The gnomes are once again hiding at one of their favorite spots - the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. There are multiple family friendly trail options including a new Wetland Trail with a 200’ boardwalk across part of a pond that just opened this year! There are multiple trail length options ranging from less than a mile to 2 miles. Trail types range from the wetlands trail, paved handicap accessible trail, grass trail near the river, and an upland trail winding through the woods. Along the trail you’re bound to see all kinds of local wildlife and flora. Be sure to keep an eye out for gnomes as well! Once you find the gnomes be sure to return to the start of the trail for some fun kids prizes. The hike is self-guided, but leaders will be on-site to provide information and trail maps. Trails are considered on the easy side but be sure to bring good walking or hiking shoes, water, and bug spray.

Also at this location is the headquarters for the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. Multiple exhibits are located inside including mussels, local fish, and information about the river and islands the wildlife refuge supports.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders.

Our brand-new RTA Warrior Course blends the thrill of a classic ninja obstacle run with the excitement of a mini bicycle challenge. Riders can pedal through winding paths, navigate gentle ramps, and test their balance before hopping off to tackle tunnels, stepping stones, and other ninja‑style obstacles. Kiddos can ride and run at their own pace or race the clock for an extra burst of excitement!

The course is perfect for building confidence, coordination, and big festival‑day smiles. Great for all skill levels—whether your child is a fearless ninja, a budding cyclist, or both. Parents can accompany young adventurers along the course; older kiddos can tackle it solo!

FIND THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK

Grab your toddlers for a loop or two around Muskingum Park and HQ. This is the perfect distance for kiddos still on 3-4 wheels (tricycles or bikes with training wheels) or those perfecting their Strider technique. Full loop is .57 miles; take the tots around as many times as they like while staying close to HQ (and snacks and benches).

Back by popular demand, 2026 marks the return of the kids’ trail run! Join us Friday, August 7th at Broughton Nature Park.

Kids ages 5-8 can participate with an adult; 9 and up can join the group on their own (parents must sign waiver for each child participating). This will be a low-key, 1.5 - 2 mile run on mostly single-track dirt trails. Trail shoes aren’t necessary, but a solid pair of running sneakers/tennis shoes are best. No crocks, slides, flip flops, etc.

Consider slathering the kiddos with bug spray and sending them with a small water bottle (or having one on hand for afterward).

VIEW THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK!

Gnomes have returned to the Broughton Nature Park and you get the opportunity to hike the trail and see if you can find them all! Gnomes will be along the blue trail which follows a creek bed giving participants opportunities for rock jumping, seeing creek wildlife, and the different trees and flora along the trail.

While there, particpants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the new owners of the park: The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District who can share more info about the 20+ miles of trail system, disc golf course, picnic areas, and much more the park has to offer.

Note: The trail is relatively flat but follows a creek bed and can be muddy so participants should plan to wear appropriate foot wear, bug spray, and water.

Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with event leaders at GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter.

In partnership with B&W GRO, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), & the Beverly Library the Gnomes of the Rivers, Trails, & Ales Festival are returning to Beverly Island giving participants a chance to attempt to find all of the different gnomes along the trails of the island. ODNR will be participating again this year providing a lock demonstration at 10:30 AM.

New for this year ODNR will also have a “Who’s Egg” activity and examples of different furs and skulls of local critters to the island. The Beverly Library will also be on the island reading stories and providing an activity/craft. The library summer reading program will be in full swing and the theme is DINOSAURS! Keep an eye out while on the island! Once you find all the gnomes be sure to return to the registration area for fun kids prizes. Also, you won’t want to miss out on a history talk with a historian following the lock demo near the event sign in canopy providing some history of the island and surrounding area.

Trails are relatively flat with a few hills and considered on the easy side but please be sure to bring good walking or hiking shoes, water, and bug spray. The event is from 9 AM-12 PM (cleanup begins at 12 PM so please come earlier if you want to participate in the gnome hike). Please check in with event leaders when you arrive who can assist with any questions you may have.

RTA is excited to partner again with B&W GRO & ODNR to provide an opportunity to explore the trail system on Beverly Island located in Beverly, Ohio. Trails are rated mostly easy and relatively flat with a few hills and beautiful views of the Muskingum River. ODNR will be providing a lock demonstration at 10:30 AM along with having some exhibits of furs and skulls of local wildlife. Hikes are self guided but maps will be made available and event leaders will be able to assist with questions. The event is from 9 AM-12 PM but please check in with event leaders prior to starting your adventure on the island! Also, you won’t want to miss out on a history talk with a historian following the lock demo near the event sign in canopy providing some history of the island and surrounding area.

Going on at the same time is the Gnome Adventure Hike on the island where gnomes will be around the island and participants have the opportunity to try and find them all. Feel free to join!

Join an Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge Park Ranger on a guided hike to explore the beautiful trails the refuge has to offer. The refuge is home to many types of birds, wildlife, and flora. And as an extra bonus a new wetlands trail was opened this year that you’ll get to explore which includes a 200’ boardwalk across part of a pond.

After you complete the hike be sure to check out the visitors center that has a mussel tank, local fish exhibits, and other information about the river and islands the wildlife refuge maintains. Trails are considered on the easy side but be sure to bring good walking or hiking shoes, water, and bug spray. Rangers will be available to ask questions.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in as the guided hike will leave the visitors center area at approximately 9AM.

Grab your toddlers for a loop or two around Muskingum Park and HQ. This is the perfect distance for kiddos still on 3-4 wheels (tricycles or bikes with training wheels) or those perfecting their Strider technique. Full loop is .57 miles; take the tots around as many times as they like while staying close to HQ (and snacks and benches).

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!

Our brand-new RTA Warrior Course blends the thrill of a classic ninja obstacle run with the excitement of a mini bicycle challenge. Riders can pedal through winding paths, navigate gentle ramps, and test their balance before hopping off to tackle tunnels, stepping stones, and other ninja‑style obstacles. Kiddos can ride and run at their own pace or race the clock for an extra burst of excitement!

The course is perfect for building confidence, coordination, and big festival‑day smiles. Great for all skill levels—whether your child is a fearless ninja, a budding cyclist, or both. Parents can accompany young adventurers along the course; older kiddos can tackle it solo!

VIEW THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK

Saturday @ 11 AM–2 PM—RTA Warrior Course (near RTA Headquarters)

Saturday @ 3 PM–7 PM at the Adventure Expo

Activities, crafts, and games for the littles! Let the kids take a break from biking and hiking, and head over to the Fun Zone for some low-key games, crafts, and kid-friendly activities. Find us near the RTA Warrior Course during the day, and visit us again at the Adventure Expo from 3 PM–7 PM.

Gnomes have returned to the Broughton Nature Park and you get the opportunity to hike the trail and see if you can find them all! Gnomes will be along the blue trail which follows a creek bed giving participants opportunities for rock jumping, seeing creek wildlife, and the different trees and flora along the trail.

While there, particpants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the new owners of the park: The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District who can share more info about the 20+ miles of trail system, disc golf course, picnic areas, and much more the park has to offer.

Note: The trail is relatively flat but follows a creek bed and can be muddy so participants should plan to wear appropriate foot wear, bug spray, and water.

Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with event leaders at GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter.

Meet behind the stage on the river trail! The Family Fun Ride departs from Festival HQ. The ride is a classic out-and-back, approximately 4 miles on the paved double-lane bike path river trail. This ride is suitable for kids on two wheels who can navigate a few small hills along the way. Less experienced riders (toddlers with training wheels, tricycles, or Striders) may be better suited for the Tots and Trikes Mini Trail Ride (starting Friday at 10 AM).

Meet at HQ at 2 PM with your bikes and helmets!

Check out the RTA Adventure Expo to learn more about local clubs, recreation areas, national forests, community activities, and more!

Send the kiddos over to Angela for her "fun, fast, and fabulous face painting!" FREE for kids during the beer fest/adventure expo, we're excited to have Angela's Misfits add some color and sparkle to this year's festival! If you're interested in booking your own event, email angelasmisfits@yahoo.com

Our brand-new RTA Warrior Course blends the thrill of a classic ninja obstacle run with the excitement of a mini bicycle challenge. Riders can pedal through winding paths, navigate gentle ramps, and test their balance before hopping off to tackle tunnels, stepping stones, and other ninja‑style obstacles. Kiddos can ride and run at their own pace or race the clock for an extra burst of excitement!

The course is perfect for building confidence, coordination, and big festival‑day smiles. Great for all skill levels—whether your child is a fearless ninja, a budding cyclist, or both. Parents can accompany young adventurers along the course; older kiddos can tackle it solo!

VIEW THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK

Grab your toddlers for a loop or two around Muskingum Park and HQ. This is the perfect distance for kiddos still on 3-4 wheels (tricycles or bikes with training wheels) or those perfecting their Strider technique. Full loop is .57 miles; take the tots around as many times as they like while staying close to HQ (and snacks and benches).

The gnomes are once again hiding at one of their favorite spots - the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. There are multiple family friendly trail options including a new Wetland Trail with a 200’ boardwalk across part of a pond that just opened this year! There are multiple trail length options ranging from less than a mile to 2 miles. Trail types range from the wetlands trail, paved handicap accessible trail, grass trail near the river, and an upland trail winding through the woods. Along the trail you’re bound to see all kinds of local wildlife and flora. Be sure to keep an eye out for gnomes as well! Once you find the gnomes be sure to return to the start of the trail for some fun kids prizes. The hike is self-guided, but leaders will be on-site to provide information and trail maps. Trails are considered on the easy side but be sure to bring good walking or hiking shoes, water, and bug spray.

Also at this location is the headquarters for the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. Multiple exhibits are located inside including mussels, local fish, and information about the river and islands the wildlife refuge supports.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders.

📍3982 Waverly Rd. Williamstown, WV