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

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 9:30 a.m. departure. This will be ~ 3-5 mile run supported by our local Marietta Trail Runners group.

Free to participate!

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!

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Come explore the beautiful Broughton Nature Park on a hike led by stewards of the park. While hiking through some of the scenic trails you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about the park which consists of over 20 miles of scenic trails, a disc golf course, picnic areas, scenic areas, and much more! You’ll also get to learn more about the new owners of the park: The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

Hikes will on average last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Participants are urged to wear comfortable footwear or hiking shoes/boots, carry drinking water, bug spray, and be prepared for the physical challenges posed by hiking on uneven trails and elevation changes.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders. Meet at the GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter.

An RTA tradition sponsored by the River Valley Mountain Bike Association !

Two-person teams on bicycles face off! One team member travels as fast as possible while the other travels as slow as possible. The "turtle" on each team is restricted to a small area and once started, cannot put their feet on the ground. The "hare" will simultaneously race around a short circle track with obstacles while riding a children's bike!

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!

WORLD championship starts immediately following the bike parade.

Stop by the festival HQ to sign up --- Space is limited!

Trophy goes to the World Champions.

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

The Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival marks its sixteenth year in 2026. The Ales side of RTA is an ever-growing part of the festival’s overall interest. As this segment continues to grow, we are once again hosting Marietta, OH’s largest beer fest! VIPs have an exclusive hour entering at 3:00pm, General admission enters at 4:00pm.

This year’s beer fest will be open to 500 attendees and lots of great beer! Participants can look forward to beer from the following breweries from around our part of the state (breweries subject to change without notice):

• 77 Brew House

• Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery

• Brewery 33

• Devil’s Kettle

• Dutch Creek Winery & Taphouse

• Guernsey Brewhouse

• Happy Hollow

• Old Bridge

• Rice Family

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

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.

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.

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 9:30 a.m. departure. This will be ~ 3-5 mile run supported by our local Marietta Trail Runners group.

Free to participate!

Join Natalie for an all-levels yoga class focusing on injury prevention for this weekend of hiking, biking, and paddling! This class will be a fantastic warm up for the weekend. Postures will help to improve flexibility and identify strength imbalances in the low back and leg muscles as well as open up the chest wall and shoulders.

- Please bring your own mat and a beach towel (for the morning dew).
- All RTA Yoga events are FREE

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.

Come explore the beautiful Broughton Nature Park on a hike led by stewards of the park. While hiking through some of the scenic trails you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about the park which consists of over 20 miles of scenic trails, a disc golf course, picnic areas, scenic areas, and much more! You’ll also get to learn more about the new owners of the park: The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

Hikes will on average last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Participants are urged to wear comfortable footwear or hiking shoes/boots, carry drinking water, bug spray, and be prepared for the physical challenges posed by hiking on uneven trails and elevation changes.

Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with hike leaders. Meet at the GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter.

Join us for an unforgettable guided walking adventure through Ohio’s very first settlement. As you stroll the charming streets of Marietta, you’ll uncover the rich, fascinating stories that built Marietta. Historic homes, monuments, iconic churches, are just some of the locations you’ll get to see and listen about. This is your chance to walk where Ohio’s earliest pioneers walked.

Meet at the festival headquarters in Muskingum Park and plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in with event leaders. Please plan for a 2 to 3 mile walk. Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Join Erin for a relaxing morning session of yoga by the river.

- Please bring your own mat and a beach towel (for the morning dew).
- All RTA Yoga events are FREE

The Galley will host Thursday’s RTA Kick-Off Party where attendees can select exclusive beers from Jackie O’s (Athens).

Meanwhile, The Galley will also kick off a Toppling Goliath (Decorah, IA) tap takeover running throughout the entire RTA Fest.

RTA Festival merchandise will also be available to purchase!

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 from .1 miles to 2 miles. A small paved trail that is handicap accessible and is also perfect for small children or those just looking for a quick leisure stroll. An upland trail taking you through some elevation and winding trails through the woods. And a trail near the river that snakes through different local flora. Or combine all the trails for close to 2 miles of fun. Along these trails you're bound to see all kinds of local wildlife flora. Be sure to keep an eye out for gnomes as well! The hike is self-guided, but leaders will be on-site to provide information and trail maps are on-site and trails are marked.

Also at this location is the headquarters for the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge. Multiple exhibits are located inside including mussels, local fish, birdlife, and flora. Refugee HQ hours are M-Sat 8:00am - 4:30pm (note the refuge will not be open to visitors for the Sunday @ 1PM hike only the trails will be available).

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

📍3982 Waverly Rd. Williamstown, WV

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 9:30 a.m. departure. This will be ~ 3-5 mile run supported by our local Marietta Trail Runners group.

Free to participate!

Explore Broughton's Nature & Wildlife Education Area with a hike leader on a 3 to 4.5 mile hike. Hikers will have the option of exploring the Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area or the new Rudolph Family Park trails on each day as well as learn about other uses and recreation opportunities on these properties.

Depending on the length, hikes will last 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Participants are urged to wear comfortable footwear or hiking shoes/boots, carry drinking water, and be prepared for the physical challenges posed by hiking on uneven trails and elevation changes.

As an added bonus, hikers may bring their own leashed well-behaved dogs as well to enjoy this beautiful hike.

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

Meet up at the GWB Complex #1 picnic shelter (639 SR 821).

An RTA tradition sponsored by the River Valley Mountain Bike Association !

Two-person teams on bicycles face off! One team member travels as fast as possible while the other travels as slow as possible. The "turtle" on each team is restricted to a small area and once started, cannot put their feet on the ground. The "hare" will simultaneously race around a short circle track with obstacles while riding a children's bike!

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!

WORLD championship starts immediately following the bike parade.

Stop by the festival HQ to sign up --- Space is limited!

Trophy goes to the World Champions.

Made possible by Lang Financial - New this year! 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

The Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival marks its fifteenth year in 2025. The Ales side of RTA is an ever-growing part of the festival’s overall interest. As this segment continues to grow, we are once again hosting Marietta, OH’s largest beer fest!

This year’s beer fest will be open to 500 attendees and lots of great beer! Participants can look forward to beer from the following breweries from around our part of the state (breweries subject to change without notice):

77 Brew House
Devil’s Kettle
Dutch Creek Winery
Guernsey Brewhouse
Happy Hollow
Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery
Double Edge
Old Bridge
Rice Family

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

Participating groups will include:

- Friends of the Ohio River Islands
- Humane Society of the Ohio Valley
- Memorial Health System
- Marietta Main Street
- Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Qdoba Mexican Eats
- Marietta Trail Sisters
- Washington County Health Department
- Wayne National Forest
- And more!

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!

New this year! From the amazing folks at Barbells and Mommas, this is a fun, no-equipment workout for kids of all ages, designed to help them move like their strong, superhero moms! Through playful exercises, teamwork, and imagination, kids will build strength, coordination, and confidence - all while having a blast!

📍North of Festival HQ between the Start Westward Monument and the Gazebo in Muskingum Park.

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 9:30 a.m. departure. This will be ~ 3-5 mile run supported by our local Marietta Trail Runners group.

Free to participate!

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!

Join Natalie for an all-levels yoga class focusing on injury prevention for this weekend of hiking, biking, and paddling! This class will be a fantastic warm up for the weekend. Postures will help to improve flexibility and identify strength imbalances in the low back and leg muscles as well as open up the chest wall and shoulders.

- Please bring your own mat and a beach towel (for the morning dew).
- All RTA Yoga events are FREE