Ohio · Hiking

Gorges Curves

Gorges CurvesPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
5.6 mi
round trip
1,012 ft
climb
946 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Is Gorges Curves open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Gorges Curves, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Athens Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Gorges Curves is a 5.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated moderate, with a total elevation gain of 261 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 2.6 miles in, where the grade reaches 16%. The trail is natural-surface and allows bikes, but horses are not permitted. It is not an accessible trail. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens run to highs around 72°F in May and 76°F in September, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Several other trails sit close by, including The Underground at 0.2 miles and Clay Bake and Bullfrog Loop at 0.3 miles. For fishing, the Athens Ranger District - Athens Area is about 2.5 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Gorges Curves

    Best months: June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 22°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 23°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      52° / 30°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 40°

      13 wet

    5. May

      72° / 50°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 59°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 63°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 61°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 54°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 42°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 27°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Athens Ou, OH, 8.8 mi away at 684 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

The UndergroundPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

The Underground

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8.51-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 892 ft elevation gain.

Clay BakePhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Clay Bake

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SalameanderPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Salameander

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BloodrootPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Bloodroot

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Bullfrog LoopPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Bullfrog Loop

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1.27-mile loop in Ohio with 288 ft elevation gain/loss.

Corps TourPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Corps Tour

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Wild TurkeyPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Wild Turkey

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ThrilliumPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Thrillium

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Star BrickPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Star Brick

~2 min drive

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Pig IronPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Pig Iron

~3 min drive

14.32-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 943 ft elevation gain.