Who We Are
ORCA was created to help communities across Appalachian Ohio leverage outdoor recreation as a driver of economic opportunity, regional collaboration, and quality of life. Our work is grounded in partnership, sustainability, and a shared vision for the future of Appalachian Ohio.
ORCA helps communities across Appalachian Ohio leverage outdoor recreation to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Through strategic investment, infrastructure development, and regional collaboration, we expand access to opportunity and deliver lasting social, environmental, and health benefits.
Our Story
ORCA was founded in 2019 to turn a bold community vision into reality: a world-class trail system in Appalachian Ohio.
That vision began in 2016, when local partners, including Wayne National Forest and the Athens Bicycle Club, started planning what would become the Baileys Trail System. As momentum grew, so did the coalition. Community leaders, public agencies, business owners, and residents came together around a shared belief: outdoor recreation can drive rural economic growth.
That belief became action. ORCA was created to lead development of the Baileys Trail System and to build a model that can be replicated across the region.
A community-driven vision. A region-wide impact.
Today, ORCA works with partners across Appalachian Ohio to advance outdoor recreation as a driver of economic opportunity. Through a coordinated, multi-county approach, we align economic, workforce, and community development across 18 counties and state partners.
This work is unified under a shared regional brand, Ohio’s Rolling Hills, positioning Appalachian Ohio as a destination.ORCA’s work is supported through a combination of public and private partnerships,grants, and earned revenue strategies.
Our Nonprofit Partner
To support long-term sustainability, the Athens-Wayne Outdoor Asset Development Corporation (AWOADC), a 501(c)(3), was formed alongside ORCA in 2019.
Operated by ORCA staff, AWOADC develops revenue-generating social enterprises that help maintain and activate recreation assets like the Baileys Trail System, including bike rentals, locally produced merchandise, and the annual Baileys Dirt Fondo.
Our Partners
ORCA collaborates with communities, agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and regional organizations across Appalachian Ohio to advance outdoor recreation and regional development.
Through shared vision and partnership, we are building stronger communities and expanding opportunity across the region.
