If you are a Wildflower Pilgrimage Registrant, click here.

If you wish to explore the historical and natural attractions in the Arc of Appalachia region, click here.
 

An Escape from Human Creations. Respect for the earth and all living things is a way of life here in the valley. Our goal is to give people more opportunities to connect to the healing qualities of pristine and natural environments, whether you wish to have an active hiking retreat, or a quiet contemplative one. Informational technology is simplified or deliberately left behind. Here you will find no TV’s  or radios. If you are looking for golfing and antique stores close by, we are not your best choice. If you are looking for wilderness hiking, historical sites, reading books, journaling, meditating, or listening to bird calls echoing off the gorge----you’ve found the perfect destination! Because we limit daily access to the preserve through a wilderness permit system, we can offer our visitors one of today’s rarest treasures: solitude in nature. Over fourteen miles of hiking trails lead guests into the spectacular scenery of the Highlands Rocky Fork Gorge region—with its winding caves, dripping springs, wondrous rock formations, and ancient forest groves. All of the listed facilities are in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the largest of the Arc of Appalachia's eleven preserves. Click here for more information on the Arc.

A Magical Past. The Sanctuary is located in the hill country of south central Ohio in what was once the locus of the Hopewell Indian Culture -- the largest, most advanced, organized and artistic flowering of culture in North America at anytime in history. The ancient Mound Builders made their homes here, constructing sacred earthworks that served a much larger region. Nearby earthworks exist such as Serpent Mound and Fort Hill. The more recent Shawnee Peoples referred to the springs arising from the many caves in our valley as “magic waters.”  If you come, you will join a long history of peoples who sought renewal here.

Quiet Nature Retreats for Individuals, Couples, or small groups

Hermitage  –  The Eyrie is one half of a stunning cabin called the Hermitage, built on the precipice of the rim of the gorge . The Eyrie is one of our most beautiful suites, located in the heart of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, near most of its trailheads., and within walking distance of Cave Canyon. Situated in a deeply forested setting, it offers a private deck with Adirondack chairs, bathroom, kitchenette, and bedroom. Tastefully decorated with antiques and woodland decor, and a spectacular view of the gorge outside the bedroom window and from the deck.  Designed as an adult retreat for 1-2 people. The price is $70/night plus a one time housekeeping fee of $30. Click here for more information and photos.
 

Ravenwood Suite – For retreats serving 1-6 people located on the upper Rocky Fork Creek. Your choice of 1-3 bedrooms with large well-stocked kitchen, bathroom, and spacious dining room and living room that are well-appointed with antiques. Wrap around porch with swing and chairs. Living room and kitchen have high ceilings and are well lit by a wall of large glass windows, offering the best indoor space was have for group and family gatherings. The historic home is surrounded by a mowed lawn, shade trees and beautiful perennial gardens, and is located on SR 753 on the western periphery of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Although located eight miles away from Cave Canyon and most of the Sanctuary's trailheads, at Ravenwood's very backdoor is the Ravenwood Listening Trail, a one mile hiking loop leading into an especially stunning section of the Rocky Fork Gorge. The Listening Trail offers hikers eight specially designed trailside niches to sit and contemplate the beauty of nature, including a cedar swing, viewing deck, and "listening" cave. Regardless of how many bedrooms you rent, you have exclusive and private use of the facility. This is by far the best bargain for your money as Ravenwood offers extensive square footage for the price. Prices range from $75 to $125.00/night plus a one-time housekeeping fee of $40-$60.  Click here for more information and photos.
 

Group Retreats with Kitchens & Dining Rooms -- these stunning lodges accommodate families, conferences or workshops. Each lodge has accommodations for cook-your-own group meals. If you wish to find a local cook and you are a private group, let us know. We might be able to link you up. If you stay at least two days and fill the facility, each guest pays approximately $25.00/night for use of the facility.

Beechcliff Lodge - A handsome fully remodeled 1912 plantation-style retreat serving up to 12 people in the summer and ten fall through spring. Offers an immense stone fireplace. Located in a mature beech woods in the heart of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, on the banks of the Rocky Fork Creek. Within walking distance of Cave Canyon, close to most of the trailheads. Still has some of the original shaker furniture made of the now extinct American chestnut tree. Sleeps up to ten people in single beds in five inside rooms and two more people in the two private sleeping porches. Very large dining room and kitchen take up the entire bottom floor. Has the ambience on the outside of the building of a Southern Plantation house, with three full length porches filled with rocking chairs. On the inside of the building the decor reminds you of an English den - dark and richly appointed. Each inside bedroom had an old-fashioned hand sink, and two single beds. If you want a group hiking retreat, this is your best choice. Fully modernized with A/C and heat. For more information and photos click here.

Ravenwood Lodge – A retreat serving 7-14 people, located on the upper Rocky Fork Creek. The historic home is surrounded by a mowed lawn, shade trees and beautiful perennial gardens, and is located on SR 753 on the western periphery of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Three floor of living space in an historic fully-remodeled farmhouse with 6 bedrooms -- some with double beds, some with singles. Large well-stocked kitchen. Spacious dining room and living room that are well-appointed with antiques. Two bathrooms, both on the hall. Wrap around porch with swing and chairs. Living room and kitchen have high ceilings and are illuminated by a wall of large glass windows, offering the best indoor space we have for group and family gatherings. This is our best facility for indoor workshops. Sponsors appreciate the mowed lawns around the building, the well-lit gathering room, and the optional rental of a large outdoor pole barn. Although located eight miles away from Cave Canyon and most of the Sanctuary's trailheads, at Ravenwood's very backdoor is the Ravenwood Listening Trail, a one mile hiking loop leading into an especially stunning section of the Rocky Fork Gorge. The Listening Trail offers hikers eight specially designed trailside niches to sit and contemplate the beauty of nature, including a cedar swing, viewing deck, and "listening" cave. Prices range from $200 to $250.00/night plus a one-time housekeeping fee of $80-$100.  Click here for more information and photos.

Larger Group Retreats Desiring Full Meal Service

Hope Springs -- Recommended for larger groups of 12-30 people wanting a full-service meal facility. Hope Springs specializes in healthy, memorable home-made meals and has outstanding facilities. Managed by Hope Springs Institute, a "sister" organization of the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System located in the Arc of Appalachia region, approximately 40 minute drive from the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Secluded in a 250-acre forest and situated in the highly rural setting of Adams County in southern Ohio. Highly recommended as a workshop space. Featured at Hope Springs is the "Studio" -- a stunning octagonal 1500 sq. ft. building with exquisitely finished maple hardwood floors, international artwork on its walls, and high skylights in spacious ceilings that is great for gatherings and movement work. This beautiful structure always evokes a reverent and tranquil response from everyone who visits. A second structure, Spirit House, is a round meditation and meeting space with a central sunken fire pit with supporting contemplative art at the outer edge of open space. Lodging is offered to guests in three locations with single, double and queen size beds available.  King size beds made up for couples upon request. In addition, seven semi-private rooms are offered in a warm and hospitable old farmhouse building also housing the dining room and a covered porch complete with rocking chairs.  The large stone fireplace in the farmhouse living room offers a cozy and friendly warmth on cool nights.  There are three shared bathrooms in this facility. For more information and photos, go to Hope Spring's own website at www.hopespringswomencenter.com

If you have Excel, you can check availability for all Highlands Nature Sanctuary facilities at  www.highlandssanctuary.org/shared/lodging.reservations.xls

Before making a lodging reservation, please see Lodging Reservation Overview. Be sure to read more about the lodge of your choice by clicking on its name above.

If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to give us a call at our reservation line at 937-365-1936.

Click here for Directions  

If we are booked, you can check nearby private facilities at  Visitor's Guide to Our Greater Area