Explore the hidden trails and scenic riverbanks of Galena, Ohio, including the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, Hoover Nature Preserve, and charming small-town spots like the Coffee Vault. A cozy, nature-filled adventure perfect for hikers, explorers, and day-trippers.

Our latest adventure led us to the tiny village of Galena, Ohio—a place you could easily miss on a map but shouldn’t. Sandwiched between the Columbus suburbs of Sunbury and Westerville, Galena boasts fewer than 1,000 residents according to the 2020 census, yet it’s overflowing with charm, history, and some of the most gorgeous scenery Central Ohio has to offer. It also contains, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail—the inspiration behind this outing.

A Cozy Start in the Village Square

We began our day in Galena’s incredibly quaint village square. It’s small—just a handful of restaurants, one traffic light, and a grassy center with benches and historical notes about the town. But like most small towns, it’s overflowing with personality.

Among the local eateries is Thurman’s, famous across Central Ohio for serving massive, unapologetically indulgent hamburgers. There’s also the Galena Diner and, our starting point for the adventure, The Coffee Vault.

If you love a good coffeehouse, this place is a gem. Their menu is stacked with pastries, baked goods, espresso drinks, teas, and smoothies. The interior features warm lighting, brick walls, and even an old historic vault now used for storage—hence the name. There’s also a downstairs lounge tucked away beneath the building with plush couches and a cozy vibe perfect for lingering. After fueling up, we were ready to explore.

Hitting the Trail—Then Leaving It Completely

From the Coffee Vault, we drove a short quarter mile to an unmarked gravel lot near one of my favorite sections of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail. From here hikers and runners can head north toward Sunbury—scenic but mostly suburban—or south toward Westerville, which is where the real beauty begins.

We headed south.

This stretch of trail runs through lush forest and provides stunning views of Hoover Dam and the rivers flowing from it. But although the trail itself is lovely, we didn’t stay on it long. The best adventures often come when you step off the beaten path—and that’s exactly what we did.

Less than a quarter mile in, a large wooden bridge crosses a deep, winding river. Normally the water sits high and the banks are inaccessible, but Central Ohio has been experiencing a months-long drought. The low water levels revealed areas that are usually submerged, offering a rare chance to explore.

A small unmarked dirt path led down from the bridge into the trees. It’s not official, but it’s obvious enough that others have walked it. Once we reached the riverbank, we realized we could follow it—something you normally cannot do—for nearly a mile.

Walking that exposed, normally underwater shoreline felt surreal. The air was gusting as a storm approached, turning the sky a dark, moody gray. Combined with the low water and eerie quiet of the exposed riverbed, the whole experience had an almost mystical vibe. We followed the bank all the way to the backside of Hoover Dam and the edge of the Hoover Nature Preserve, enjoying dramatic views the entire way.

Lessons in Observation

Heading back toward the trail, we met an older gentleman carrying a trash bag. He explained he routinely cleans up garbage left behind by less-respectful visitors—a reminder that these beautiful places need people who care for them. He told us about the wildlife he’s spotted over the years: deer, muskrats, herons, and more. We didn’t get lucky this time, but it was still fun scanning the treeline for movement.

He also recommended checking out the nature area behind the Coffee Vault, which triggered a nostalgic memory of going there as a kid while my dad practiced photography. Maggie and I exchanged a look—we knew exactly where we were headed next. But first, we had to get back to the car.

On our walk back, we stumbled upon an unexpected find: an old railroad track hanging over a side road along Old 3C. I had passed underneath it many times on runs but never noticed a path leading up to it. We climbed up and discovered the tracks fenced off at the top—definitely for safety—but still intact, offering a fun glimpse into the area’s history. Moments like that remind you how much you notice when you simply slow down.

Into the Woods Behind the Coffee Vault

Once we returned to the Coffee Vault, we entered the woods behind the building—and it truly felt like stepping into another world.

Tall, dense trees swallowed the sound of the village square almost instantly. Because we visited at the tail end of fall, the forest floor was covered in a thick blanket of leaves and the branches stood mostly bare. I imagine in spring or summer the canopy would create a deep-green tunnel that feels even more immersive.

To our left was a sweeping view of where Hoover Dam should have been, but the drought had reduced the water drastically, revealing even more of the riverbed than usual. It’s humbling to see firsthand how something as simple as rainfall—or lack thereof—can reshape an entire ecosystem.

We followed the forest trail for about a mile until it dead-ended at the remains of an old broken bridge. You can walk right up to the edge and stare down into still, dark water below. The sight is hauntingly beautiful: the forest at your back, the river beneath you, and the dried basin of Hoover Dam in the distance. It’s a view I’m excited to revisit when the water returns and the trees are full again.

Final Thoughts

This adventure was incredibly satisfying—not only because I already love the area, but because exploring it more deeply revealed so many new corners, sights, and stories. Galena itself is charming in that classic small-town way: quiet, cozy, and full of character. Combine that with the scenic nature trails, hidden riverbanks, and historical gems, and you’ve got a perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors.

Whether you visit for coffee, for hiking, or simply to slow down and explore, Galena is well worth your time.

Quick Tips for Visiting Galena, Ohio

• Start at the Coffee Vault: Fuel up with a pastry or latte before you explore. The cozy basement seating is a great bonus.
• Use the Unmarked Gravel Lot for Trail Access: Located about a quarter mile from the village square—perfect for reaching the best section of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail.
• Explore the Riverbank Only if Water Levels Are Low: Drought conditions made the normally submerged shoreline walkable. Check water levels and always stay safe.
• Look for the Hidden Path by the Wooden Bridge: A small, unofficial path leads down to unique views and the exposed riverbank.
• Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife: Deer, muskrats, herons, and other animals call the Hoover Nature Preserve home.
• Don’t Miss the Old Railroad Tracks: A short climb reveals a cool historical feature—though fenced off, it’s still a fun stop.
• Explore the Woods Behind the Coffee Vault: Peaceful forest, dried riverbeds, and the hauntingly beautiful broken bridge at the trail end.
• Visit in Different Seasons: Views change dramatically depending on rainfall and tree coverage—worth returning in spring or summer.

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