Wilderness Hiking
Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

    The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System exists to preserve native ecosystems, and to provide education on natural history. We are also pleased to offer wilderness trails to people who enjoy solitary hiking on simple, unimproved trails in often stunningly beautiful wilderness areas. Most of our trails are two to three mile long loops. For hikers who want dramatic scenery on shorter, more improved trails, we offer the Appalachian Forest Museum & trail system, a beautiful educational center perched on the bluffs of the Rocky Fork Gorge.

    There are two ways to enter the Highlands Nature Sanctuary back-country.

    One is to register at the Appalachian Forest Museum & trail system facility. So long as you come during open hours, pre-registration is not necessary. You may access the Museum's trail system, the Museum itself, and fourteen miles of exceptionally scenic back-country trails for a small fee of $10.00/adult, $5.00 children 16 and under. Admission is free for children three years and under. Being a non-profit, arriving to our backcountry through the Appalachian Forest Museum fee-entrance helps sustain our non-profit organization. Our operations are primarily supported by donations, and are further assisted by entrance fees such as these.

  Two, is to enter is through our free-of-charge permit system. All visitors wishing to hike the Arc's back-country trails must apply five day in advance. The permit system is available for groups and families up to 12 people. Children's groups, please call 937-365-1935. Permits need to be displayed in your windshield in order to park at the various trailheads.  Please note that guests lodging at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary do not need to apply separately for trail permits since an application is automatically completed for them when a reservation is made.

Other back-country trails exist at:

Kamama Nature Preserve, Adams County
Permit-holders may enjoy 3-4 miles of trails in an extremely rare ecosystem -- the alkaline short-grass prairie unique in Ohio to Adams County. Peak blooming times are mid-April through mid-May, mid July, and mid August. the natural history of Ka-ma-ma is thoroughly described at this site. Application and orientation to the site is processed by email, as well as the permits themselves.

Spruce Hill, Ross County
Spruce Hill Archaeological Site and Natural Area. A simple old farm land heading up a long hill to the flat ridged top of Spruce Hill, rimmed with an ancient Hopewell-era rock wall enclosure --hard to pick out of the landscape 2000 years later! Hillsides are rich with wildflowers in the spring. For more information on this site, click here.

Other ARC destinations under development.
We are working to develop trail systems at other preserve locations.

Miller State Nature Preserve
This preserve which adjoins the Highlands Nature Sanctuary is owned by the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. Miller boasts one of the most spectacular displays of shooting stars in the late April. All year long visitors can enjoy an excellent trail system that meanders along the dolomite cliffs and crosses small falls and riffles. Visitors must apply for a permit through The Division at least two weeks in advance of their stay. Miller's trail system is contiguous to the Highlands' Cedar Run Trail. Getting permits from both organizations can greatly enhance your hiking experience. Contact  www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/permitonly/tabid/863/Default.aspx  to obtain more information about Miller Preserve and www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/3/permits/permit[1].pdf to apply for the permit.
 

Please read before you apply:

The hiking trails of the ARC are back-country in nature. Trails are usually two feet or less in width, and trailside vegetation is cut back minimally in order to maintain the trail so that hiking remains low-impact. Trails are otherwise unimproved, crossing small creeks without the help of bridges, and crossing the occasional downed log. Paths gently wind around the natural contours of the land, with frequent switchbacks on inclines in order to minimize erosion. Most trails are approximately two miles in length and are commonly loop trails. Hiking boots and long pants are recommended.

Philosophy of Harmlessness. The Arc of Appalachia was founded not only as a traditional nature preserve, but as a place where humanity can learn to be gentle stewards of the land. Here in the Sanctuary, native species are preserved not just because  they may benefit humanity someday in a tangible way but because each and every species as an irreplaceable thread in the magical tapestry of life -- regardless of their utility.  We ask all visitors to walk the path of humility, recognizing that humans understand only a fraction of the dynamics and complexity of our natural systems. For these reasons, all rules and regulations concerning the Sanctuary are interwoven with the basic requirement that those who come here walk lightly, with deep respect.

Potential danger. For safety reasons, please know that back country trails are narrow, primitive and unimproved. They may have slippery and uneven surfaces. Some of the trails  follow the rims of potentially dangerous vertical cliffs without railings. Children must be closely supervised and kept in close proximity to their parents at all times. For families wanting a tamer experience, please see the Appalachian Forest Museum and trails.

Unavailable Dates: The following dates are not available for wilderness permits: Wildflower Pilgrimage Weekend, April 16, 17, 18, 2010.

Common Questions:

What if I want to bring a group?
For organized children's groups, please call ahead at 937-365-1935. Because of our steep cliffs, we ask that every four to five children have an assigned adult guardian with whom they stay in close proximity at all times. Organized adult groups do not need to call ahead, but if you have more than 20 people, it is appreciated if you do so. Sorry, there are not group rates at this time.

I'm a lodging guest. Do I need a permit?
No, lodging guests are automatically registered for a permit when they book their reservation. Lodging guests also have their admission covered for the Appalachian Forest Museum and associated trail system.

I'm a donor of this organization. Why do I have to wait for a permit, and why do I have pay to enter the Appalachian Forest Museum?
You won't have to do so for much longer! We are currently working on a membership program for 2010 whereby donors can opt to receive a season's pass to both the Museum complex and our back-country trails.

Do you allow hunting and fishing?
The Arc of Appalachia Preserve system supports the recreational benefits of hunting and fishing, but does not permit these activities within the preserve boundaries. This is not a philosophical disagreement, but rather our organization's chosen role as a non-profit in the conservation field. Ensuring protection of our natural landscape requires a multitude of strategies. Nature Preserves, both public and private, are the make up the smallest acreage of all conservation lands. The greatest benefits that nature preserves usually offer  visitors is undisturbed scenery, highly-intact eco-systems, relatively low human attendance, access to rare and endangered ecosystems, and relatively high tranquility and peace. All forms of conservation are important, and we need all three types of conservation lands to remain in vital existence if we are to successfully meet the needs of our native plants, our wildlife, and the emotional, recreational and spiritual needs of our people.

What is the best time of the year to visit?
Other than the deep winter of January and February, when ice can make the trails and parking lots difficult or inaccessible, the trails are beautiful all times of the year. Spring Wildflowers last from the first week of April to the first week of May, with their showy diversity peaking from April 15th to April 24th. Birding is excellent here, with peak bird migrations coming through in last week of April. Hiking down Cave Road is a great birding "trail", with birds and their songs bountiful from April through early August. Another great birding spot is Taloden Woods Preserve. August and September brings night time chants from our katydid tribe--music to the ears of nature lovers if you can stay overnight to enjoy the sound show. Fall color peaks widely, but usually crests the third week of October. November is a surprisingly beautiful month to hike, after the leaves have fallen to the ground and the rock formations and ridge top vistas sweep into full view. At that time the ground is still warm, and we are graced with many nice days in the fifties and sixties--perfect hiking weather. Two early spring wildflowers worth pursuing are the Harbingers of Spring and the tiny Snow Trilliums. They are evasive--opening up on the first warm days of spring. They can usually be found the last two weeks of March on sunny warm days.

Why can't I bring my dog? She's a wonderful dog, and I would keep her on a leash.
Being dog lovers ourselves, we know and appreciate the capacity of a dog to be friendly, quiet and to obediently stay on a trail. Unfortunately, not all dogs are so well trained, and a dog that has not been invested in by his or her owner can be a disturbance to the natural environment and other visitors. So, despite the fact that your dog may be exceptional, we must err on the side of caution and fairly administer our regulation equally to all.

I would like to do scientific research on one of your preserves. How do I get permission?
The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System welcomes scientific studies that have the potential of usefully advancing the protection of natural habitats and/or species, when the research is  associated with an established academic organization and the resulting data is publicly available. Please know that permits are not usually awarded to projects that involve permanent plant or animal collection, or undue disturbance or harm to individuals or species. Please send your requests to director@highlandssanctuary.org.

I want to photograph off-trail. How do I get permission?
We encourage nature photography in our preserve system but do request that photographers remain on the trail. Thank you for your understanding.

To apply for a wilderness permit, please click on Application.