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ForestMatters, LLC

Sunday Creek Trail

Wayne National Forest, Ohio · 3 min read

Distance
4.2 mi
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Sunday Creek corridor through oak-hickory forest in the Athens Unit
  • Easy flat terrain with consistent creek access for fishing
  • Good wildlife viewing for white-tailed deer and wild turkey
  • Accessible for most fitness levels including beginners
  • Quiet forest away from the more visited parts of the forest

Overview

The Sunday Creek Trail offers a gentle walk along one of the quieter creek corridors in the Athens Unit of Wayne National Forest. The 4.2-mile out-and-back follows Sunday Creek through second-growth oak-hickory forest, staying close to the water throughout and providing consistent access for fishing and wildlife watching. This is one of the easiest trails in the forest, with minimal elevation change and a well-maintained path.

No permit is required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Creek corridor opening. The trail follows the creek east from the trailhead, staying within a few hundred feet of the water. Mixed hardwoods, mostly red and chestnut oak, hickory, and red maple, form the canopy. The forest floor is open and the trail is easy to follow. White-tailed deer are commonly seen in the early morning along this section.

Miles 1.0 to 2.1: Mid-section and turnaround. The creek bends through a series of gentle meanders with small gravel bars accessible from the trail. Wild turkeys are frequently heard in the upland forest flanking the creek corridor. The trail ends where the national forest boundary meets private land; the turnaround is well-marked.

Retrace the route back to the trailhead.

When to Hike

April through June is best for wildflowers along the creek banks and for spring fishing. The creek runs highest in April.

September and October offer excellent conditions: cool temperatures, fall color, and good fishing in lower water.

Winter: The flat terrain makes this accessible for casual winter walks when snowfall is modest.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Creek water should be treated before drinking. Waterproof footwear is recommended after rain. Fishing gear is worth bringing; this is one of the better bank fishing trails in the forest.

Trailhead Access

From Nelsonville, take US-33 east to County Road 7, then head south to the roadside pull-off. The drive is about 15 minutes from Nelsonville. Cell service is limited.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is April through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Wayne National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Lamping Homestead Trail is the wildflower destination in the same Athens Unit. The North Country Trail: Archers Fork Loop provides a harder alternative with more geological interest. Follow Leave No Trace principles along the creek corridor.

Trailhead Parking

Pull-off on County Road 7, east of Nelsonville. Gravel parking for 6-8 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Wayne National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sunday Creek Trail good for fishing?
Sunday Creek holds smallmouth bass and bluegill in the deeper pools, and is stocked periodically with rainbow trout. An Ohio fishing license is required (as of 2026). The flat terrain along the trail provides good bank fishing access throughout. Best fishing is typically April through June and again in September and October.
How long is the Sunday Creek Trail hike?
The Sunday Creek Trail is a 4.2-mile out-and-back (2.1 miles each way), typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. The nearly flat terrain makes this one of the faster hikes in the forest by pace. Those who want to fish or watch wildlife along the creek often spend 3 to 4 hours total.
When does Sunday Creek Trail flood?
Sunday Creek can flood after significant rain events, particularly in March and April during peak runoff. The trail sits near the creek and can be muddy or partially submerged after storms. Plan to visit during dry periods in spring or during summer and fall when rainfall is less intense. Check creek levels if rain has fallen in the past 24 hours.