There will be 60+ events over 3 1/2 days!
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors with this beginner friendly self-led hike for adults and children. While out on the trail, you will have the opportunity to see different local flora, wildlife, and small gnomes that like having their picture taken with the kiddos. See if you can find them all!
The MOV'n Dragons of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Marietta's dragon boat team, will be offering an opportunity for the public to view the dragon boat during the RTA Festival. Enjoy an exhibition of one of the world's oldest sports at the Broughton Boathouse, 814 Gilman Avenue, Marietta. Witness the MOV'n Dragons as they display their boat and demonstrate the ancient art of Dragon Boating. Those interested in learning about Dragon boating can watch from the shoreline or from their own canoe or kayak.
A dragon boat is 40 feet long and can hold 20 paddlers sitting in pairs. A drummer sits in front, and a steersperson is in the back keeping the boat on course.
Dragon Boating originated in China more than 2000 years ago and today is a popular sport worldwide. The MOV'n Dragons have been boating on the Muskingum River for the past 16 years and honor the memory of their founder, Gretchen Feldmaier. We welcome all women over the age of 18 to join us in "Awakening the Dragon within us".
Head out for a trail run on the Marietta City Trails! Meet at the festival HQ to sign up and then head out for a 10:00 a.m. departure.
Wind down the festival with this group recovery ride on the Marietta City Trail Systems' 30+ miles of quality single track trails! The ride will be 1-25 miles depending on the group feel.
Washington County boasts some of the most scenic road riding in the state! Cruise out and enjoy scenic farms, hilly wooded landscapes, and nicely paved roads.
The Memorial Health System presents Tai Chi Qi Gong (Tai Chi Easy) for this year's RTA Fest. Instructor Debbie will lead a a FREE class that uses simplified Tai Chi based on the four recognized styles of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi can improve quality of life for all individuals, whether well or unwell, including those dealing with:
- Chronic pain and health conditions
- Limited mobility
- Anxiety or depression
- Deficient immune systems
Explore Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area/The Broughton Foundation with a hike leader on this 1 to 4 mile hike.
8:30am arrival 9:00 departure
Paddling, Hiking, and Island living right here in the MOV! Join us for our first ever joint Rivers and Trails event as we explore Buckley Island! What was once a crossing on the Underground Railroad, a farm and even an amusement park is now home to one of the newest events of the RTA Fest.
Learn about the history and wildlife of the Island while exploring one of the most mysterious sites in the the Mid-Ohio Valley and becoming a part of it's rich history.
3982 Waverly Road, Williamstown, WV
Teams are eliminated if the Tortoise puts their foot down or leaves the Tortoise box. Time is restricted to a maximum on 3 minutes. If teams make it to 3 minutes than those with the most laps wins!
This is the perfect time to stop by the festival HQ and find out more about local bike clubs, recreation areas, national forests, activities, and so much more!
At the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival, we think that a great reward for riding, hiking or paddling all weekend long is a delicious beverage from awesome Ohio breweries and meaderies! Again this year we are hosting an outdoor beer festival in East Muskingum Park. Take in the sights of the beautiful riverfront park as you enjoy locally crafted beer and mead.
Meet at the festival HQ at 2 p.m. with your bikes and helmets. Fun, free, and all ages welcome!
Join Specialized Bicycles and Marietta Adventure Company at Festival Headquarters for an informal presentation and discussion on bikepacking!
Learn about bike bags, packing your gear, riding tips, and how to plan overnight off-road adventures by bike!
New for 2023... If you've ever wanted to test your skills as an agile hare or slow and steady tortoise, now is your chance!
Kids and adults alike can try their hand at the Tortoise and Hare World Championship course before watching the event unfold live on Saturday night!
Bring the kids and their bikes to the festival HQ for a free bike safety check, a bike obstacle course, and some fun games! No matter your age, be ready for a good time!
#RTAFest Friday and Saturday group rides will take place on the Marietta City Trail System, a 30+ miles of quality single track trails ready for action!
Washington County boasts some of the most scenic road riding in the state! Cruise out and enjoy scenic farms, hilly wooded landscapes, and nicely paved roads.
Join us for our first ever gravel ride! Come explore our many beautiful back country roads. You never know what you may come across, but you can be guaranteed some of the most amazing views you'll ever see.
Join other casual cyclists on a historic bike tour around downtown city streets including Harmar Village. 5+ miles with lots of stops.
Stop by HQ to learn about local high school rowing and see how far you can row in a 30 second challenge.
Awards will be provided across different age brackets!
The Memorial Health System presents Tai Chi Qi Gong (Tai Chi Easy) for this year's RTA Fest. Instructor Debbie will lead a a FREE class that uses simplified Tai Chi based on the four recognized styles of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi can improve quality of life for all individuals, whether well or unwell, including those dealing with:
- Chronic pain and health conditions
- Limited mobility
- Anxiety or depression
- Deficient immune systems
Come hit the bike path on a custom roll: Adventure or City Bike!
Roll: Bicycle Company, based in Columbus Ohio, is one of Marietta Adventure Company’s latest additions.
Local National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) team, River Cities Singletrack Serpents, coaches will conduct a skills clinic based on the NICA "On The Bike 101" training program.
Event will also include helmet adjustment guidelines, bike safety check, and a short ride on the Marietta River Trail.
AGES 10 - 110!
***ATTENTION -> NEW LAUNCH LOCATION***
8:30am arrival, 9:00 departure
The Muskingum may be mighty, but her water is not particularly quick. Be ready for a steady paddle throughout the trip. Beer Fest awaits at the end of your journey!
Paddle one of Ohio's largest rivers and experience the thrill of locking thru the only hand operated lock system left in the world.
* Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
* This paddle is unsupported.
* No transportation is provided.
Volunteers will be out paddling on the river, but this paddle is at your own pace. You may paddle in groups or on your own.
This event is a great chance to see the historic Muskingum Lock and Dam System which is the only remaining hand-operated lock system in our country! The Muskingum River Parkway and its 160-year-old navigation system were designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Starting Location: Boat ramp and shelter house on a property with a large mowed field on Muskingum River Road approximately 18 minutes from Festival Headquarters and halfway between the Lowell and Devol's Dam Locks (5010 Muskingum River Rd. Lowell, OH 45744)
Thirsty? Check out the new dock at the House of Wines where refreshments will be available for purchase! Located river left, about a mile past Devol’s Dam!
Bathrooms located at Devol’s Dam (mile 5) and Indian Acres Boat ramp (mile 9).
Explore Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area/The Broughton Foundation with a hike leader on this 1 to 4 mile hike.
Join Natalie of Rx: Yoga for an all levels yoga class focusing on injury prevention for this weekend of hiking, biking, and paddling!
This is a night ride, meaning BRING LIGHTS! Helmets also required for all rides.
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors with this beginner friendly self-led hike for adults and children. While out on the trail, you will have the opportunity to see different local flora, wildlife, and small gnomes that like having their picture taken with the kiddos. See if you can find them all!
2-3 miles of single-track trails starting at the Rudolph side of the Broughton Wildlife and Nature led by our local youth running club coach and volunteers.
Appropriate for kids ages 5-8 with a parent/guardian to run with them. Kids ages 9 and up may attend on their own and will stay with the group.
Meet up at the Mill Creek trailhead off Colegate Drive.
Meet at the festival HQ at 2 p.m. with your bikes and helmets. Fun, free, and all ages welcome!
