohio River and offers spectacular views. There are three trailheads for the Scenic River Trail:

Scenic River Trailhead (Brown House): 81° 9' 40.932" W; 39° 26' 37.104" N
Scenic River Trailhead (Co. Rd. 9 near German Cemetery): 81° 10' 38.4954" W; 39° 28' 30.6834" N
Scenic River Trailhead (Leith Run Camp): 81° 9' 4.932" W; 39° 26' 44.1594" N

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Open 24 hours a day year-round to hiking. This trail is seasonally closed to mountain bike use from winter to early spring. Visit our Recreation page to see seasonal open and close dates for the current year.
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	New Matamoras, OH
Water:	None
Operated By:	Marietta Unit, Athens Ranger District, 27750 Star Route 7, Marietta, OH 45750 740-373-9055

General Information

Directions: The trailhead begins at Leith Run Recreation Area just off State Route 7. Visitors can park in the picnic area. Trail runs between State Highway 7 at Leith Run and County Road 9.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

This trail is open to foot travel year-round, but are seasonally closed to mountain bike use from winter to early spring. Visit our Recreation page to see seasonal open and close dates for the current year.

Difficulty Level:	Difficult

Day Hiking

This 3.4 mile trail begins along the Ohio River and meanders through a bottomland field and then through a series of switchbacks the trail climbs the steep hillside overlooking the river and its traffic. The trail snakes back and forth through rock boulders and along rock bluffs. The trail begins at the Leith Run Recreation Area. Hikers may park at the picnic area. It ends at another parking area on County Road 9 near German Cemetery.

Difficulty Level:	Difficult

Viewing Wildlife

This trail provides a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities as you climb the hills to the bluffs overlooking the Ohio river. You'll see rock dwelling creatures as well as birds soaring over the river.

Species	amphibians and birds
Difficulty Level:	Difficult

Viewing Scenery

This trail climbs up from the Ohio River bottom and offers amazing views of the River and the bottomland below. Watch barges and river traffic below from the bluffs of the hills above the river.