Ohio · Hiking

Stone Church Main Loop

17.6 mi
loop
1,183 ft
climb
1,020 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Is Stone Church Main Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Stone Church Main Loop, 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.

Stone Church Main Loop is a hard loop hike in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. It is about 17.6 miles long, with an elevation gain of 1,183 feet, and it starts at the Salt Connector Trailhead, which is open year-round. The trail is rated hard, and it carries a steady climb with a high point of 1,020 feet, making it a demanding day on foot. The trail is on natural surface and is accessible to horses. Bikes are not allowed, and it is not an accessible trail. The steepest stretch comes at about 10 miles into the loop, where the grade reaches 16 percent. For timing, September is the most comfortable month, with typical highs around 77°F and lows near 52°F, based on averages from a nearby weather station in New Lexington. October is similar, with typical highs in the mid-60s. Several other routes lie close by. Nct Athens West starts about 0.4 miles away, and Stone Church Shortcut is about 1.2 miles off. Stone Church Horse Campground, about 2.4 miles away, offers a place to camp, and Monday Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 6.4 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Stone Church Main Loop

    Best months: April and 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

      37° / 18°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      40° / 20°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      51° / 27°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      64° / 36°

      12 wet

    5. May

      73° / 47°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 56°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 61°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 59°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 52°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 40°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 30°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 24°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at New Lexington 2 Nw, OH, 8.9 mi away at 877 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.