Explore The Ridges in Athens, Ohio — a hiking trail through forests, historic cemeteries, and the grounds of the old Athens Lunatic Asylum. Perfect for a spooky adventure in Southeast Ohio.

Our next adventure in Southeast Ohio was a trip down memory lane — and a journey into something a little more mysterious. My wife and I returned to our old alma mater, Ohio University, to relive the charm of Athens and revisit one of its most legendary hiking spots. Athens is beautiful any time of year, but in October, when the air grows crisp and the leaves burn gold and red, it takes on a certain… atmosphere.

There are plenty of places to explore in this small college town, but none quite compare to the spooky beauty of The Ridges — once known as The Athens Lunatic Asylum. Today, the land surrounding the old asylum is home to a sprawling network of trails, fields, and forests. But the shadow of its history lingers — and if you’re up for a Halloween-season adventure, it’s the perfect place to hike.

Finding the Trailhead

Our hike began a couple of miles behind the asylum at the Dairy Lane parking lot — a hidden gem that only locals or OU alumni seem to know about. The gravel lot is tucked away off Richland Avenue, far from the bustle of campus. From there, two trail options await: one leading directly through the woods downhill to the asylum, and another — my personal favorite — that climbs a gentle gravel path uphill through open meadows.

The air was warm for mid-October, the light golden and soft. As we started uphill, the grass shimmered in the breeze and the trees stood like sentinels at the horizon. It was peaceful, yet in the distance, the faint outline of The Ridges loomed — a reminder of what awaited us.

Climbing to Radar Hill

Following the left fork, we made our way toward Radar Hill, once home to a World War II defense station and later, in the 1960s, a lunar research lab. The structures are long gone, but the legend remains. The climb rewards hikers with a 360-degree view of Athens — blue sky, rolling meadows, and dark forests stretching to the horizon.

Into the Woods

The forest swallowed us in shade, a welcome relief from the sun. The trails here are narrow and technical, scattered with loose rock and roots. Every rustle of leaves or caw of a distant crow seemed amplified under the dense canopy. The deeper we went, the more the world outside seemed to vanish.

Eventually, we reached the bottom of the ridge, emerging briefly at a small roadside lot before the trail wound sharply upward again. The climb was steep and relentless, but the woods were alive with color and texture — deep oranges, fading greens, and the occasional flutter of a black-winged crow tracing the sky.

The First Cemetery

After cresting the ridge, the trees thinned, revealing a quiet road — Water Tower Drive — and the Old Athens Hospital Cemetery. Even under the afternoon sun, the place sent chills down our spines. The hillside was dotted with small headstones, some carved with names dating back to the 1860s, others marked only by numbers.

A heavy stillness hung in the air. Then, as if on cue, a murder of crows erupted from the treetops, their cries echoing through the valley. For a moment, the sun dimmed behind their wings, and it truly felt as though we’d stepped into a story.

Still, the space is treated with care — a somber but beautiful reminder of the souls who once lived at the asylum.

The Trail Through Time

From there, the path climbed again, leading us past more forgotten graves tucked beneath dark trees. The old brick road that once connected the asylum’s outbuildings still runs through parts of the trail — cracked, mossy, and hauntingly beautiful.

Near the top, we passed the Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits area, where visitors can zipline or climb — though we chose to stay grounded. My wife’s not fond of heights, and to be fair, the forest was already providing enough thrills for both of us.

The last stretch of trail forms a leafy tunnel, where branches arch together overhead. It’s quiet here — the kind of quiet that makes you listen harder. Eventually, the trees opened to reveal the second asylum cemetery, smaller but equally solemn. Those who crave more history (or goosebumps) can continue beyond this point to the third cemetery, perched high above Dairy Lane.

The Asylum Itself

We finished our loop and returned to the car, tired but exhilarated. After lunch in town, we drove back to The Ridges — the asylum itself.

Built in 1874, the Athens Lunatic Asylum was once considered progressive for its time, emphasizing nature as therapy. Patients were encouraged to garden, walk, and find peace in the landscape — the same trails that now welcome hikers. Over time, the institution’s methods shifted, introducing electroshock therapy, lobotomies, and other similar treatments until it finally closed in 1993.

Ohio University thankfully preserved the site, converting parts of the campus into classrooms and an art gallery. Yet even restored, the building remains haunting. Its towering brick façade looms over the hillside, and many of its dark windows are still broken, their tattered drapes swaying in the wind like pale ghosts.

Some say the asylum is truly haunted — whispers of footsteps in empty halls, strange lights flickering in sealed rooms, the echo of a distant wail after dark. I’ve seen a few things myself that made me pause… though maybe that’s just Athens working its Halloween magic.

Either way, The Ridges is a place where history and mystery walk hand in hand — especially in October.

Final Thoughts

This hike was equal parts nostalgic and eerie. For us, it brought back memories of college days, early morning runs, and Athens sunsets. But revisiting it in the fall, surrounded by orange leaves and long shadows, made the familiar feel thrillingly unfamiliar.

Whether you’re drawn by the trail’s natural beauty, its challenging elevation, or the ghost stories whispered through the pines, The Ridges is the perfect Halloween-season adventure. Just… maybe plan your visit before sundown.

Quick Tips for Visiting The Ridges

• Trailhead: Start at the unmarked Dairy Lane gravel lot off Richland Ave.
  
• Distance: Around 3 miles with 530+ feet of elevation gain.
  
• Difficulty: Moderate — expect steep climbs, rocky footing, and long inclines.
  
• Time: 1.5–2 hours depending on pace.
  
• Best Time to Visit: Mid–late October for peak foliage and spooky vibes.
  
• Don’t Miss: The Radar Hill overlook and the three asylum cemeteries.
  
• Pro Tip: Visit the asylum itself before dark — it’s beautiful… and much less creepy.

Interested in adventuring more? Check out all of our articles!