Trip S-1   region 1   
Optional early morning hike
Agility A Aerobics A
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
Bring your binoculars!

Driving Distance from Region 1: None.
Meet at 7:00 am promptly at the Appalachian Forest Museum. We will shuttle groups to various nearby locations. Hike will end at 8:15 am in time for a hearty breakfast at the Museum (please pre-register for meals).
Difficulty : We will be hiking very slowly along roads, flat trails, and woodland edges.

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 8  
Showcase!! Scenic Beauty!! Features!!! Agility C Aerobics C  
Spruce Hill
2000 year old Earthworks & 238-acre Natural Area

Saving Spruce Hill from the auction block in 2007  was the highlight of an already spectacular year for preservation. Here is an opportunity to hike Spruce Hill and witness a dense and showy flower displays while walking in the footsteps of an ancient Native American Culture.

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: Twenty minutes. Located halfway between the hub and Chillicothe.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Spruce Hill , depart promptly at 9:45 am
Difficulty. The hike will mostly follow a long gradual ascent from the bottom of the hill to the top 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. There are no steep scrambles.

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 is complete. In 2008 the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and Ross County Park District was awarded a Clean Ohio grant, funding the final purchase of the property. Spruce Hill's steep wooded hillsides boast one of the Arc System's most spectacular wildflower displays. In the spring the place is dense with flowers -- with three species of trilliums, large colonies of leeks and mayapples, anemones, mats of squirrel corn and Dutchman's breeches, wood poppies, and Solomon seals--just to name a few -- in all stages of blooming. 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. Distinguishing Feature: nationally significant prehistoric Native American ceremonial site.  For the full story on Spruce Hill, click here.

Trip #S-3  region 5  
 Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features! Agility C Aerobics D

Ohio River Bluffs
The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Consider stopping here on your way back home to or through Cincinnati

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

Meet at the Ohio River Bluffs at 10:15 a.m. Tour will begin promptly at 10:30 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.
Trip Difficulty: This trip will take hikers on the entire Ohio River Bluffs trail. We will hike the trail to the top of the ridge, which requires hiking uphill for approximately 1/3 mile at a moderate ascent, and follow the loop along the ridge. The trail is narrow and cut into a steep hillside, with one or two ten foot sections that are very steep and a bit slippery,  but we will not be hiking at a fast pace. The trail on the top of the ridge finds wildflowers at a different  stage of bloom, and gives outstanding views of the Ohio River Valley. Pace yourself for approximately 2 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. From the top of the ridge, one can see Kentucky's hills across the wide swath of the Ohio River.
  Larkspur Photo by Rick Gardner, rest by Larry Henry.

Trip #S-4  region 7
Showcase! Scenic Beauty!!! Features!! Agility B Aerobics C  
Buzzards Roost, 2000 acre -preserve
Ross County Park District

Located west of Chillicothe
Consider taking this trip on your way back home  to or through Columbus

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: 45 minutes
 
Meet at Buzzards' Roost at 10:00 am. Hike will begin promptly at 10:15 am. Hike will be over by lunchtime. Packed lunch optional.
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.

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.  Distinguishing Features: One of the highest elevation differences from ridge to river valley in Ohio, and one of the largest preserves. Waterfalls and valley photos courtesy of Gary Merkamp, Ross Co. Park District.

Trip #S-5  region 1  
Showcase! Scenic Beauty!!! Features!!! Agility C Aerobics C

Kamelands Trail
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: ten minutes from Cave Canyon
Meet at TES Farm Trailhead at 9:15 am. Hike will begin promptly at 9:30  am.  You are encouraged to bring a packed lunch. It is pleasant to relax on the front porch of the old farmhouse or on a straw bale in the old barn.

Difficulty: 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 the spur down to the creek. 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 -- rock bottom can be a bit 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--reaching their peak bloom a week or two later than the Pilgrimage dates. Nevertheless, 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. A spur takes you from the bluffs right down to the Rocky Fork's canyon floor. Stunning geological scenery throughout this trail. Distinguishing Features: Immense old oak hickory trees, stone arch.

Trip S-6  region 1 
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features!! Agility C Aerobics C

Barrett's Rim -- the jewel of the Rocky Fork Gorge
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

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. Distinguishing Features: High floral and botanical diversity.

Trip #S-7  region 1
Showcase!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features!! Agility C Aerobics C 
 
Cave Canyon & Big Beech Woods
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none; on-site

Difficulty 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. From Cave Canyon we will take the short 1/4 mile Big Beech loop through a classic beech maple forest, with primeval beech trees and open forest floor carpeted with mayapple and starry chickweed. Distinguishing Features: Rare Sullivantia plants, 2nd densest cave system in Ohio, large virgin beech trees.  Trillium Flower Photo by Tim Pohlar

Trip S-8 region 1 
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features!! Agility B Aerobics B

William Sullivant Living History Hike
at Cave Canyon
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System


Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way:  No driving required. On-site.

Difficulty: Approximately .25 miles of hiking along well maintained trails. Several stone steps in short ascents and descents.
 
Description: William Sullivant Living History Hike. This hike leads you on the Cave Canyon Trail, featuring springs, sinkholes, cave entrances in a verdant steep-walled canyon -- a fairy-land of geologic beauty and rare botanicals.  19^th Century  Ohio botanist William Sullivant is your guide, sharing with you an exciting honor he has recently received. The year is 1853. The famous and prestigious international botanist, Asa Gray, and his botanical colleagues in New York State, have just named William’s newest plant discovery --  found right here in Cave Canyon  -- after William’s surname. The wildflower, now called Sullivantia sullivantia, is a very  rare saxifrage that has previously been unknown to science, and is found in only a few places in the world. William, son of the founder of Columbus, is a wealthy banker and capitalist who has devoted his study to natural history. His father was the surveyor of Columbus as well as much of Kentucky and Ohio’s land base. William’s dialogue on this hike is a compelling treatise from a highly educated man who is skilled in natural lore and finds in his heart the beginning seeds of American conservation. His father once walked among old-growth trees and the Native Americans. Now, William Sullivant must place a foot in two worlds – a rapidly diminishing wilderness and the domesticated world that financially supports his outdoor studies. You will find this  program thought provoking and compelling, as you are drawn into the theatre yourself as one of William’s circle of invited friends and supporters. This program has a stimulating and provocative adult content, but the drama equally sparks the imagination of children. The leader, Mr. Sullivant, being a botanist, is an able Pilgrimage leader and will be happy to share his knowledge of the plant life in the area, whether the plants be in full bloom or still unfolding. Distinguishing Features: Rare Sullivantia plants, 2nd densest cave system in Ohio. Photos by Larry Henry
 

Trip #S-9   region 1
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Diversity!! Agility B Aerobics B
  
Valley of the Ancients
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site
Meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum main trailhead at 9:15 a.m. The trailhead is to the left of the Appalachian Forest Museum. Packed lunch is optional. Bring one if you would like to eat in the picnic shelter after the hike. The hike should end before noon.

Difficulty: This relatively easy trail traverses a number of short stairs both up and down. Approximately one quarter mile of total hiking distance along well-designed paths. Pace will be slow because there is so much to look at.

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. Distinguishing Features: Rare Sullivantia adn Walter's violets, ancient old white cedar trees, Marble Cave.  Pyramid of Trillium Photo by Tim Pohlar, Floral bouquet by Larry Henry.

Trip #S-10  region 1 
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features! Agility B Aerobics B

Etawah Woods Trail
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site
Meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum at 9:00 am. Hike begins promptly at 9:15 am. Meet on the deck of the Appalachian Forest 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 noon.

Difficulty: 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 on a pleasant loop back to the museum.

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 beautiful scenery in the Arc of Appalachia with view of the large fallen boulders midstream called the Three Sisters, large hemlock trees, and beautiful rock formations.

Trip #S-15  region 1 
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features! Agility B Aerobics B

Nature Journaling w/Artemis & Harold Eyster
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site
Meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum at 9:15 am on the deck.
Packed lunch is optional. Bring one if you would like to eat in the picnic shelter after the hike. The hike should end before noon.

Difficulty: Approximately one half mile of hiking along a combination of wide graded paths narrower trails on the Etawah Woods Trail. Includes one ascent and descent of a long stairway. Pace will be slow because we will be stopping so frequently to sit and journal. 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 on a pleasant loop back to the museum.

Description: Anyone with an artistic heart knows that nature is remembered best and treasured most when we slow our pace, giving ourselves time to connect to the essences and detailed subtleties of the living things before us. There is nothing that slows us down more fruitfully than the honored art of nature journaling. Although some journals, notably a few famous ones, have been published and relished by a wide audience, the highest purpose of a nature journal is to deepen the experience and profundity of nature communion for the participant. We are pleased to share with you the inspiration of two devoted journalists and naturalists, Harold and Artemis Eyster. Gracing us with their presence at last year's Pilgrimage, Artemis and Harold's deep knowledge of nature and their beautiful journals of  handmade paper and profuse illustrations made such a  profound impression on fellow participants,  that we have invited them back this year as leaders. The fact that they are years old only adds to their ability to inspire others.
   Harold and Artemis will give participants a short program in the morning on the rewards and techniques of nature journaling. Then, out to the field to do a few morning nature journal entries. Participants will be supplied art pens and paper -- but you are encouraged to bring your  own supplies as well, such as water colors or drawing pencils, if you wish to illustrate your work. Please bring a clipboard or other hard surface to work upon. It may also be wise to pack a vinyl or plastic "bag" or sit-upon to accommodate sitting on the forest floor a bit more comfortable if it has recently rained.
  Both brother and sister are excellent all-around naturalists, and will be willing to share their knowledge not only on journaling but on trailside plants and animals. Harold's passion includes our native birds, and has recently distinguished himself by winning the Young Birder of the Year Award, earning a scholarship to the association's annual bird camp. So--if you are a fellow birder, feel free to bring your binoculars and consider including your observations in your journal. Artemis is equally talented, having just won the state award n her age class for her entry in the Michigan chapter of the Federal Duck Stamp Program sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  Please note that Artemis and Harold's age of fifteen and twelve respectively, should in no way should indicate that this program is for children. The content will be directed toward a mature, interested audience. Naturally, in addition to adults, earnest and interested youths are welcome and encouraged to attend, who Harold and Artemis will be honored to mentor.

Trip #S-11   region 1  
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features! Agility B Aerobics C
Miller State Nature Preserve
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: 15 minutes
Meet at Miller State Nature Preserve at 9:15. The hike will begin promptly at 19:30 am. and should end around 12:30 pm. A packed lunch is optional -- we will not be eating on the trail, but you can eat  your lunch on the grounds, or take it with you back to the Appalachian Forest Museum.

Difficulty: Total mileage is 1.5 to 2.0 miles for the morning 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-12   region 1  
Showcase!!! Scenic Beauty!!! Features! Agility D Aerobics C

Listening Trail at Ravenwood
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System


Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: Located at a fifteen minute drive from the Appalachia Forest Museum at Cave Canyon.
Meet at Ravenwood Trailhead at 9:15 am. Hike will begin promptly at 9:30 am. We will be off the trail by noon or 12:30 pm. We encourage you to bring a packed lunch if you would like to eat it on the front porch of Ravenwood after the hike--it is quite pleasant there.

Difficulty:  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 as there are lots of rocks and stones on the trail.  The trail can be slippery if it has recently rained. One's feet are often at a slight angle to one's legs, which is tiring 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 emerging 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. Photos by Larry Henry.

Trip S-13  region 1
Showcase! Scenic Beauty!!! Features! Agility C Aerobics D
Sad Song Creek
Picnic on top of Celandine Hill
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Arc of Appalachia Preserve System

Driving Distance from the Highlands Nature Sanctuary: on site
Meet at Sad Song Creek Trailhead at 9:15 am. At 9:30 promptly, we will take a car caravan to travel the one mile distance to the trailhead.
Note: The hike is expected to end around  2:90 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.

Difficulty: 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. Sometimes this hill is densely crowned in celandine poppies and dwarf larkspur but it varies from year to year. One thing you can count on--a marvelous view.

Trip #S-14  region 1 
Just for CHILDREN --  for ages 6 through 12
Nature Crafting -- Fairy Huts & Gnome Crossings!
Special Pricing for Children--$15.00 per child

Driving Distance from Region 1, one-way: none, on-site 
Meet at the front door of the Appalachian Forest Museum between 8:45 and 9:00 am. Program will start promptly at 9:00 am. Please pick up your children a5 12:30 pm (if  you are sharing lunch together) or at 1:00 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 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!! The days activities will also include nature hiking and storytellling.