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.

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.

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).

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.

#RTAFest Friday and Saturday group rides will take place on the Marietta City Trail System, 30+ miles of quality single track trails ready for action!

The trail system is accessible from downtown, making it easy to head back for a burger and brew after your ride.

This is the kick-off ride for intermediate to advanced skills (13-30 miles). New riders should consider the Saturday 9am Skills Clinic.

*Rides may start as one ride. Ride leaders will provide route information.

All rides are unsupported. Bring your own water, gear, flat repair kit, etc.

There will be several ride leaders but the group may become spread out.

Group rides are free, but please register at the festival HQ prior to departure. Pick up a Marietta City Trail map when you register and if you leave early from the ride please let someone on the ride know and/or check in at festival HQ.

Download the MTB Project app for access to the full maps of the Marietta City Trail System.
https://www.mtbproject.com/

Or check out the Marietta City Trail System on this map (the trail system has since expanded off the map. Check with Marietta Adventure Company with any questions):
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/.../Marietta%20City...

Mountain bike rentals are available from Marietta Adventure Company.

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.

Meet at the gravel lot just off of Mill Creek Road in Marietta. There are a couple of ways to get here so just put 100 Mill Creek Road, Marietta OH 45750 in your GPS.

This is a night ride, meaning BRING LIGHTS! Helmets also required for all rides.

Group rides are free to participate in. All rides are unsupported. Bring your own water, gear, flat repair kit, etc. There will be several ride leaders but the group may become spread out. Check in with the ride leaders before you depart, and if you leave early from the ride, please let someone on the ride know.

Download the MTB Project app for access to the full maps of the Marietta City Trail System.

https://www.mtbproject.com/

*Mountain bike rentals are available from Marietta Adventure Company

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!

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!

The epic gravel ride returns! 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.

Ride will depart at 10:00 a.m. with other MTB rides from the RTA HQ.

Base equipment:
- No tires smaller than 32c.
- Gravel and cyclocross bikes are preferred, but hard tail mountain bikes will also work.
- There will be moderate climbing with one loose and chunky descent (capable of shaking bottles out of their cages).
- Riders are encouraged to bring the normal set of tubes, plugs, CO2s, and other gear that one might need on an unassisted ride.

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.

Group rides are free but all riders must register at the #RTAFest HQ prior to the start of the ride. Group rides have several ride leaders but are unsupported. Please bring all water, food, and repair items that you may need.

All group rides leave the #RTAFest HQ in Marietta Ohio. If you prefer to head out on your own, stop by to pick up a free map and route directions.

Road Rides:

-15 miles mostly flat: River rd to Rainbow rd and back
***616 feet of climbing. Pleasant, easy ride.

-24 miles and hilly: Huck Road/River rd west side loop
***1217 feet of climbing. Huck road is the main set of hills on this route. Other than that it is rolling.

-34 miles and rolling hills: Churchtown/Lowell Hill/River rd loop
***1865 feet of climbing. For a less strenuous start, Pearl street is a possible route change. Talk to ride leader before doing this.

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!

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.

Paddling, hiking and island living right here in the MOV! Join us for our joint Rivers and Trails event as we explore Buckley Island! New for this year the RTA Festival has partnered with Appalachian Understories to provide a historical water and trail tour opportunity to explore the natural and cultural history of the Mid-Ohio Valley while paddling to one of the region’s most mysterious and historically significant islands. Through stories of early America, Appalachian heritage, wildlife, and the Ohio River’s role as a “Gateway to America”, participants will experience the layered history and enduring sense of place that define our region as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This program is in part funded by the National Endowment of the Humanities as part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Arrive as early as 8:00 AM with a group launch scheduled for 9:00 AM.

“Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.”

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).

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!

43 mile route: SR821 to Germantown to Dalzell to Stanleyville and back on SR26 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27734851).

Group rides are free, but all riders must register at the festival grounds prior to the start of the ride. Group rides have several ride leaders but are unsupported. Please bring all water, food, and repair items that you may need.

All group rides leave the festival HQ in Marietta Ohio. If you prefer to head out on your own, stop by to pick up a free queue sheet for route directions.

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