Where is Nelsonville, Ohio

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Nelsonville is a small city in southeastern Ohio, located in Athens County in the foothills of the Appalachian region. It sits about 15 miles north of Athens and 60 miles southeast of Columbus. The city is known for Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Stuart's Opera House, and its long connection to coal mining and brickmaking.

Location Map of Nelsonville, Athens County, Ohio

Where is Nelsonville Located in Athens County, Ohio

About Map: The map shows the location of Nelsonville in Athens County, in the U.S. state of Ohio.

Nelsonville Map, Ohio

About Nelsonville Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Nelsonville in Athens County, Ohio. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Nelsonville Located?

Nelsonville is a city located in Athens County, Ohio, the United States. It lies in southeastern Ohio within the Appalachian foothills, about 15 miles north of Athens and roughly 60 miles southeast of Columbus. Logan is about 15 miles northwest, while Lancaster is around 35 miles west. Nelsonville is positioned near 39.458° North latitude and 82.232° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 4,774 residents. The city covers about 5.32 square miles, or 13.78 square kilometers, including land and water. The Hocking River runs through the community and helped shape its early development. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is one of the area's best-known attractions and operates historic train excursions through the surrounding hills. Stuart's Opera House is another important landmark in the city's historic downtown. Nelsonville developed as a center for coal mining, clay products, and brickmaking during the 19th and early 20th centuries. A unique fact about the city is that its historic Starbrick area is connected to the region's once-important brickmaking industry.

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Nelsonville City Facts

CityNelsonville
StateOhio
CountyAthens County
CountryUnited States
RegionSoutheastern Ohio and Appalachian Ohio
Incorporated1838
Founded1814
Total Area5.32 sq mi (13.78 sq km)
Land Area5.26 sq mi (13.62 sq km)
Water Area0.06 sq mi (0.16 sq km)
Elevation680 ft (207 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 4,700
Population (2020 Census)4,774
Population Density908 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time (EST/EDT)
ZIP Codes45764
Area Code740 and 220
Major HighwaysUS-33, OH-278, OH-691, and OH-78
Public TransitAthens Public Transit and regional transportation services
Major AttractionsStuart's Opera House, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Rocky Factory Historic District, and Hocking River
Official Websitehttps://www.nelsonville.org/

Distance from Nelsonville, OH to Nearby Cities

  • Athens, OH – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Logan, OH – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Chauncey, OH – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Buchtel, OH – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Albany, OH – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Jackson, OH – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Lancaster, OH – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Circleville, OH – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Chillicothe, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Marietta, OH – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Newark, OH – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Columbus, OH – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Grove City, OH – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Cambridge, OH – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Zanesville, OH – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Parkersburg, WV – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Ironton, OH – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Charleston, WV – 100 miles (161 km)

Top Attractions in Nelsonville, OH

  • Stuart's Opera House – A restored historic theater in downtown Nelsonville that hosts concerts, performances, and community events.
  • Hocking Valley Scenic Railway – A heritage railroad offering historic train rides through the wooded hills and valleys of southeastern Ohio.
  • Rocky Factory Historic District – A historic area reflecting Nelsonville's brickmaking and industrial heritage.
  • Hocking River – The river passes through the community and provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation.
  • Hocking Hills State Park – A nearby destination known for cliffs, caves, waterfalls, hiking trails, and wooded landscapes.
  • Athens State College Historic District – A nearby historic area connected to the educational and architectural history of Athens.
  • Wayne National Forest – A large public forest surrounding parts of southeastern Ohio with hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Nelsonville Historic Square – A traditional downtown area with historic buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and community events.

Airports Near Nelsonville, OH

  • Ohio University Airport (UNI) – 15 miles
  • Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB) – 55 miles
  • Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) – 55 miles
  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 70 miles
  • Zanesville Municipal Airport (ZZV) – 65 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Nelsonville city website and local government records.

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