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.
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.
Our Nonprofit Partner
The Athens-Wayne Outdoor Asset Development Corporation (AWOADC), a 501(c)(3), was formed alongside ORCA in 2019 to support the long-term development, activation, and stewardship of outdoor recreation assets across Appalachian Ohio.
Operated by ORCA staff, AWOADC develops revenue-generating social enterprises and community-focused initiatives that help sustain projects like the Baileys Trail System. Current efforts include bike rentals, locally produced merchandise, events like the annual Baileys Dirt Fondo, and future visitor-serving infrastructure.
AWOADC also supports partnership development, fundraising, and long-term investment strategies that help strengthen outdoor recreation economies and community development throughout Appalachian Ohio
A Community-Driven Vision. A Region-Wide Impact.
Today
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.
Looking Ahead
ORCA continues to work with communities and partners across Appalachian Ohio to expand outdoor recreation, strengthen regional collaboration, and create long-term opportunity throughout the region.
Through strategic partnerships, shared investment, and community-driven development, ORCA is helping build a stronger, more connected future for Appalachian Ohio.