Glouster OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glouster, Ohio.
1. Burr Oak State Park
NATURE'S OUTDOOR PARADISE
Burr Oak State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Glouster, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of southeastern Ohio. The park features a sprawling lake, miles of hiking trails, and diverse wildlife that make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, camping, and swimming throughout most of the year.
2. Tom Jenkins Dam
SCENIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
Tom Jenkins Dam stands as an impressive engineering structure in the Glouster area, creating the beautiful Burr Oak Lake. The dam not only provides flood control for the region but also offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors often enjoy fishing below the dam where various species of fish can be caught year-round.
3. Glouster Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
Glouster Park serves as the heart of community recreation in this small Ohio town. The park provides facilities for various sports and activities, making it popular with locals and visitors alike. Families particularly enjoy the playground equipment, picnic areas, and open green spaces for relaxation.
4. Bigfoot Hollow
MYSTERIOUS WOODLAND ADVENTURE
Bigfoot Hollow offers visitors a unique outdoor experience with its fascinating folklore and natural beauty. Named after the legendary creature, this area features wooded trails and scenic views that create an atmosphere of mystery and adventure. Nature enthusiasts and cryptid believers alike are drawn to the hollow's distinctive atmosphere and outdoor recreational opportunities.
5. Smoke Rise Ranch
RUSTIC EQUESTRIAN ESCAPE
Smoke Rise Ranch welcomes visitors year-round to experience authentic ranch life in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio. Guests can enjoy horseback riding adventures through scenic trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. The ranch offers a perfect getaway for families and individuals looking to disconnect from city life and embrace country living.
6. Forest Hills Golf Course
SCENIC FAIRWAYS AND GREENS
Forest Hills Golf Course provides golfers with a challenging yet enjoyable experience amidst the beautiful landscape of Athens County. The course features well-maintained fairways, strategic hazards, and undulating greens that test players of all skill levels. Golfers particularly appreciate the peaceful setting and the stunning views of the surrounding hills throughout their round.
7. Palos Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN PASSAGE
The Palos Covered Bridge stands as a well-preserved piece of history spanning the east fork of Sunday Creek in the Glouster area. Dating back to the late 1870s or early 1880s, this deep red wooden truss covered bridge continues to serve daily traffic while offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The bridge is particularly popular with tourists visiting Burr Oak Lake due to its proximity to SR 13 and its picturesque appearance.
8. Wayne National Forest
VAST WOODLAND RECREATION
Wayne National Forest encompasses over a quarter million acres of public land in southeastern Ohio, with portions near Glouster. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV trails through diverse ecosystems. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Appalachian Ohio while exploring the forest's many scenic vistas, streams, and wildlife habitats.
9. Burr Oak State Park Lodge
LAKESIDE COMFORT AND DINING
Burr Oak State Park Lodge provides comfortable accommodations and dining options overlooking the serene waters of Burr Oak Lake. The lodge features a restaurant serving hearty meals with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Guests appreciate the rustic yet comfortable atmosphere that complements the natural beauty of the state park.
10. Robinson's Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Robinson's Cave offers adventurous visitors a chance to explore the fascinating underground formations near the Glouster area. The cave features interesting rock formations, small waterways, and a unique ecosystem that has developed over thousands of years. Explorers should bring appropriate gear and lighting to safely navigate the cave's passages and chambers.
11. Eclipse Company Town
HISTORIC MINING VILLAGE
Eclipse Company Town represents a well-preserved example of a coal mining company town from the early 20th century, located a short drive from Glouster. The historic district features restored company houses, administrative buildings, and other structures that tell the story of the region's mining heritage. Today, the area houses unique shops, dining establishments, and a brewery that attract visitors looking to experience local culture and history.
12. Little Fish Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER AND SUSTAINABILITY
Little Fish Brewing Company creates award-winning craft beers in a sustainable facility not far from Glouster. The brewery specializes in farmhouse ales, sours, and other unique styles, often incorporating local ingredients and traditional brewing methods. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights in the taproom or outdoor beer garden while sampling food from the on-site kitchen that focuses on locally-sourced ingredients.
13. Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
SCENIC RIVER VALLEY TRAIL
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway stretches for 21 miles along the Hocking River valley, connecting nearby Athens and Nelsonville with scenic paths accessible from the Glouster area. The paved trail follows an old railroad grade, offering cyclists, walkers, and runners a flat, easy route through beautiful natural surroundings. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound along the bikeway, which passes through wetlands, forests, and near historical sites of interest.
14. Jackie O's Brewery
BELOVED LOCAL BEER DESTINATION
Jackie O's Brewery has earned national recognition for its exceptional craft beers, with multiple locations in Athens just a short drive from Glouster. The brewery produces a wide range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, many featuring ingredients grown on their own farm. Visitors can tour the production facility, enjoy the public house atmosphere, or relax at the taproom while sampling both innovative and traditional brews.
15. Baileys Trail System
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING NETWORK
The Baileys Trail System is developing into one of the largest mountain biking trail networks in the eastern United States, located in the Wayne National Forest near Glouster. When completed, the system will feature 88 miles of purpose-built trails designed for mountain bikers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The trails wind through beautiful Appalachian forests, providing both recreational opportunities and economic benefits to the surrounding communities.