This Roadside Spot in Ohio Is a Local Favorite—Here’s Why

No matter where you're at in the Buckeye State, you're bound to hear stories of Ohio's haunted history. Sure, most of the stories are mere legends, but there's truth to every passed-down story. In fact, digging for the truth in legends is exactly how archaeologists found Troy. If you find yourself near Athens, Ohio, you just might hear stories of the hauntings in The Ridges. While this may sound like a chilling tale, today, it's a mixed-use facility that locals absolutely love for its gorgeous hiking trails. Lace up your boots now, because hiking and history alike beckon.

What Are The Ridges?

The hiking trails at The Ridges are known as the Outdoor Museum, and they create an absolutely immersive learning experience. Connecting to points of interest across the region, they provide a pathway to inspiration and innovation. But, perhaps more personally, these trails provide hikers with a direct path to history.

The History of The Ridges

Once upon a time, The Ridges was a site known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum. While many asylums of yore came with whispers of abuse and mistreatment, things were surprisingly different in pre-1870s Ohio. The Kirkbride Plan gained steam here, and this school of thought was based on a philosophy of moral treatment. Sunlight and air circulation were necessary for the rehabilitation of mentally ill individuals, Dr. Kirkbride asserted, and advocates and reformers were happy to bring this vision to life.

At our local asylum, the Healing Landscape was implemented, including an orchard, ponds, a greenhouse, and a garden. Spanning some 60 acres, this lovely landscape provided an almost spiritual retreat for patients and workers. Of course, the school of thought in terms of treatment for mental illness continued to evolve, and so, too, did the grounds. As research-based modern medicine came into play, the grounds evolved to host a number of cottages, a more homey approach for patients. In the 1940s, a new name was assigned to the site: Athens State Hospital.

The evolution of modern medicine didn't stop there! In the 1950s, the first psychotropic drugs were introduced as a treatment for mental illness, and the population at Athens State Hospital began declining. By 1985, the massive facility's population had dwindled down to about 200 residents. At this point, out-patient care and residential neighborhood group homes were gaining preference in the medical community, so stewardship of the facility was transferred to Ohio University as the last remaining patients were eventually moved to Southeast Psychiatric Hospital, now known as Appalachian Behavioral Health Care. A community contest gave the site a name again, and The Ridges stuck.

It's a decent story at first glance, but you might consider going back to and dwelling on this statement: things were surprisingly different in pre-1870s Ohio. While the asylum found its footing in humane care, things did reach an unfortunate new rhythm as time continued. Between an increased population that made individual care challenging and the adoption of new, ahem, treatments, life was not always flowers and sunshine at the hospital. Lobotomies, ice baths, and electroshock therapy were eventually practiced here, and patients died, likely both as a result of natural death and some of the more experimental procedures. They were buried on-site, and those three cemeteries can still be viewed by hikers to this day.

What to Expect When Visiting The Ridges

Today, some continue to insist that the old asylum is haunted. From shadowy figures to the ghost of Margaret Shilling, many stories surround The Ridges. If they're true, these poor earthbound spirits are the souls of people just like us who were isolated and likely suffering, so it's best to continue to respect the history and legacy of the site when you visit. Remember that the old buildings on the property are owned and managed by Ohio University and are not open to the general public.

The Loop Trail at The Ridges

The best way to experience this spot is via The Ridges Loop Trail, a three-mile trail that's open year-round. Check out the trail map on AllTrails Plus. It takes visitors past several points of interest, including all three cemeteries. As you walk around the property, the Healing Landscape really comes to life. It's still beautiful to this day, and though there's a bit of elevation gain along the route, it's a fairly easy way to embrace local history.

This 700-acre property is an absolutely dazzling attraction, and it's plain to see why locals and out-of-towners alike adore it. With gorgeous views and a unique dose of area history, The Ridges are doubtlessly one of Athens' finest offerings.

Other Abandoned Attractions in Ohio

The Ridges isn't the only local landscape to house an old former hospital! The Lima Tuberculosis Hospital is another fascinating abandoned site. Though it's not open to visitors, photos of this long-abandoned site bring its history to life in a fascinating way.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.