2019 Appalachian Byway

Corridor Management Plan (CMP)

Ohio Department of Transportation

Submitted May 20, 2019 - Revised August 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page #

I. INTRODUCTION 1

A. Designation Summary

B. Byway Route Map

II. BYWAY STRATEGIC PLAN 2

A. Vision, Mission and Beliefs

B. Accomplishments since last CMP

C. Goals and Objectives

D. Action Plan Priorities, Responsibilities, Timeline

III. BYWAY ORGANIZATION 5

A. Structure and Organization

B. Committees, Representatives, Partners, Stakeholders

C. Leaders’ Contact Information

D. Level of Participation in State/Regional Meetings and Trainings

E. Byway Leadership Succession Plan

F. Current and Future (5 Year) Funding Needs

IV. BYWAY CORRIDOR CONDITIONS 8

A. Road Conditions Including Safety

B. Primary and Secondary Intrinsic Quality/Resources

C. Changes in Intrinsic Quality/Resources since last CMP

D. Accessibility to Intrinsic Quality/Resources

V. VISITOR EXPERIENCE 20

A. Interpretation since Designation

B. Byway Story

C. Future Interpretation

D. Plans for Improving Visitor Experience

E. Preservation

F. Sign Inventory

VI. MARKETING AND PROMOTION 23

A. Current and Future Planned Marketing Activities

B. Recommended Products or Attachments for Media and Public Relations

VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 26

A. Ongoing Communication & Cooperation with Community Partners

B. Public Meetings and Public Participation Opportunities

C. Steps Taken to Update Byway Mission and Vision

D. Narrative on Critical Issues and How They Will Be Addressed

VIII. APPENDIX 27

A. Sign Inventory (Excel Spreadsheet of GIS data)

B. Most Current Byway Map

C. Maps Identifying Primary Intrinsic Quality/Resource Locations

D. Seasonal Byway Photographs – 2 per season

E. Marketing Materials

1

I. INTRODUCTION AND MAP

A. Byway Introduction

The Appalachian Byway includes a four-county experience in the Southeast-Central Ohio Appalachian

region. It traverses scenic state route 78 from east to west from Clarington at the Ohio River to

Nelsonville. The byway also includes a portion of SR 284 north that leads to The Wilds in Cumberland

Ohio.

On the byway, guests experience the natural wonders found only in the Appalachian foothills. The route

winds through a region of Ohio rich in history, abundant in natural resources and outdoor recreation

and offers old-fashioned food, fairs and festivals. Experience the region’s natural and cultural heritage

assets as you enjoy works of the region’s artisans, musicians, museums and historic landmarks along the

journey. The Appalachian Byway is home to historic farms and orchards, country stores, three rivers, a

host of lakes and more! Enjoy your stay at one of many quaint bed and breakfasts or the state lodge.

The intrinsic qualities for the Appalachian Byway are scenic and historic with cultural and recreational as secondary qualities.

B. Byway Route Map

2

II. BYWAY STRATEGIC PLAN: VISION, MISSION, GOALS AND ACTIONS

Vision: The Appalachian Byway authentically represents and tells the compelling story of the Ohio

Appalachian region. All residents and visitors increase their appreciation of the region’s natural and

cultural resources.

Mission: Educate and promote, through a collaborative effort, the natural and cultural intrinsic qualities

of the Appalachian Byway corridor while identifying ways to enhance the Appalachian experience.

B. Recent Accomplishments

1. Developed the four-county effort including Athens, Monroe, Morgan and Noble, to expand and

rename and extend the Morgan County Byway to the Appalachian Byway.

2. Submitted a preliminary byway plan to the ODOT State Scenic Byway Coordinator for consideration by

the ODOT Scenic Byway Advisory Committee on March 12, 2019.

3. Morgan County CVB and OSU Tourism partners coordinated with ODOT to not spray along byway for

weeds during peak travel seasons.

4. Sent a byway representative to the Midwest Byway Conference in Richmond, Indiana.

5. Maintained signs and brochures printed for marketing purposes to enhance new partnerships during

the transition to Appalachian Byway while respecting the roles of the Morgan Co. Chamber of

Commerce and the Morgan CVB.

C. Goals, Objectives, Action Plan, Responsibilities, Timeline, and Funding

These are suggested goals that are over-arching and affect the Appalachian Byway as a whole.

1. Establish an active and sustainable byway organization that reflects the four counties.

2. Find ways to become one collaborative voice promoting the Appalachian Byway.

3. Confirm that the byway story is compelling, authentic and unique including themes and

subthemes reflecting components of natural and cultural resources.

4. Identify how to tell the byway story through interpretation, education and promotion.

5. Use local festivals and events to foster the telling of your byway story of Ohio Appalachia from

pre-settlement to present day natural resource extraction.

6. Embrace the region’s genealogical roots and demographic patterns.

Goal I: Creation of Appalachian marketing materials.

Objective Responsible Timeline Action Plan Funding

Gwynn Stewart: Noble County – OSU

2020-2021

• Signage design • Marketing collateral • Social Media toolkit (for use on existing sites) • Press Release

Design- $1,500 Printing- TBD based on qty.

3

Goal II: Process for integration into four-country Tourism marketing efforts.

Objective Responsible Timeline Action Plan Funding

Allen Fraley – Noble Gwynn Stewart, Mike Lloyd, Mick Schumacher – Monroe Amy Grove – Morgan Paige Alost – Athens

Once byway expansion is final approved

• Add to web • Add to Social Media • Local media • Determine new signage placement

TBD

Athens events: http://athensohio.com/events/ Monroe events: http://bit.ly/2V8FiDF Morgan events: www.visitmorgancountyohio.com Noble events: www.visitnoblecountyohio.com/foldersdo

• Create a community calendar to show a comprehensive list of all events happening in 4 County byway regions

Goal III: Map significant intrinsic qualities/resources

Objective Responsible Timeline Action Plan Funding

Gwynn Stewart: Noble County – OSU

2020 • Coordinate with ODOT to identify on TIMS/Story Map

NA

Goal IV: Process for integration into adjacent byway (Ohio River Scenic Byway) marketing efforts.

Objective Responsible Timeline Action Plan Funding

Gwynn Stewart:

Once byway is approved

• Add to websites • Add to Social Media

NA

4

Noble County – OSU

• Local Media

Goal V: Explore expansion of the byway further.

Objective Responsible Timeline Action Plan Funding

Allen Fraley: Noble County- CVB

2025 • Round trip experience with Ohio River Byway and/or Historic National Road

NA

Goal VI: Coordinate how committee structure and funding will work from each of the partner County’s

CVBs/partners.

Objective Responsible Timeline Action Plan Funding

Allen Fraley: Noble County- CVB

2020 • Funding for joint print materials • Committee structure, leadership rotation, and schedule • Reach out to partners to become part of the byway organizations

NA

Goal VII: Research the use of District 18 NRAC Clean Ohio Funds to protect natural and scenic resources.

Objective Person/group responsible

Timeline Action Plan Funding

Gwynn Stewart: Noble County – OSU

2021 and ongoing

• Contact Buckeye Hills • Determine properties to protect • Assist with Grant Writing

From buyers

Goal VIII: Wayfinding to significant Route 78 Spurs.

Objective Person/group responsible

Timeline Action Plan Funding

Gwynn Stewart: Noble County – OSU

2023 • Determine spurs to be promoted • Design signs to mimic Guernsey HNR Spur signs • Secure funding and implement

TBD

Goal IX: Goal to have an Interpretive Master Plan.

Objective Person/group responsible

Timeline Action Plan Funding

Gwynn Stewart: Noble County – OSU

2024 • Determine where interpretation exists where it is needed • Match partners with design and funding needs

TBD

5

III. BYWAY ORGANIZATION: STRUCTURE, COMMITTEES, VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS AND BUDGET

A. Structure: The Appalachian Byway is coordinated in collaboration of the Monroe, Noble, Morgan and

Athens County Tourism entities (CVBs or Tourism Councils). The entities enjoy a variety of existing

regional tourism and cultural promotion efforts. Weaknesses include small staffs and one county is

volunteer-only with limited Tourism office hours and funding from limited bed taxes and/or local

fundraising efforts. Partners have met recently in the effort to expand the byway.

Members include:

• Athens County CVB ~ Paige Alost, Executive Director

• Monroe Tourism Council (under the umbrella of the Monroe Arts Council) ~ Mick Schumacher,

President

• Monroe County Park District ~ Mike Lloyd, B.S. Ed, MBA, Monroe Park Board Vice-Chairman

(also retired Assistant Professor, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences -

The Ohio State University Extension)

• Morgan County CVB ~ (Retired from Morgan Ohio State University Extension Office)

Amy Grove, Program Assistant

• Noble County Chamber and Tourism Council ~ Allen Fraley, Executive Director

• Noble County – Ohio State University Extension ~ Gwynn Stewart, MS – Community

Development Educator

B. Description of Current and Future Byway Committee Representatives, Partners and Stakeholders

Leaders from the participating County Tourism Councils represent membership comprised of citizens

and community leaders, historians, elected officials (county commissioners) and tourism business

owners (representing culinary offerings, lodging, arts centers, festivals and more!)

Also supportive of the by-way are the following:

Buckeye Hills Regional Council (a regional council of governments, the local development district of the

Appalachian Regional Commission and the ODOT regional transportation planning organization) – Misty

Crosby

• 1400 Pike St Marietta, OH 45750

• 740-374-9436

• mcrosby@buckeyehills.org

• https://buckeyehills.org/

ODOT Historic Bridge Program & Scenic Byways Coordinator – Tom Barrett

• 1980 W Broad St Columbus, OH 43223

• 614-466-3232

• Tom.Barret@dot.ohio.gov

• https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odot/home

The Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia – Director John Carey

6

• 77 S High St Columbus, OH 43215

• 800-848-1300

• John.Carey@development.ohio.gov

• https://development.ohio.gov/cs/cs_goa.htm

The Ohio River Museum – Taylor Abbott

• 601 Front St Marietta, OH 45750

• 740-373-3750

• taylor.abbott@monroecountyohio.com

• https://mariettamuseums.org/ohio-river-museum/

Twin City Opera House Theater – Adam Shriver

• 15 W Main St McConnelsville, OH 43756

• 740-962-3030

• twincityoperahouse2@gmail.com

• https://www.operahouseinc.com/

C. Primary and Secondary Byway Leader Contact Information

ATHENS

Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau “Nelsonville ~ the Star of the Hocking Hills Region”

~ Paige Alost, Executive Director Amy Spoutz – Byways Contact amyspoutz@yahoo.com

palost@athensohio.com 740-592-1819 Fax: 740-593-7365 667 East State Street Athens, OH 45701 www.athensohio.com

1-800-878-9767 ATHENS - Continued

http://athensohio.com Nelsonville: http://athensohio.com/category/where-to-play/historic-nelsonville/ Visitor’s Guide: http://athensohio.com/athens-visitor-guide-request

MONROE

Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau

www.mcohiotourism.com Visitor/s Guide: http://bit.ly/2V8HICf mctourismcouncil@gmail.com

(740) 472-4848 118 S. Paul St. Woodsfield, OH 43793

MORGAN

7

Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau 740-962-4909 “Front Porch to the Great Outdoors”

visitmorgancountyohio.com Visitor/s Guide: http://bit.ly/2LgIOak

acgrove.68@gmail.com 740-962-4909 or 740-818-8843 35 W Main St McConnelsville, OH 43756

NOBLE

Noble County Chamber & Convention and Visitors Bureau 740-732-7715

“Miles from Ordinary” allen@noblecountychamber.com. www.visitnoblecountyohio.com Visitors Guide: https://issuu.com/journal-leader/docs/noble_co_guide.indd

740-732-7715 508 Main St. Caldwell, OH 43724 P.O. Box 41 Caldwell OH 43724

Tourism Information Center 44189 Fairground Rd. Caldwell, OH 43724 (740) 732-2191 (On SR 78 @ I-77 in Caldwell)

740-732-7715 508 Main St. Caldwell, OH 43724 P.O. Box 41 Caldwell, OH 43724 allen@noblecountychamber.com. www.visitnoblecountyohio.com

Noble County – Ohio State University Extension

Gwynn Stewart, MS – Community Development Educator

740-732-5681 46049 Marietta Rd., Ste. 2 Caldwell, OH 43724 www.noble.osu.edu stewart.1818@osu.edu

D. Level of Participation in State/Regional Byway Meetings and Trainings

Amy Grove, Morgan County OSU Extension, attended the Midwest Byway Conference in Richmond, IN.

Gwynn Stewart attends tri-state Tourism group meetings (WV, PA, OH)

E. Byway Leadership Succession Plan

Should there be any county-level staffing changes, Byway Leadership Succession will be determined with

input from The Appalachian Byway Advisory Committee and from the Boards of the leader organizations

listed above in Section C.

8

IV. BYWAY CORRIDOR CONDITIONS: ROADWAYS, SAFETY, INTRINSIC RESOURCES, ACCESSIBILITY

A. Road Conditions and Signage

The state roadways are comprised of two lanes with

wide berms. The route is maintained by county offices of

the Ohio Department of Transportation.

While portions of the byway were re-paved in 2018 and

2019, Oil and Gas traffic is continuing to take its toll on

road conditions in the eastern portion of the byway.

There is also some limited Amish buggy traffic in Monroe

County (with no specified buggy lanes).

SR 78 is 105 miles and SR 284 is 10 miles = 115 total miles

i. Existing official ODOT byway signs. On Morgan portion of byway only at present.

Byway lat long direction condition

MCS 39.73229 -

81.7356 N Good

MCS 39.73166 -

81.7358 S Good

MCS 39.70463 -

81.7255 N Good

MCS 39.70425 -

81.7252 N Good

MCS 39.70448 -

81.7255 W Good

MCS 39.7023 -

81.7246 N Good

MCS 39.70149 -

81.7245 W Good

MCS 39.70145 -

81.7249 E Good

MCS 39.70141 -

81.7251 W Good

MCS 39.65316 -81.861 E Good

MCS 39.65297 -81.861 S Good

MCS 39.65227 -

81.8835 W Good

MCS 39.64553 -81.896 N Good

MCS 39.64474 -

81.8964 S Good

MCS 39.64514 -

81.8961 N Good

MCS 39.59011 -

81.9774 E Good

9

MCS 39.59016 -

81.9792 E Good

MCS 39.57809 -

81.9971 E Good

MCS 39.57758 -

81.9972 W Good

MCS 39.52793 -

82.0221 E Good

MCS 39.52745 -

82.0225 W Good ii. Local byway signs. Not applicable

iii. Interpretive signs. Several interpretive signs are located along the byway.

Those that are known to the committee to date include:

1. Thorla-McKee Park – Home of first Oil Well

2. Jesse Owens State Park & Miner’s Memorial Park

3. The Wilds

4. Hocking Valley Railway

iv. Future sign needs. Will need signs in the additional 3 counties (Athens, Monroe & Noble);

updates to Morgan signs are also possible, pending design. Additional byways spur signs are needed

per goal 8.

B. List of Primary and Secondary Intrinsic Qualities/Resources

PRIMARY Cultural

Appalachia

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains across four Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties in Southeast Ohio, (in the Central Appalachian region of the Ohio designated area), the byway features the culture, scenic beauty and storied history of the hardworking and resilient Appalachian people.

10

Cultural

The Ohio Valley River Museum Clarington, Ohio www.ohiovalleyrivermuseum.org Open Saturdays 11 a.m.– 2p.m. Other days, by appointment. To schedule please email ohiovalleyrivermuseum@gmail.com

The Ohio Valley River Museum in Clarington, Ohio, houses an unexpected variety and number of local artifacts related to the culture of early riverfront life. Clarington has long played a part in the river’s history. In 1912, a river boat named the “Liberty” was built in the village by skilled craftsman. Can be seen from Ohio SR 7 at Clarington! (Ohio Valley Community Credit Union Building) – located at the corner of Ferry & Market Streets, one block north of SR 78. 112 Ferry Street (across Market Street from Clarington Carry Out).

Cultural

Parade of the Hills Festival, Nelsonville

Hosted in Nelsonville in mid-August, the festival features a fabulous line-up of live music, including the Ohio State Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest (at Stuart’s Opera House), a parade, food and more! Music sponsor: Ohio Arts Council

Cultural

Patchwork Jewels Quilt Barns

Patchwork Jewels Quilt Barn driving tour includes two barns near SR 78 (one near Cameron and one near Lewisville). A driving tour audio program is available at https://ohio.org/destination/monroe-county-patchwork-jewels-quilt-barns/ The barns were painted by Monroe native, Scott Hagan, the Barn artist who also painted Ohio’s 88 Bicentennial barns.

Monroe Fall Festival Monroe Co. Fairgrounds 46760 SR 26N Woodsfield, OH 43793 740-926-1466 (for camping spots)

Hosted annually in mid-October at the Monroe fairgrounds, the festival features entertainment, antique agricultural equipment, a petting zoo, 5K run and other children’s activities, live music and more!

11

Cultural

Appalachian Foothills Fall Festival & Old Iron Power Show Noble County Fairgrounds Co Rd 56, Caldwell, OH 43724 740-732-5598 http://www.noblecountyfair.net/ www.noblecountychamber.com

Hosted in mid-Sept. annually, by Noble County Chamber of Commerce and The Old Iron Power Club, the event features music, history, food and fun! Music sponsor: Ohio Arts Council

Cultural

Morgan County Heritage Day

Hosted annually in mid-October in downtown McConnelsville celebrates its Appalachian roots. Free admission features food, fun, music, museums, movies and more!

Cultural and Historic

Nelsonville – The Star of the Hocking Hills

Situated at the edge of the Hocking Hills region, the starbrick-lined streets of Nelsonville hold a story rich in history, arts and the great outdoors. Steeped in the culture and history of coal mining and brick making, Nelsonville is truly a unique community with some of Ohio’s best family attractions! The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, Stuart’s Opera House, the Historic Public Square, Hocking College, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and great one-of-a-kind shops and galleries.

Cultural, Natural and Historic

Miner’s Memorial Park 4470 E. State Route 78 McConnelsville, OH 43756

Miner’s Memorial Park lies within American Electric Power’s (AEP) ReCreation Land, a 34,000-acre public recreational area in Morgan County reclaimed through the planting of more than 63 million trees. A keystone at the park is the giant 220-cubic-yard 240-ton bucket from “Big Muskie,” the largest dragline ever built, which moved more than 483 million tons of rock and soil from 1969 to 1991. http://www.visitnoblecountyohio.com /index.php/do-2/recreation-land/ http://www.visitmorgancountyohio.com/our-front-porch/attractions-2/

12

Cultural, Natural and Recreational

The Wilds 14000 International Rd. Cumberland, OH 43732 740-638-5060 ext.2286 Thewilds.org

The Wilds, a 9,000-acre wildlife conservation facility. The Wilds is a private, non-profit safari park and conservation center that combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with hands-on experiences and one-of-a-kind adventures that include zip lining, horseback riding, fishing and more This preserve was created from the region’s history as a coal extraction area. The park’s wildlife conservation practices are in an area that was once devoted to coal strip mining.

Natural & Recreational

Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/ jesseowens Miners’ Memorial 4470 E. State Route 78 McConnelsville, OH 43756 Driving Directions Map

The rolling hills of Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area are a success story in environmental stewardship, conservation and reclaiming land for outdoor recreation. Located in Morgan County and surrounded by thousands of acres of land open to public use, the 5,735-acre park and wildlife area is teeming with wildlife as well as ponds and waterways full of paddling, boating and fishing opportunities. Video: https://youtu.be/vc_VG3X2iQ0

Historic

The Monroe County Courthouse Main & Court Sts. Woodsfield, OH 43793

Main Street, Woodsfield; The Monroe County Courthouse was constructed in 1906. It is a three-floor structure in Greek style architecture featuring a stained-glass dome, clock and bell tower, and a two-story stained-glass window on the north side dedicated to Monroe County. This Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hollister-Parry Park Museums Woodsfield, OH

Hollister-Parry Park Museums, One-Room Stone Schoolhouse, and a Dairy Barn are located at 217 Eastern Avenue, Woodsfield, OH. Recreation includes the historic Hollister-Parry House museum,

13

217 Eastern Avenue (SR 78) Woodsfield, OH 740-472-1933 https://ohio.org/destination/parry-park-museums/

an original dairy museum and a reconstructed one-room stone schoolhouse. “Amenities” include electric, water and restrooms. The house was built in the 1860s and is furnished in turn-of-the-century style. The Museum contains priceless heirlooms that portray life in Monroe County during the 1800’s and the early 1900’s. During the summer months, a caretaker and tour guide welcome visitors to explore Monroe County’s rich historic past, but hours are limited. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Monroe Theater 104 North Main Street Woodsfield, Ohio

https://www.facebook.com/TheMonroeTheatre/

Owned by Monroe Arts Council

(in process of renovation)

SR78 – Sgt. Herman Zerger Highway

In honor of World War II veteran and former POW Herman Zerger, memorial Highway was dedicated in 2019.

Historic

Thorla-McKee Park East of Caldwell off SR 78 at Hwy. 564

The county seat, Caldwell offers a quick review of the first oil well in North America at the Thorla-McKee Park. This is your story!!!! The extraction of resources from Appalachia! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Caldwell is the county seat of Noble County, the last of Ohio’s 88 counties to be formed.

Old SR 78 Originally, Ohio’s State Route 78 took a different route through Caldwell than it does today. The “historic” route meandered through downtown Caldwell. The Village of Caldwell will note the historic route. The Village is also in the process of

14

having a historic portion of the downtown designated by the National historic registry as a Historic District.

Historic Farms

There are multiple 100- & 150-year farms along SR 78.

Twin City Opera House Theater 15 W. Main St. McConnelsville, OH 43756 740-962-3030

Located on the square in McConnelsville and serving as both a live performance venue and a movie theater, the venue has entertained Morgan County citizens and surrounding area continuously for 120 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Natural

Wayne National Forest Off-road Bike Trails 13700 US Highway 33 Nelsonville, OH 45764 (740) 753-0101

http://www.waynenationalforest.com/

This small national forest covers almost a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills. The forest offers backpacking, primitive camping, ATV and biking trails and hunting/camping/fishing.

Burr Oak Resort & Conference Center 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd. Glouster, OH 740-767-2112

Located in southeast Ohio, quiet and remote Burr Oak State Park has a rustic country charm in its 2,593-acre scenery of wooded hills and valley farms. As one of Ohio’s resort parks, Burr Oak offers a wide array of overnight accommodations with its lodge,

15

http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/burroak

cabins and campground. Burr Oak blends modern conveniences with the wilderness spirit of Ohio.

The Beautiful Ohio River

Ohio River Scenic Byway video https://youtu.be/B1vztJRRdg0

The byway begins at the Beautiful Ohio River and adjoins the Ohio River Scenic Byway at Clarington.

Piatt Park Near Woodsfield, OH 740-472-1328

Piatt Park is located four miles east of Woodsfield off State Route 78. Turn left onto CR 30 then left onto TR 2308. Enjoy 119 acres of hiking trails through a fantastic cave and gorge area, camping, picnic shelter/house, play­ground and a handicapped shower house/restroom.

Scenic

16

Car/Bike Routes

SR 78 is scenic and a beloved route by driver enthusiasts https://www.mcohiotourism.com/bikers-car-enthusiasts

Recreational

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway 33 E Canal St. Nelsonville, OH 45764 (740) 753-9531

Watch the hills roll by along a former coal mine railroad line – 12 miles from Nelsonville to Logan. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnm3VuPx_cU

C. Changes in Intrinsic Qualities/Resources since last CMP – There has been an expansion of the byway

territory and the CMP now reflects the larger Appalachian cultural context with additions to scenic,

historic and recreational examples.

D. Accessibility to Intrinsic Quality/Resources: Pull-Offs, Parking, Rest Areas, Visitor Amenities, etc.

Clarington BP Gas station and quick stop available

Clarington Ohio Valley River Museum www.ohiovalleyrivermuseum.org

Free parking

Woodsfield Monroe County Courthouse Parking on square or beautiful as a drive-by feature

Woodsfield Multiple Gas stations available in Woodsfield (Duke & Duchess just beyond town square on 78; Dick’s just beyond Woodsfield village limits on 78)

Woodsfield Lodging

Olive Tree Inn 107 S. Paul St. Woodsfield, OH 43793 (740) 472-0461

Woodsfield Restaurants

Fast food includes McDonald’s, Taco Bell/KFC, Subway, DQ, Dominos,

17

Family restaurants (Traditions, Jerry Lee’s and Ida’s).

Woodsfield Hollister-Parry Park Museums

Free parking

Lewisville Lewisville Carry Out - Gas station and quick mart available.

Caldwell ~ Tourism Tourism Information Center 44189 Fairground Rd. Caldwell, OH 43724 (740) 732-2191

Caldwell ~ Lodging Noble County offers comfortable and friendly places to stay from modern hotels to primitive campsites.

Harkins House Inn Bed & Breakfast 715 West St. Caldwell, OH 43721 740-732-7347 www.airbnb.com/rooms/ 13959485?guests=1&adults=1 Best Western Plus Caldwell Inn 44218 Fairground Rd. Caldwell, OH 43724 740-732-7599 www.book.bestwestern.com Comfort Inn & Suites 44380 West Hills Ln. Caldwell, OH 43724 740-732-2625 www.choicehotels.com Days Inn & Suites 43945 Marietta Rd. Caldwell, OH 43724 740-732-4900 www.wyndhamhotels.com Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 44266 Fairground Rd. Caldwell, OH 740-732-4200 www.wyndhamhotels.com

Caldwell ~ Restaurants

Local Roots Coffee & Smoothies; Lori’s Family Restaurant; Super Wok Chinese; Arby’s / Pilot Travel Center; McDonald’s; Subway of Caldwell; Geri’s Pizza & Dairy Queen; Wings, etc.

Caldwell Park & Ride ODOT Park & Ride: Located on SR 78 & I-77

18

~ Lodging Three Sisters Sunset Inn 3840 N. SR 60 NW McConnelsville, OH 43756 740-962-3141 three-sisters-inn.com

~ Restaurants in McConnelsville

McDonald’s, Howard House Restaurant, Blue Bell Diner, Boondocks BBQ & Grill, Chatterbox Tavern & Restaurant, Jakes, Willis Hill Winery

McConnelsville Multiple Gas stations available

McConnelsville Twin City Opera House Theater 15 W. Main St. McConnelsville, OH 43756 740-962-3030

McConnelsville Morgan County Historical Society Museums 50 E. Main St. McConnelsville, OH 43756

~ Lodging Glouster

Burr Oak Resort & Conference Center 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd. Glouster, OH 740-767-2112 http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/burroak

Quiet and remote Burr Oak State Park has a rustic country charm in its 2,593-acre scenery of wooded hills and valley farms. As one of Ohio's resort parks, Burr Oak offers a wide array of overnight accommodations with its lodge, cabins and campground. Burr Oak blends modern conveniences with the wilderness spirit of Ohio.

~ Lodging Nelsonville

Primrose Bed & Breakfast 167 Fort Street Nelsonville, OH 45764 740-753-3105 or 740-603-0508 http://www.primrosebandb.com/

Once the home and office of Dr. Isaac Porter Primrose, this exuberant 1892 Victorian is now a classic Bed and Breakfast.

~ Lodging Nelsonville

The Hyde House 138 Fort Street Nelsonville, OH 45764 http://athensohio.com/wheretostay /cabins/hyde-house/ 1st Choice Cabin Rentals 104 E. Canal Street Nelsonville, OH 45764 610-858-1756 or 740-856-7848 www.1stchoicecabinrentals.com

The Hyde House (formerly the Mead House) is a recently restored, lovingly decorated Victorian Bed & Breakfast located one block from Nelsonville’s Historic Square Arts District.

~ Restaurants The Boot Factory Grill 45 East Canal Street Nelsonville, OH 45764 740-753-3130

A rustic, casual dining atmosphere, featuring the famous Bison Burger. Shop while you wait for your meal,

19

or just relax in the lounge area. Specials daily!

All interpretation, Pull-Offs, and visitor amenities along with associated parking, public restrooms and

amenities are to be accessible per the Americans with Disability Act. This includes accessibility for

persons with mobility, hearing, sight, and cognitive impairments. The 2010 US Census revealed that at

least 56.7 million or 20 percent of the US population have some level of disability, about 20 million of

which are mobility impaired Americans. Therefore, for the story of the byway to be told to all, new

programs and improvements need to be accessible while existing sites should have transition plans in

place by those who own and maintain them.

The byway organization will have a hand improving accessibility by raising awareness about the need to

remove barriers to access and by installing all interpretive signs or other improvements according to the

United States Civil Rights ADA laws. For free information and guidance, please contact the Great Lakes

ADA Center at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY).

20

V. VISITOR EXPERIENCE: INTERPRETATION, STORIES, PRESERVATION, WAYFINDING/SIGNAGE

A. Interpretation since Designation

Since its original designation as the Morgan County Scenic byway, the route has been expanded to

include all or portions of four Appalachian Ohio counties and renamed as the Appalachian Byway.

A variety of publications and articles were produced about the original Morgan County Scenic byway. In

addition, it was promoted through Ohio’s Appalachian Country offerings, Ohio’s Byway advertising and

web site and on the Morgan CVB website.

B. Byway Story

The Appalachian byway was originally designated in 1999 as 39 miles in Morgan County. Our goal is to

offer travelers a look at the culture, and natural rustic beauty of the Ohio portion of the Appalachian

foothills. Since 2018, partners in three additional counties have worked to expand the byway to a four-

county experience in the Central Ohio Appalachian region. It traverses scenic state route 78 from

Clarington to Nelsonville. The byway also includes a portion of SR 284 north to The Wilds in

Cumberland.

The Appalachian Region: Appalachia is known as a cultural region in the Eastern United States that

includes Ohio and portions of 12 other states from the Southern Tier of New York to northern Alabama

and Georgia. Historically, the region contained major deposits of coal and extraction industries for coal,

oil and gas have been prevalent. Recent discoveries of commercial natural gas deposits in the Marcellus

Shale formation and Utica Shale formations have once again focused attention on the Appalachian Basin

for oil and gas. Salt mining is also part of the heritage of the region.

Coal has been an important fossil fuel for the nation and for Ohio, especially Appalachian Ohio. Since

1800, 3.7 billion tons of coal have been mined in Ohio from underground and from surface mines. Noble

and Athens Counties in the byway footprint are in the state’s top 10 historic producing counties. Details

about the history of mining is available at The Miner’s Memorial park in Morgan County. It’s famed “Big

Muskie” dragline bucket is on display. Surface-mining equipment like it helped Ohio improve coal

production in the 1970s and beyond. However, due to the Federal Clean Air Act, Ohio’s coal production

has declined nearly 59 percent due to the high sulfur content of its coal. However, Ohio still has 20+

coal-fired power plants in operation.

The Appalachian Byway: The Byway route winds through a region of Ohio rich in culture, abundant in

natural resources and offers old-fashioned food, fairs, music and festivals. Experience the region’s

natural and cultural heritage assets, artisans, musicians, folk arts and crafts, museums and historic

landmarks along the journey. The Appalachian Byway is home to farms and orchards, country stores,

three rivers and more! Guests may choose to stay at one of many quaint bed and breakfasts, modern

hotels or the state lodge.

The Appalachian Byway follows Ohio State Route 78 beginning at the beautiful Ohio River in Clarington,

Ohio. Monroe County is often called the Switzerland of Ohio. It was settled around 1800 by a group of

Swiss immigrants who were flat boating down the Ohio River to a new home further west. They made

land in Monroe County one night and fell in love with an area that reminded them of Switzerland.

21

Guests travel across Monroe through its county seat, Woodsfield and the village of Lewisville. As SR 78

leaves Monroe County, it takes you miles from ordinary as it weaves past historic and Amish farms into

Noble County, Ohio’s last county of 88 to be formed. The Southeastern portion of Ohio has strong

agricultural roots with well-kept farms dotting the landscape and famous “Mail Pouch tobacco” painted

barns as a reminder of the former tobacco farming days.

Like many Appalachian areas and towns that relied on extractive industries, the Noble county trek offers

scenes from the turn-of-the-century’s traditional oil and gas wells and today’s Appalachian Basin oil and

gas revival, as well as a historic review of the first oil well in North America at the Thorla-McKee Park.

Situated along Route 78, ten miles east of McConnelsville, Ohio, the Miner’s Memorial park pays tribute

to coal with its 34,000-acre public recreational area in Morgan County. Reclaimed through the planting

of more than 63 million trees, a keystone at the park is the giant 220-cubic-yard 240-ton bucket from

“Big Muskie,” the largest dragline ever built. The area is also home to the state-designated Jesse Owens

State Park and Wildlife Area. The Wilds, a 9,000-acre wildlife conservation facility is a destination in the

northern leg of the byway. The Wilds is a private, non-profit safari park and conservation center that

combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with hands-on experiences. This

preserve was created from the region’s history as a coal extraction area.

The Appalachian route provides a scenic, uninterrupted-by-cell-phone journey to the Morgan County

seat. Home to the historic McConnelsville and its Twin City Opera House Theater located on the square

in McConnelsville and serving as both a live performance venue and a movie theater, the venue has

entertained Morgan County citizens and surrounding area continuously for 120 years.

The Appalachian Byway continues southwest from Morgan County into Athens County’s Nelsonville

where its industrial history of coal and brickmaking pave the way for the experiences it offers guests

today.

Situated at the edge of the Hocking Hills region, the star brick-lined streets of Nelsonville hold a story

rich in history, arts and the great outdoors. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the Rocky Outdoor Gear

Store, Stuart’s Opera House, the Historic Public Square, Hocking College, the Hockhocking Adena

Bikeway and great one-of-a-kind shops and galleries. Plus, those beautiful Starbrick blocks, lining the

sidewalks of the Historic Public Square.

C. Future Interpretation

There is a desire to have more interpretation for the byway’s intrinsic resources that are not currently

interpreted. See Goal 9. Coordination with partnering CVBs will include interpretive signage, marketing

and event-based promotions, as well as social media. Future efforts will focus on partnering with four-

county CVBs and regional tourism entities (i.e.: Ohio’s Appalachian Country, Appalachian Regional

Commission based resources (Bon Appetit and historic tourism mapping) to promote the byway assets.

CVBs will integrate the byway into existing Visitor Guides, social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram), key event promotion and more. Arts and heritage tourism trends would lend well to

promotion of the byway’s resources and assets as well.

22

D. Plans for Improving Visitor Experience

If visitors have been on the former Morgan County Scenic Byway, the expansion shall include an

enhanced opportunity for a more comprehensive visitor experience. Continued efforts to coordinate

with ODOT on mowing such as not treating weeds during peak summer or autumn driving seasons will

also be important.

See also goals 5, 7 and 8 on pages 6-7 to further expand the byway, provide wayfinding, and to protect

natural landscapes.

Regional efforts to enhance accessibility to cell phone service and broadband in the rural region are also

underway in partnership with JobsOhio’s Appalachian partner, The Appalachian Partnership for

Economic Growth (APEG) and Connected Nation – Ohio. This is important to some travelers because

there are widespread dead zones for cell phone service along the four-county Appalachian Byway.

E. Preservation

The Appalachian Byway is an effort to preserve the Appalachian Heritage. Future preservation of the

byway will be entrusted to the organizations noted above. See goal 7 to research preservation of natural

and scenic lands with District 18 NRAC Clean Ohio Funds.

The Noble County Historical Society is also making application to the Nation Registry for a downtown

Caldwell historic district – should be confirmed by 2020. Other individual locations on the byway are also

listed in the National Registry (i.e.: Monroe County Courthouse; Hollister-Parry House; Noble County Jail

and Sheriff's Office; McConnelsville Historic District; Hocking Valley Railway Historic District and the

Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville).

23

VI. MARKETING: PROMOTION, FEATURED ATTRACTONS AND FUTURE PLANS

A. Current and Future Planned Marketing Activities

Coordinated marketing will be completed by each county’s CVB (Monroe, Noble, Morgan & Athens).

Marketing may include addition to Visitors’ Guides, web sites, social media pages. Free-standing social

media pages for the Byway could also be developed. On-going promotion through public relations

efforts to regional and state media will also be key. See Goals #1 & 2

ODOT byway marketing also includes:

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/OhioByways/Documents/OhioByways2018.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/OhioScenicByways

Current Morgan byway web site - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/OhioByways/Pages/MorganCounty.aspx

Proposed Appalachian Byway web site - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/OhioByways/Pages/Appalachian-

Byway.aspx

B. Recommended Products or Attachments for Media and Public Relations

All material to be produced for this expanded byway will be provided to ODOT both digitally and in print

form. See also 2019 sample article for May’s “Drive Ohio Byways” Month

https://noble.osu.edu/sites/noble/files/imce/Program_Pages/May%20Is%20Drive%20Ohio%20Byways%

20Month.pdf

Sample of byway promotion: https://issuu.com/journal-leader/docs/cr_april.indd/42

i. Short description of byway for use in publications.

Discover all the Appalachian region of Ohio has to offer! The experience starts on scenic route 78 in

Monroe County’s Clarington and ends in Athens County. Experience the natural wonders found only in

the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The route winds through a region rich in history and

abundant in natural resources and outdoor recreation. Experience the region’s natural and cultural

heritage assets as you enjoy works of the region’s artisans, musicians, museums and historic landmarks

along the journey.

ii. Seasonal digital photographs. See Appendix

iii. Brief description of the top 5-10 unique/authentic attractions on the byway.

• The Ohio River

• Clarington: The Ohio Valley River Museum

• Woodsfield: Hollister-Parry Park Museums, One-Room Stone Schoolhouse and a Dairy Barn

• Monroe County's Patchwork Jewels Quilt Barn Tour

• Historic Nelsonville

• Big Muskie Bucket and Miners' Memorial Park

• The Wilds

• Thorla McKee Park

24

• Festivals: Appalachian Foothills Festival; Parade of the Hills; Monroe Fall Festival; and Morgan

County Heritage Day

iv. Provide website/URL (if available) and local website/URL that manages byway.

Proposed Appalachian Byway web site - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/OhioByways/Pages/Appalachian-

Byway.aspx

See listing of partner web sites in chart below; each individual CVB will integrate the byway onto their

web sites and provide a link to ODOT’s Story Maps

v. Marketing contact information:

ATHENS

Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau

~ Paige Alost, Executive Director Amy Spoutz – Byways Contact amyspoutz@yahoo.com

palost@athensohio.com 740-592-1819 Fax: 740-593-7365 667 East State Street Athens, OH 45701 www.athensohio.com

MONROE

Monroe Tourism Council (under the umbrella of the Monroe Arts Council)

~ Mick Schumacher, President/Arts Council

mctourismcouncil@gmail.com (740) 472-4848 118 S. Paul St. Woodsfield, OH 43793 http://mcohiotourism.com

Monroe Arts Council ~ Mick Schumacher, President (740) 472-4848 118 S. Paul St. Woodsfield, OH 43793 www.monroeohioarts.com

Monroe Parks & Recreation ~ Mike Lloyd, B.S. Ed, MBA, Monroe Park Board Chairman Retired Assistant Professor, Ohio State University Extension

Lloyd.4@osu.edu 740-472-1328 www.monroecountyohio.net/ departments/parks_and_recreation

MORGAN

Morgan County CVB ~ Amy Grove acgrove.68@gmail.com 740-962-4909 or 740-818-8843 35 W Main St McConnelsville, OH 43756 www.visitmorgancountyohio.com/

NOBLE

25

Noble County Chamber & CVB (Tourism Council)

~ Allen Fraley, Executive Director

740-732-7715 508 Main St. Caldwell, OH 43724 P.O. Box 41 Caldwell, OH 43724 allen@noblecountychamber.com. www.visitnoblecountyohio.com

Noble County - Ohio State University Extension PRIMARY CONTACT

~ Gwynn Stewart, MS – Community Development Educator

740-732-5681 46049 Marietta Rd., Ste. 2 Caldwell, OH 43724 www.noble.osu.edu stewart.1818@osu.edu

26

VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: COMMUNITY PARTNERS, PUBLIC FORUMS, CRITICAL ISSUES

A. Ongoing Communication and Cooperation with Community Partners

Expanded byway partners will cooperate via email and conference calls, as well as in-person meetings,

coordination at existing regional Tourism and/or ED meetings. Goal 6 to reach out to community

partners to garner more buy-in to the byway’s vision, mission and goals

B. Public Meeting and Public Participation Opportunities

Since the last CMP, there were not specific byway public meetings only reports to members of the

managing organizations who had commissioners and others as members. There were ODOT

roundabout public meetings in Morgan County. There are opportunities through existing CVB monthly

and regional tourism meetings to invite discussion and greater participation.

C. Steps Taken to Update Byway Mission and Vision Revised Byway Mission & Vision updated in 2019.

C. Narrative on Critical Issues and How They Will Be Addressed

Getting larger byway organization working through tactical integration strategies is the most pressing

critical issue. Meeting via Zoom or in-person monthly, as soon as the byway is approved to work the

CMP goals is the first step.

New ODOT Scenic Byway signage needs to be coordinated ASAP for installation prior to spring of 2020.

Preparing and designing the story for publication is also critically important with the byway expansion.

27

VIII. APPENDIX

A. Ohio Byway sign inventory (Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet, GIS information formatted as latitude,

longitude as per ODOT guidelines) See TIMS

B. Most Current Byway Map Expanded Appalachian Byway Map

C. Maps Identifying Primary Intrinsic Quality/Resource Locations

This resource will be fully developed once the byway expansion is approved.

D. Byway Photographs

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

The Beautiful Ohio River

Piatt Park Near Woodsfield

Historic Monroe County Courthouse

Downtown Woodsfield

28

Monroe County Historical Society Museums

Scenic view on SR 78 West of Woodsfield

Ohio Bicentennial

barn

Jesse Owens State Park &

Miner’s Memorial Park

Twin City Opera House, located on the square in McConnelsville

Thorla-McKee Park – Home of first Oil Well

Historic Harkin’s House Bed & Breakfast

29

Appalachian Foothills Festival & Arts on the Square

Historic Farms

Quaint & Historic Downtowns

E. Marketing Materials- If applicable. To be developed once byway expansion is fully approved.

Proposed Appalachian Byway web site - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/OhioByways/Pages/Appalachian-

Byway.aspx

30

Social Media & Web marketing addresses in chart below:

ATHENS

Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau

~ Paige Alost, Executive Director Amy Spoutz – Byways Contact amyspoutz@yahoo.com

palost@athensohio.com 740-592-1819 Fax: 740-593-7365 667 East State Street Athens, OH 45701 www.athensohio.com

Social https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/18968319/athens-county-convention-visitors-bureau/ https://www.facebook.com/VisitAthensOhio/ https://twitter.com/athensohio

MONROE

Monroe Tourism Council

~ Mick Schumacher, President/Arts Council

mctourismcouncil@gmail.com (740) 472-4848 118 S. Paul St. Woodsfield, OH 43793 http://mcohiotourism.com www.monroeohioarts.com

Social https://www.facebook.com/MonroeArtsCouncil/ https://twitter.com/MoCoArtsTourism

Monroe Park District

~ Mike Lloyd, B.S. Ed, MBA, Monroe Park Board Vice-Chairman

Lloyd.4@osu.edu 740-472-1328

Social https://www.facebook.com/Monroe-County-Parks-and-Recreation-199735700081041/

Morgan County CVB

~ Amy Grove acgrove.68@gmail.com 740-962-4909 or 740-818-8843 35 W Main St McConnelsville, OH 43756

Social https://www.facebook.com/VisitMorganCountyOhio/

Noble County Chamber & CVB (Tourism Council)

~ Allen Fraley, Executive Director

740-732-7715 508 Main St. Caldwell, OH 43724 P.O. Box 41 Caldwell, OH 43724 allen@noblecountychamber.com. www.visitnoblecountyohio.com

Social https://www.facebook.com/noblecountychamber/ https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/293085804052629/noble-county-chamber-of-commerce-tourism-bureau/

31

Noble County - Ohio State Univ. Extension

~ Gwynn Stewart, MS – Community Development Educator

740-732-5681 46049 Marietta Rd., Ste. 2 Caldwell, OH 43724 www.noble.osu.edu stewart.1818@osu.edu

Social https://www.facebook.com/osuenoble/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwynn-stewart-31057540/ https://twitter.com/GSStew

Byway Corridor

Ohio’s Appalachian Country https://tinyurl.com/y3vbeo3f http://www.appalachianohio.com

Report References:

Ohio’s 2017 Appalachian Return on Investment Report http://buckeyehills.org/wp-content/uploads/2017-Return-on-Investment.pdf

The Appalachians: Edited by Mari-Lynn Evans, Robert Santelli, and Holly George-Warren - 2014

Ohio’s 2017 Appalachian Return on Investment Report http://buckeyehills.org/wp-content/uploads/2017-Return-on-Investment.pdf

Geo Facts No. 14 – Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Geological Survey