Spring has sprung as the iconic cherry blossoms bloom on OHIO's Athens campus

For a few weeks every spring, the Athens and Ohio University community flock to the edges of the Hockhocking Adena Bikepath to enjoy what National Geographic has named as one of the best spots in the U.S. to see cherry trees.

More than 200 cherry trees are located on Ohio University’s Athens campus, producing beautiful blooms that serve as the backdrop for many spring outings for the OHIO community, whether it is picnics under them, graduation photos in front of them, or just walking amid them mesmerized.

Originally a gift from Chubu University in 1979, the trees continue to represent the strong and growing relationship between the two universities and are constantly cared for by OHIO’s Grounds Services and landscape coordinator Susan Calhoun, who add to the grove every year to assure the trees are preserved for years to come.

Photographers and student photographers from University Communications and Marketing have photographed the famous trees for those near and far to enjoy.

For more information about the history of the cherry trees at Ohio University and their blooms, visit https://www.ohio.edu/cherry-blossoms.