Nelsonville is a city in northwestern Athens County, Ohio, United States, located about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Columbus.

Nelsonville blossomed into a classic Appalachian town by the mid-19th century, relying on the extractive industries of coal, clay and salt.

Gen. John Hunt Morgan paused in Nelsonville in July 1863 and burned ten wooden canal boats.

However, the 400 confederates failed to destroy a covered bridge over the Hocking Canal when citizens rushed to extinguish the blaze after the raiders rode off.

In 1888, Nelsonville became the first city in the United States west of the Allegheny Mountains to have citywide electric street lights.

Stuart's hosts over 75 events a year including: the Annual Nelsonville Music Festival, concerts, plays, films, art and more.

Several theater groups perform at Stuart's, including the local Athenian Berean Community (ABC) Players.

The former shoe factory now serves as the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, and features three floors of outerwear, clothing, home interiors, specialty food products and boots.

Manufactured of metal of special composition which includes steel and aluminum, it bears a porcelain white color.

Newspapers in all parts of America and Europe have carried photographs of it as the "World's Largest Metal Cross", illuminated at night.

This collection of restored log cabins showcases pioneer life, and includes a general store, school house, and a blacksmith's shop.

During the warm season, demonstrations are performed at Robins Crossing on most Saturdays and Sundays, and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is available to experience the village.

The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, an 18-mile (29 km) long bicycle path, connects Nelsonville with the county seat of Athens.

Today, the trains of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway again pull out of Nelsonville, for pleasure this time, to take passengers on leisurely glides through beautiful, Southeastern Ohio.

33 and the Hocking Parkway Drive on Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October, in addition to the seasonal train rides.

The outfitter offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, Guided UTV tours, Polaris slingshot rentals, a primitive camp, and retail gear shop.

Previously known as "Murray's Landing", the outfitter is known for adrenaline tours and fun tubing events that bring hundreds of visitors each summer.

Most activities operate during the warmer months of April-October, though UTV tours go into mid December dependent on the Wayne National Forest season dates.

The Wayne National Forest is a patchwork of public land that covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio.

Tourist activities include: hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, ATV riding, and bird watching.