Ohio · Hiking

Plainview Ghost

3.1 mi
loop
241 ft
climb
1,074 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Is Plainview Ghost open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Plainview Ghost, 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.

Plainview Ghost is a 3.1-mile moderate 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 241 feet and a total loss of 449 feet over the course of the route. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.3 miles in, where the grade reaches 12 percent. The trail is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Hannibal Locks & Dam show May highs around 73°F and September highs around 77°F, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Plainview Homestead Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and Plainview Schoolhouse Trail and Plainview Horsehoe Falls are within a mile. Ring Mill campground is about 3.6 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Plainview Ghost

    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° / 20°

      14 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 22°

      13 wet

    3. Mar

      51° / 29°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      64° / 38°

      13 wet

    5. May

      73° / 48°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 57°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 62°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 61°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 54°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 43°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 26°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hannibal Locks & Dam, OH, 12.7 mi away at 620 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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