Adams County parks and trails: community resources and access

Adams County’s network of parks, trails and community services forms a year-round backbone for recreation, public health and local economic activity across West Union, Peebles, Manchester and Seaman. From the nationally recognized Serpent Mound area to neighborhood playgrounds and school walking routes, these assets matter for daily life, tourism and county planning.

Serpent Mound, near Peebles, remains a major archaeological draw and National Historic Landmark with nearby trails and visitor facilities that bring regional foot traffic and support local lodging and dining. In Peebles, Floyd & Mae McCoy Memorial Park functions as a trail-town hub, hosting community events and linking walking routes used by families, seniors and youth sports programs. Village and township parks in West Union, Manchester, Peebles and Seaman provide playgrounds, ballfields and seasonally maintained walking paths that anchor local programming and volunteer-led activities.

Trails in Adams County include segments of the Buckeye Trail that traverse the Appalachian foothills and connect the county to state-wide long-distance networks. These routes, plus local connector trails and school-campus walking paths, have benefited from past NatureWorks and Creating Healthy Communities grant dollars that supported construction and improvements. Those grant programs remain a key policy lever for trail safety, accessibility and planning, and they underscore the county’s reliance on a mix of state and local funding to maintain outdoor infrastructure.

The Alexander Salamon Airport near West Union supports general aviation, recreational pilots and some economic activity that complements tourism and small-business services tied to outdoor recreation. West Union, as county seat, hosts government offices, the courthouse and public services that coordinate permits, maintenance schedules and seasonal operations such as road clearing and senior meal delivery in winter months.

Practical navigation of these resources rests with several local institutions. The Adams County Travel & Visitor Bureau in West Union provides information on lodging, trail conditions and events. Health and social services are delivered through local clinics, the county health department and partnerships with regional hospitals, while Southern State Community College and training programs support workforce capacity in health care and park management.

For residents planning visits or events, contact town and village halls in West Union, Peebles, Manchester or Seaman for permits and vendor lists and check with park supervisors for seasonal advisories and parking rules. Those seeking volunteer opportunities or wellness programming can reach out to the Adams County Health & Wellness Coalition and local school-district community outreach offices.

Sustaining these assets depends on policy choices and civic engagement: maintaining trails and parks requires consistent funding, coordinated maintenance across townships, and voter attention to local budgets and programming. For Adams County residents, that means using these spaces, volunteering, and engaging with elected trustees so parks and trails remain safe, accessible and integral to community life.