The gnomes are making an appearance on their home trails of the Kroger Wetlands. Family friendly, this hike has options for a .6 mile or 1 mile. While on the trail be on the lookout for different types of local wildlife and flora (along with some Gnomes!).

The hike is self guided but leaders will be on-site to provide information and trail maps.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early for check in with hike leaders.

80 Acme Street, Marietta, OH

Join Appalachian Understories for a casual guided bike tour down the Marietta River Trail. Participants will ride with a naturalist who will share stories of the flora and fauna that we see along our ride. We will be making frequent stops to take a closer look at some of the plants that we see along the way to learn more about them. This bike tour is perfect for any level of cyclist. The ride will begin and end from RTA Headquarters and we will ride up to 5 miles.

Adaptive bikes are available for participants with limited mobility; please reach out to Madison by August 9th to request an adaptive bike. Madison@ruralaction.org or 330-546-3059

Helmets are required for all participants. Minor children are permitted on this tour but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

43 mile route: SR821 to Germantown to Dalzell to Stanleyville and back on SR26 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27734851).

Group rides are free, but all riders must register at the festival grounds prior to the start of the ride. Group rides have several ride leaders but are unsupported. Please bring all water, food, and repair items that you may need.

All group rides leave the festival HQ in Marietta Ohio. If you prefer to head out on your own, stop by to pick up a free queue sheet for route directions.

8:30am arrival 9:00 departure

Paddling, Hiking, and Island living right here in the MOV! Join us for our first ever joint Rivers and Trails event as we explore Buckley Island! What was once a crossing on the Underground Railroad, a farm and even an amusement park is now home to one of the newest events of the RTA Fest.

Learn about the history and wildlife of the Island while exploring one of the most mysterious sites in the the Mid-Ohio Valley and becoming a part of it's rich history.

3982 Waverly Road, Williamstown, WV

Head out for a trail run on the Marietta City Trails! Meet at the festival HQ to sign up and then head out for a 8:30 a.m. departure. This will be ~ 3-5 mile run supported by our local Marietta Trail Runners group.

Free to participate!

Explore Broughton's Nature & Wildlife Education Area with a hike leader on a 3 to 4.5 mile hike. Hikers will have the option of exploring the Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area or the new Rudolph Family Park trails on each day as well as learn about other uses and recreation opportunities on these properties.

Depending on the length, hikes will last 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Participants are urged to wear comfortable footwear or hiking shoes/boots, carry drinking water, and be prepared for the physical challenges posed by hiking on uneven trails and elevation changes.

As an added bonus, hikers may bring their own leashed well-behaved dogs as well to enjoy this beautiful hike.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders..

Meet up at the GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter (639 SR 821).

The Family Fun Ride departs from Festival HQ. The ride will take a loop on the river trail, a 4-mile paved double-lane bike path (full loop is 8 miles, or stop after half loop).

This ride is suitable for kids on two wheels who can navigate a few small hills along the way. Less experienced riders (toddlers with training wheels, tricycles, or Striders) may prefer the Tots and Trikes Mini Trail Ride (Friday at noon).

Meet at HQ at 2 p.m. with your bikes and helmets!

The epic gravel ride returns! Come explore our many beautiful back country roads. You never know what you may come across, but you can be guaranteed some of the most amazing views you'll ever see.

Ride will depart at 10:00 a.m. with other MTB rides from the RTA HQ.

Base equipment:
- No tires smaller than 32c.
- Gravel and cyclocross bikes are preferred, but hard tail mountain bikes will also work.
- There will be moderate climbing with one loose and chunky descent (capable of shaking bottles out of their cages).
- Riders are encouraged to bring the normal set of tubes, plugs, CO2s, and other gear that one might need on an unassisted ride.

Washington County boasts some of the most scenic road riding in the state! Cruise out and enjoy scenic farms, hilly wooded landscapes, and nicely paved roads.

Group rides are free but all riders must register at the #RTAFest HQ prior to the start of the ride. Group rides have several ride leaders but are unsupported. Please bring all water, food, and repair items that you may need.

All group rides leave the #RTAFest HQ in Marietta Ohio. If you prefer to head out on your own, stop by to pick up a free map and route directions.

Road Rides:

-15 miles mostly flat: River rd to Rainbow rd and back
***616 feet of climbing. Pleasant, easy ride.

-24 miles and hilly: Huck Road/River rd west side loop
***1217 feet of climbing. Huck road is the main set of hills on this route. Other than that it is rolling.

-34 miles and rolling hills: Churchtown/Lowell Hill/River rd loop
***1865 feet of climbing. For a less strenuous start, Pearl street is a possible route change. Talk to ride leader before doing this.

Local National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) team, River Cities Singletrack Serpents, coaches will conduct a skills clinic based on the NICA "On The Bike 101" training program.

Event will also include helmet adjustment guidelines, bike safety check, and a short ride on the Marietta River Trail.

AGES 10 - 110!

Meet at the Civil War Soldier Monument

New for RTA, we would like to invite you to join in a guided pollinator walk through parts of Marietta & Harmar. Starting at the Civil War soldier monument near Front and Putnam, the tour offers two options. The first is the Harmar loop of approximately 1 mile and an extension along the East Muskingum Park River Trail to Knox Park and back, for a total distance of 1.8 miles.

The Harmar loop begins at the monument and includes stops at the RESolve Studios "Tin Forest" Garden, Harmar Bridge Butterfly Garden, Fort Street Pollinator Habitat, and future Memorial Garden site. At this point, those who wish can explore the shops, museums, and restaurants in Historic Harmar Village or recross the river.

The downtown loop starts at the monument again and takes the river trail to the Knox Park Butterfly garden, then returns to the RTA headquarters in East Muskingum Park. Along the route you'll have the opportunity to see and learn about many types of native flowers, trees, pollinators, and the other life forms that depend on them.

NOTE: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with event leaders.

Head out for a trail run on the Marietta City Trails! Meet at the festival HQ to sign up and then head out for a 9:00 a.m. departure. This will be ~ 3-5 mile run supported by our local Marietta Trail Runners group.

Free to participate!

Meet at the gravel lot just off of Mill Creek Road in Marietta. There are a couple of ways to get here so just put 100 Mill Creek Road, Marietta OH 45750 in your GPS.

This is a night ride, meaning BRING LIGHTS! Helmets also required for all rides.

Group rides are free to participate in. All rides are unsupported. Bring your own water, gear, flat repair kit, etc. There will be several ride leaders but the group may become spread out. Check in with the ride leaders before you depart, and if you leave early from the ride, please let someone on the ride know.

Download the MTB Project app for access to the full maps of the Marietta City Trail System.

https://www.mtbproject.com/

*Mountain bike rentals are available from Marietta Adventure Company

Explore Broughton's Nature & Wildlife Education Area with a hike leader on a 3 to 4.5 mile hike. Hikers will have the option of exploring the Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area or the new Rudolph Family Park trails on each day as well as learn about other uses and recreation opportunities on these properties.

Depending on the length, hikes will last 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Participants are urged to wear comfortable footwear or hiking shoes/boots, carry drinking water, and be prepared for the physical challenges posed by hiking on uneven trails and elevation changes.

As an added bonus, hikers may bring their own leashed well-behaved dogs as well to enjoy this beautiful hike.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders..

Meet up at the GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter (639 SR 821).

Back after an awesome showing in 2023, join us at the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge in Williamstown, WV. There are two options this year; 9:00am and 5:00pm.

There are multiple family friendly trail options from .1 miles to 2 miles. A small paved trail that is handicap accessible and is also perfect for small children or those just looking for a quick leisure stroll. An upland trail taking you through some elevation and winding trails through the woods. And a trail near the river that snakes through different local flora. Or combine all the trails for close to 2 miles of fun. Along these trails you're bound to see all kinds of local wildlife flora. Be sure to keep an eye out for gnomes as well!

The hike is self guided but leaders will be on-site to provide information and trail maps are on-site and trails are marked.

Also at this location is the headquarters for the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. Multiple exhibits are located inside including mussels, local fish, birdlife, and flora. HQ hours are M-Sat 8:00am - 4:30pm. *However, Refuge HQ hours will be extended to 6:30 PM to accommodate this event.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders.

3982 Waverly Road, Williamstown, WV

New for RTA in 2024 - Join us on a captivating, guided walking tour of the historic Harmar district, where time-honored tales and architectural wonders intertwine. Embark on a leisurely 1-mile loop through this charming area, steeped in rich history and cultural significance.

Two options: 9am and 1:30pm.

Our journey unfolds through 12 remarkable locations, each holding a piece of Harmar's past. Explore iconic sites such as The Harmar Post Office, The Children's Toy & Doll Museum, The Fearing House, and Fort Harmar, where echoes of bygone eras linger in every corner.

As we meander through the district, marvel at the stately Levi Barber House, the elegant James Whitney House, and the rustic Harmar Railroad Bridge. Delight in the stories of yesteryear at The David Putnam House, The Pattin House, The Anchorage, and the Church on Franklin Street, each contributing to the tapestry of Harmar's history.

Concluding our tour in Historic Harmar Village, immerse yourself further by venturing inside select sites, exploring local specialty shops, or savoring delectable dishes and refreshing beverages at beloved establishments like Spagna's, Harmar Tavern, and the renowned Busy Bee Restaurant, a cherished favorite since 1944.

Come experience the allure of Harmar's historical homes and the vibrant tapestry of its community on this unforgettable walking tour.

~ 2 hours

#RTAFest Friday and Saturday group rides will take place on the Marietta City Trail System, 30+ miles of quality single track trails ready for action!

The trail system is accessible from downtown, making it easy to head back for a burger and brew after your ride.

This is the kick-off ride for intermediate to advanced skills (13-30 miles). New riders should consider the Saturday 9am Skills Clinic.

*Rides may start as one ride. Ride leaders will provide route information.

All rides are unsupported. Bring your own water, gear, flat repair kit, etc.

There will be several ride leaders but the group may become spread out.

Group rides are free, but please register at the festival HQ prior to departure. Pick up a Marietta City Trail map when you register and if you leave early from the ride please let someone on the ride know and/or check in at festival HQ.

Download the MTB Project app for access to the full maps of the Marietta City Trail System.
https://www.mtbproject.com/

Or check out the Marietta City Trail System on this map (the trail system has since expanded off the map. Check with Marietta Adventure Company with any questions):
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/.../Marietta%20City...

Mountain bike rentals are available from Marietta Adventure Company.

Back after an awesome showing in 2023, join us at the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge in Williamstown, WV. There are two options this year; 9:00am and 5:00pm.

There are multiple family friendly trail options from .1 miles to 2 miles. A small paved trail that is handicap accessible and is also perfect for small children or those just looking for a quick leisure stroll. An upland trail taking you through some elevation and winding trails through the woods. And a trail near the river that snakes through different local flora. Or combine all the trails for close to 2 miles of fun. Along these trails you're bound to see all kinds of local wildlife flora. Be sure to keep an eye out for gnomes as well!

The hike is self guided but leaders will be on-site to provide information and trail maps are on-site and trails are marked.

Also at this location is the headquarters for the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. Multiple exhibits are located inside including mussels, local fish, birdlife, and flora. HQ hours are M-Sat 8:00am - 4:30pm. *However, Refuge HQ hours will be extended to 6:30 PM to accommodate this event.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders.

3982 Waverly Road, Williamstown, WV

New for RTA in 2024 - Join us on a captivating, guided walking tour of the historic Harmar district, where time-honored tales and architectural wonders intertwine. Embark on a leisurely 1-mile loop through this charming area, steeped in rich history and cultural significance.

Two options: 9am and 1:30pm.

Our journey unfolds through 12 remarkable locations, each holding a piece of Harmar's past. Explore iconic sites such as The Harmar Post Office, The Children's Toy & Doll Museum, The Fearing House, and Fort Harmar, where echoes of bygone eras linger in every corner.

As we meander through the district, marvel at the stately Levi Barber House, the elegant James Whitney House, and the rustic Harmar Railroad Bridge. Delight in the stories of yesteryear at The David Putnam House, The Pattin House, The Anchorage, and the Church on Franklin Street, each contributing to the tapestry of Harmar's history.

Concluding our tour in Historic Harmar Village, immerse yourself further by venturing inside select sites, exploring local specialty shops, or savoring delectable dishes and refreshing beverages at beloved establishments like Spagna's, Harmar Tavern, and the renowned Busy Bee Restaurant, a cherished favorite since 1944.

Come experience the allure of Harmar's historical homes and the vibrant tapestry of its community on this unforgettable walking tour.

~ 2 hours