Trip S-1   region 1  Level A 
Optional early morning hike
This hike can be in addition to one main trip chosen below
Appalachian Forest Museum at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
An informal Bird walk with a trained naturalist
spaces still available
Bring your binoculars!

Driving Distance from Region 1: None. Meets at the Appalachian Forest Museum. 
Meet at 7:00 am at one of two locations at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary (Appalachian Forest Museum or Taloden Woods). We will confirm which hike you are on and where to meet. Hike will begin promptly at 7:15 and end at 8:15 am in time for a hearty breakfast at the Museum (please pre-register for meals). Difficulty Level A: Easy. Leader: Bruce Lombardo, Bill Creasey. Bob Placier

Description: Ahh, Spring! 'Tis the season to rejoice in the lofty qualities of flowers and wings! Get up early and let's see what we can find. We can count on the year-around natives. Robins will be sweeping through, filling the morning light with their heady choruses.  We will also listen for the early migrants -- the Phoebes and Louisiana Waterthrushes -- singing in the gorge, try to catch a glimpse of the first Parula warblers, and maybe we will even hear the trill of a winter wren before it heads back north.  Photos by John Howard.

Trip #S-2  region 1   Level B
Kamelands Trail
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Two spaces left for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: ten minutes from Cave Canyon
Meet at TES Farm Nature Preserve at 9:45. Hike will begin promptly at 10:00 am.  Hike will end around 1:00 to 1:30. Bring a packed lunch in case we eat on the trail. Leader: Guy Denny, Retired Chief of Natural Areas and Preserves
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; Length of trail is approximately two miles long over lightly rolling terrain. Narrow unimproved trail but fairly even footing. Only one gradual descent and ascent on an optional spur. Trail crosses a small stream in one section with 1" deep water. One must balance carefully on small rocks to avoid getting feet wet or muddy. The stream's rock bottom is potentially slippery.

Description: The Kamelands trail leads through old rolling  pasturelands on an old farm, the pastoral fields now dotted with healthy young junipers. The scenery is compelling, with beautiful vistas of the Sanctuary's ridgeline of blue hills. The path winds slowly into the heart of the Rocky Fork Gorge, accessing the north side of the deepest part of the gorge but OPPOSITE the historic Cave Canyon side that has received so much visitation over the years. The Kamelands Trail threads through a narrow cliff-edge forest bearing immense specimens of oaks. The wildflowers here have a definite prairie influence, and offer a different assemblage from what is found elsewhere in the Sanctuary. This is a good opportunity to see the rare Walter's Violet, the hallmark flower of the Rocky Fork cliffs, as well as moss phlox, wood betony, and American columbo rosettes. This is an extremely scenic trail and a staff favorite throughout the year.

Trip S-3   region 1  Level B
Barrett's Rim -- the jewel of the Rocky Fork Gorge
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Only 1-2 spaces left for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none; trip begins at the Appalachian Forest Museum. Barrett's Rim is a five minute drive away.

Difficulty Level B for Barrett's Rim: Approximately 2.0 miles of hiking, with only a few short ascents on the narrow primitive trails of Barrett's Rim. Barrett's Rim trail is single-file and narrow in width with four short stream crossings on stones, requiring balance and good tread on the short drops of their very slippery banks. Sections of the trail itself can also be slippery if it has recently rained.

Description: The Barrett's Rim Trail in the Rocky Fork Gorge is spectacular in April -- truly a heady experience. It is fondly referred to as the jewel of the gorge. The dolomite rock walls and fallen boulders support more wildflowers than most forest floors, presenting wildflowers not only at your feet but also above your head. As you walk between the winding river and the dolomite cliffs, columbine, trillium, bellwort, miterwort, anemone, cohosh, and wild geraniums produce a wonderful verdant display of classic Appalachia wildflowers. Highly recommended. The Highlands Nature Sanctuary is the Arc's largest preserve region at 2000 acres in size. 

Trip #S-6   region 8   Level C  
Spruce Hill
2000 year old Earthworks & 238-acre Natural Area
A preservation campaign for Spruce Hill is being conducted by Archaeological Conservancy & Wilderness East in cooperation with The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System & Ross County Park District
Spaces available for 2008

Saving Spruce Hill from the auction block last summer (even though its final purchase is not yet complete) was the highlight of an already spectacular year for preservation. Here is an opportunity to hike Spruce Hill and witness one of the densest, showiest flower displays found anywhere in the Arc.

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: Twenty minutes.

TWO Hikes going out on Sunday. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at one of two locations. We will confirm which location you have been assigned and will send you directions. Please bring a packed lunch as we will be eating on the trail. We expect to be back at the car around 2:00 to 2:30 pm.

Leaders: Larry Henry, Co-Director of the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and Co-Leader of the drive to save Spruce Hill. Difficulty Level C. The hike will mostly follow a long gradual ascent from the bottom of the hill to the top on an old farm lane, and then a return, with side spurs taken to botanical points of interest on narrow unimproved trails. Endurance is required more than strength, since for the most part the slopes are gradual but long. Hikers must be able to comfortably walk 3 miles during the day at a slow to moderate pace.  Preserve Description: It was at the 2007 Wildflower Pilgrimage that Larry Henry made his first speech to save Spruce Hill and he collected the first dollars for the cause. Two months later, just 48 hours before the auction, the ARC contributed $300,000 to pull Spruce Hill off the auction block and get it into contract. As we write, fund-raising continues to raise the remaining $300,000. Spruce Hill's steep wooded hillsides boast one of the Arc System's most spectacular wildflower displays. In the spring the place is  literally wall-to-wall flowers -- with three species of trilliums, huge colonies of leeks and mayapples, anemones, mats of squirrel corn and Dutchman's breeches, wood poppies, and Solomon seals--just to name a few. Truly, only the Rocky Fork Gorge itself can rival Spruce Hill's dense displays. And yes, you will get a chance to see the remains of the stone wall that once circumscribed the sacred space of the flat hilltop. Highly recommended.

Trip #S-7   region 1  Level A
Cave Canyon & Big Beech Woods
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Three spaces left for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none; trip begins at the Appalachian Forest Museum. Meet on the porch of the taupe-colored residence across from the Museum.

Difficulty Level A Approximately .75 miles of hiking, with a few short ascents and descents on short stairways.

Description: The Cave Canyon Trail takes you into the lush cave country of the Rocky Fork Gorge with an abundance of springs, waterfalls, and grottos. Five of the preserve's seven largest caves dot this small side canyon of the Rocky Fork Gorge. The trail will lead by their mysterious entrances, their dark interiors now under restoration for bat habitat. On this trail you will see spectacular geologic scenery and a wealth of flowers growing in the deep sheltered ravine, including the drooping Trillium flexipes, the highly acclaimed Sullivantia, as well as large flowered trilliums, anemones, dentaria, miterwort, and wood poppies.  Trillium Flower Photo by Tim Pohlar

Trip #S-8   region 1   Level A
Valley of the Ancients
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Spaces available for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site
Meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum DECK at 9:30 a.m. To access the deck, go through the main doors of the Appalachian Forest Museum. Hike begins promptly at 9:45 am. The hike will end around noon. If you bring a packed lunch, you can enjoy it afterward in the picnic shelter on the grounds.

Difficulty Level A: This relatively easy trail traverses a number of short stairs both up and down. Approximately 1/3 mile of total hiking distance along well-designed paths. Pace will be slow because there is so much to look at. Because of the several rock steps, this is not recommended for people with joint problems even though it is a short trail. Etawah Woods offers the same scenery with a bit more even terrain.

Description: The Valley of the Ancients Trail threads its way into the deepest section of the Rocky Fork Gorge through a landscape abounding in springs, waterfalls, and grottos. The trail features the Pyramid of Trilliums -- truly a wonder to behold -- and large quantities of Walter's Violet -- a state-listed miniature violet growing in shallow niches of soil harbored on the exposed rock of the bluffs. Ancient white cedars, another rare botanical in Ohio, cling from the canyon rim.  This trail offers stunning scenery and a beautiful wildflower showcase.  Pyramid of Trillium Photo by Tim Pohlar

Trip #S-9  region 1  Level A
Etawah Woods Trail
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Spaces available for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site
Meet in the front of the Appalachian Forest Museum at 9:30 a.m. Hike begins promptly at 9:45 am. Meet in front of the trail head, located in the grassy opening to the left of the Museum. Packed lunch is optional. Bring one if you would like to eat in the picnic shelter after the hike. The hike should end around 12:30 pm. Leader: Debbie Miller, Trail Guide at the Appalachian Forest Museum, Arc of Appalachia Trustee

Difficulty Level A: Relatively easy. Approximately one half mile of hiking along wide graded paths, with the exception that the trail becomes narrow and uneven on the last stretch of trail that follows the creek. Includes one ascent and descent of a long stairway. Pace will be slow because there is so much to look at. If you have bad joints and can't do the stairs but want to come anyway, walk up to the stairs and we can pick you up on the return journey.

Description: Etawah Woods is truly Eden in the spring with a proliferation of columbine, trillium, wood anemone, geranium, goldenseal, and celandine wood poppies -- set against imposing rock walls and the shadows of giant hemlock trees. Etawah Woods is one of the few Ohio sites where the state-listed gray polypody or resurrection fern grows.  Foot for foot, this trail offers some of the most geologically beautiful scenery in the Arc of Appalachia.

Trip #S-10   region 1   Level B
Miller State Nature Preserve
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Full for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: 15 minutes
Meet at Miller State Nature Preserve at 9:45. The hike will begin promptly at 10:00 am. and should end around 12:30 or 1:00. A packed lunch is optional -- we will not be eating on the trail, but you can take your lunch with you back to the Appalachian Forest Museum and at at the picnic shelter there. Leader: Nina Keller, Appalachian Forest Museum Trail Guide, Arc of Appalachia Trustee

Difficulty Level B: Compared to most of our trails, this trek is fairly easy. Total mileage is 1.5 to 2.0 miles for the day on well designed trails. Ascents and descents are gradual and bridges cross the creeks.

Description: Miller State Nature Preserve is the oldest of preserve on the Rocky Fork Creek and is one of the most beautiful. Its claim to fame is its nearly unbelievable density of Shooting Stars, otherwise known as Pride of Ohio. Shooting Stars are not particularly common in Ohio, so seeing a quantity of them is always an uplifting sight. We will likely be too early to catch them at peak, but we shall see their prolific foliage on the rocks and lots of other flower species. Miller State Nature Preserve has a rich and compelling display of Appalachian flowers, with dense carpets of ginger, Solomon's Seal, bellwort, bluebells and waterleaf. The hiking paths cross over several small bridges that ford musical spring-swollen riffles. Miller boasts a beautiful display of bluebells, which if they are at the usual timing, should be captured close to their seasonal peak. We think this preserve is as close to paradise in the spring as one could hope for.

Trip #S-11  region 7   Level B
Buzzards Roost, a 2000 acre Ross County Park District
Nature Preserve outside Chillicothe
Spaces available for 2008
Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: 45 minutes
 
Meet at Buzzards' Roost at 10:15 am. Hike will begin promptly at 10:30 am. Hike will be over around 1:30. Please bring a packed lunch as we will be eating on the trail.
Difficulty Level B: This is a moderately easy hike along the top bluffs of Buzzards Roost. The trail is fairly primitive and narrow, but it is usually level and there is one extremely gradual ascent of around 200 feet that follows the roadway. Length of hike is approximately 1.5 miles. Leaders: Gary and Debbie McFadden; longtime Volunteer Naturalists at Buzzards Roost.

Description: This is truly one of Ohio's best-kept secrets and scenic splendors. Highly recommended. Buzzards Roost presents one of the purest "essences of Appalachia" that can be found in Ohio. Because the roost is 600 feet from ridge-top to creek with extremely steep flanks, the preserve offers spectacular vistas that are perhaps the best in the state. High above the winding course of Paint Creek, sandstone shelves jut out over the deep valley -- offering welcome rest stops for hikers who wish to pause and drink in the views. Each lookout is gracefully framed by the greenery of Virginia pine. Buzzards' Roost is a classic Appalachian Forest with a nice collection of wildflowers on both rim and valley floor, with assemblages not found in the limestone bedrock preserves which currently dominate the Arc of Appalachia system. You can expect to see wild geranium, mayapples, buttercups, golden ragworts, starry chickweed, large flowered trillium, and sessile trillium.  Waterfalls and valley photos courtesy of Gary Merkamp, Ross Co. Park District.

Trip S-12   region 1   Level C  
Photographers' Special Trip! Listening Trail at Ravenwood
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Spaces available for 2008

Dear Friends, If you are a serious photographer and want to spend lots of solo time taking pictures, this is the very best Sunday field trip for you. Unfortunately, taking pictures very slowly and earnestly while on most of these field trips can slow down the group and makes it very hard for the leader to keep in communication with the participants who don't have cameras. So, instead of fighting the natural pace, if you are a photographer here is a program JUST for you and your special needs. Although all photographers must stay on the trail to keep the wildflowers intact, this field trip will be structured so that participants will have quiet solo time out on some of the best picture-taking trails of the Sanctuary--under the leadership of an award winning photographer. Load up your equipment and join us!

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: Located at a fifteen minute drive from the Appalachia Forest Museum at Cave Canyon. Meet at Ravenwood Lodge at 9:45 am. Hike will begin promptly at 10:00 am. We will be off the trail around 12:30 pm. Bring a packed lunch if you would like to eat it on the front porch of Ravenwood after the hike. Leader: Bob Miller, award winning photographer from Cincinnati, and long-time volunteer with the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System. Bob has led several photography courses at the Sanctuary and loves to support other photographers' creative work.

Difficulty C for Ravenwood.  Ravenwood is a one mile loop trail. It has occasional steep but very short ascents and descents. It's main difficulty lies in its uneven footing.  The trail can be slippery if it has recently rained. The trails are narrow and uneven, often traversing small boulders that lean in various directions. One's feet are often at a slight angle to one's legs, which is tiring and can upset your balance if you are not a strong hiker.

Preserve Description. The Listening Trail was designed as a contemplation trail -- with lots of natural niches to occupy and listen ... to the bird calls without, or the quiet voice within. The trail offers a wooden swing for two, a cave grotto to curl up in, slanted rocks in the creek to repose upon, and decks jutting out over the gorge. Packed in such a short distance, there are few trails as spectacular for both wildflowers and scenery than the Listening Trail located behind Ravenwood Lodge. This section of the Rocky Fork Canyon has its unique own character and essence. It's steep v-shaped valley offers more loamy habitats for wildflowers than the vertical cliffs farther down stream, and the flowers respond in heady abundance! Moss, lichens, ferns and liverworts seem to cover every rock and fallen tree. This is one of the greenest, lushest habitats in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, indeed, in the whole Arc! Hikers will see carpets of trilliums, ginger, and Solomon's seal, as well as dozens of other species. Even without flowers, the Listening Trail is a stunning trail for scenery. Click here for more information on the Listening Trail.

Trip #S-13  region 1  Level A  
Ridgeview Farm Wetlands
Bring your Binoculars!
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Four spaces left for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: Located fifteen minute drive from the Appalachia Forest Museum at Cave Canyon Preserve. Meet at Ridgeview Farm at 9:45 am. Hike will begin promptly at 10:00 am. We recommend that you bring your lunch. At hike's end there is a well-placed  porch from which we can vista-watch while enjoying our lunches. We should be off the trail by noon or 12:30 pm. Leader: Beth Staggenborg, , Education Volunteer with the Highlands Nature Sanctuary & Mike Kravitz, Volunteer Naturalist with the Cincinnati Nature Center. Mike Kravitz is an excellent birder and birding teacher. If you like to watch birds, bring your binoculars and join Mike as he watch for spring wings at Ridgeview Farm.

Difficulty A for Ridgeview. Ridgeview Farm is an easy loop trail that is fairly level and a little over one mile long. There are no ascents or descents.

Preserve Description. Ridgeview Farm meanders through the rolling hills of old farm pastures into a wet woodlands with hundreds and hundreds of skunk cabbages and marsh marigolds. The skunk cabbages will be unfurling their large symmetrical leaves, and, if we are lucky, we will still catch the last of the early-blooming marsh marigold still in flower. Through much of this hike we will be able to admire the exceptional scenic ridgeline of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary -- Roundtop and Barrier Ridge -- in the distance.

Trip #S-15  region 5  Level C
Ohio River Bluffs, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
4 spaces left for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: one hour and fifteen minutes.

Meet at the Ohio River Bluffs at 10:30 a.m. Tour will begin promptly at 10:45 am. Bring your lunch so we can eat at the top of the ridge. We will be back to our cars around 1:30 pm. Leader: Jeff Foster, Biology Instructor, Southern State Community College

Difficulty Level C:  requires hiking uphill on a long ascent. although not at a fast pace. Trails are very narrow with uneven footing. Pace yourself for approximately 1.5 miles of hiking for the day.

Description: Ohio River Bluffs is a 63 acre preserve located west of Manchester in the region of steep limestone bluffs that border the Ohio River. For sheer density of flowers, Ohio River Bluffs is in a class of its own. This preserve is so densely carpeted with bluebells, dwarf larkspurs, wild hyacinths, and in some years -- Blue-eyed Mary's-- that, in the spring, the pull-off on Route 52 is often filled with cars whose drivers have pulled off the highway just to take in the marvelous view.  It is worth driving across the state just to see this with your own eyes. See photo on main page for a preview. Larkspur Photo by Rick Gardner.

Trip #S-16  region 1  Level A
Just for CHILDREN --  for ages 6 through 12
Nature Crafting -- Fairy Huts & Gnome Crossings!
Special Pricing for Children--$15.00 per child
Spaces available for 2008

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site  Meet at the front door of the Appalachian Forest Museum at 9:15 am. Program will start promptly at 9:30 am. Please pick up your children between 12:45 and 1:00 (if  you are sharing lunch together) or at 1:30 p.m. (if they are eating their packed lunch with us). We recommend that parents choose field trips in region 1 so that they can be back in time for their children. Leader: Kris Cross, Children's Environmental Educator. Like all of our field trips, this trip is limited to 15 participants.
        
Difficulty Level A This is an indoor craft program. All materials will be provided.  

Program Description. Children are natural mystics -- they see pine needles as thatch for fairy huts, and can easily imagine acorns serving as troll goblets. In this fun event, natural materials will be provided for children to create their own miniature nature cottage in which they can let their imagination run wild -- creating real estate for any imaginary "being" of their choice. All creations can be taken home. And their inhabitants too, at no extra charge!!

Trip S-5  region 1  Level C
This hike is filled for 2008
Sad Song Creek Preserve
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from the Highlands Nature Sanctuary: on site
Meet at Taloden Woods at 9:30 am. At 9:45 promptly, we will take a car caravan to travel the two mile distance to the trailhead. Note: The hike is expected to end around  2:30 pm. -- a bit longer than most of the other Sunday tours. Be sure to bring a lunch as we plan to eat at the top of the hill at Sad Song. Leader: Rick Gardner, Ohio Heritage Botanist, Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

Difficulty Level C: One long and gradual ascent to top of the hill and a quicker descent. Length of trail is approximately two and one half  to three miles. We will be hiking off-trail most of the way but all slopes are gradual. There is no need to scramble or use all fours.

Description: Sad Song Creek  is a 200 acre preserve dominated by a symmetrically round hill, known as Celandine Hill. At its base is a beautiful small waterfall and a stream jumbled with moss-strewn giant boulders. The hike takes you gradually up to the summit through various communities including young hardwood forests, cedar trees growing above a carpet of ground cedar, old pastures dominated by little bluestem, and  a ridgetop filled with young Kentucky Coffee trees. At the top of the hill we will stop for lunch (bring your own or order one to carry in) next to two stone cairns built by unknown sources. The top offers great vistas of the area. At the top of the hill are nice displays of celandine poppies, spring beauties and dwarf larkspur.

Trip S-4   region 1   Level C
NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN 2008
Barrier Ridge Trail
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Rocky Fork Gorge region

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site
Meet at Caves Canyon's lower parking lot (the level parking lot just past the Museum on your left) at 9:30. Hike will begin promptly at 9:45 am. Be sure to bring a packed lunch on this one. We plan to eat at the top of the ridge. Will return by 1:30 or 2:00pm. Leader: Karl Peters, Nature Guide at the Appalachian Forest Museum

Difficulty Level C: One long gradual ascent to top of ridge and a quicker descent. Footing is not too terribly tricky but the length of the trail is relatively long at almost 3 miles.

Description: Barrier Ridge is a long ridge that runs parallel to the Rocky Fork Gorge, providing the very first ridgeline encountered in Appalachia as one travels east on Route 50. To the west is glaciated farmlands. To the east, the foothills of the Appalachians. Barrier Ridge Trail goes through a young forest with an interesting assortment of flowers on an assortment of bedrocks. The trail begins at the level of limestone, moves up into a layer of shale, and finally reaches the flat hilltop composed of rainbow sandstone. The shale layers produce unusually lush carpets of blue cohosh. The flat sandstone ridge produces beautiful displays of celandine poppies, dwarf larkspur, Canada violets, and fumitory. We may also catch the last of the Dutchman's breeches in this region, an early blooming flower which is also very lush in this region and peaks about a week before the trilliums. Beautiful vistas of forested hills and Mennonite farm country from the top.

Trip #S-14   region 6  Level C
Raven Rock State Nature Preserve,
Ohio Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
Sorry, cancelled for 2008; see Gladys Riley Trip on Saturday

A Preserve with a View of the Beautiful Ohio River

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: one hour and fifteen minutes Meet at the Shawnee State Park Lodge at 10:15 am for an escorted shuttle to Raven Rock. The shuttle will depart from the parking lot promptly at 10:30 am. Leader: Jenny Richards, Park Naturalist, Shawnee State Park
       
Difficulty Level C. A steep 500 foot ascent to a lookout. Trail is narrow but even. Footing is not difficult, but the trail will give your lungs and legs a workout. Approximately one mile total.

Preserve Description. This ancient sacred site of Native Americans is now preserved for the appreciation of future generations. Jenny will take hikers up the short but steeply ascending trail to the lookout at the top, moving through chestnut oak forests, and keeping an eye out for an interesting flower, the Appalachian Scorpionweed. Raven Rock is too dry of a habitat for a dense wildflower display, but the stunning view of the grand sweep of the Ohio River is worth the climb ANY time of the year. It's hard to imagine a trip to the Little Smokies of Ohio, without a climb up Raven Rock.

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