The Baileys Trail System Project

The Baileys Trail System is managed by the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia in partnership with the Wayne National Forest.

When complete, the Baileys Trail System will feature trails tailored to beginner through expert mountain bikers and loops that provide incredible hikes and trail runs through an actively restored forest to classic Appalachian foothill vistas. This system currently has direct community connections to Chauncey and Doanville, and future connections are planned to Nelsonville and Buchtel.

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Our Mission

The mission of the Baileys Trail System is to integrate conservation, outdoor recreation and economic development in a way that strengthens and inspires communities in Southeast Ohio.

The Baileys History

The roots of the Baileys Trail System dates back to 1993 when a group of recreation stakeholders recommended a 16 mile “Bailey Run” mountain bike trail to the Wayne National Forest. The idea was never fully formed and resurfaced sporadically over the years, until it finally gained steam and grew drastically in size in January 2016.

In May 2017, the first version of the Baileys Trail System Master Plan was released; in November 2017, the Baileys was selected as the first National Forest outdoor recreation conservation finance pilot project; and in December 2017, the Wayne National Forest approved the development of an 88-mile single-track trail system for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers of all skill levels.

In May 2019, the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA) council of governments was formed to utilize outdoor recreation assets to deliver economic, health, social, environmental, and quality of life benefits to Ohioans, and develop the world-class Baileys Trail System across jurisdictional boundaries.

Project Leaders

  • Jessie Powers, Executive Director, Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA)

  • Jason Reed, Athens District Ranger, Wayne National Forest

  • Dawn McCarthy, Operations Staff Officer, Wayne National Forest

  • Peter Kotses, Lead Community Liaison and Fundraiser

  • Danny Twilley, Assistant Dean of Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), West Virginia University

  • Seth Brown, Quantified Ventures

  • Kari Boyle, Athens City-County Health Department

  • Susan Urano, Athens County Foundation

  • Debbie Phillips, Rural Action

  • Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens

  • Amy Renner, Mayor of Chauncey

  • Jasmine Facun, Baileys Trail System Program Assistant, Rural Action

A Regional Source of Connection

The Baileys Trail System

Our Sponsors

Our Partners