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 fourteen preserves.

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. 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 Suite and the Zen River Suite make up stunning cabin called the Hermitage. Standing on the precipice of the rim of the gorge, both private suites at the Hermitage offer outstanding vistas of the creek that lies one hundred vertical feet below the bedroom windows. These are our most remote suites, yet they are located in the heart of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and close to most of the trailheads and within walking distance of the Appalachian Forest Museum. Situated in a deeply forested setting, each suite offers a private deck with Adirondack chairs, bathroom, kitchenette, and bedroom. The Eyrie suite is tastefully decorated in rustic woodland decor, and the larger Zen River Suite reflects an Asian aesthetic, with plenty of open space. The Eyrie is available for $70 per night, and the Zen is available for $125 per night. Each suite has an additional one-time cleaning fee of $40.  Click here for more information and photos. The Hermitage is our most popular lodge, so make your reservations in advance!
 

Leatherwood –  Opening March 15, 2009, Leatherwood is a cozy cliff-side retreat located in the heart of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary on Cave Road within walking distance of Beechcliff Group Lodge and Appalachian Forest Museum. Poised on the edge of a twenty foot bluff overlooking the Rocky Fork Gorge, Leatherwood offers some of the most outstanding and intimate views of the Rocky Fork Creek among the Sanctuary's overnight lodges. Parties from one to four people can relax on the spacious deck. Though completely private, Leatherwood is not completely isolated. Several cabins and houses were built as family vacation retreats along Bungalow Row n the 1920's-1940's and today, Leatherwood lies within a small community of private homes and cabins. Leatherwood is a fully modernized two-bedroom cabin with a medium-sized living room, a bathroom on the hall, and a small but fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, four-burner stove and microwave. The living room has lots of soft and comfortable furniture, a working fireplace with a heatilator insert, and wood paneling on the walls. The master bedroom has a queen sized bed with a glass door facing the back deck. The second bedroom has one single bed. Leatherwood has modern heat and air conditioning. Linens and towels provided. The price is $85 per night plus a one-time housekeeping fee of $45.00.
 

Do you want just two or three bedrooms for a small group gathering or family up to six people? See Ravenwood first floor, below.
 

Group Retreats with Kitchens & Dining Rooms -- these beautiful historic lodges accommodate families, conferences or workshops up to 10-14 people per facility. 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 and we will try to link you up. If you stay at least two days and fill the facility, each guest pays approximately $25.00/night.

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. Prices range from $200/night for the indoor rooms and $240.00/night with the outdoor sleeping porches, plus a one-time housekeeping fee of $115-$125.Fully modernized with A/C and heat. For more information and photos click here.

Ravenwood Lodge -- one to three floors – up to fourteen people
Located on the upper Rocky Fork Creek on SR 753, this historic home is surrounded by a shaded lawn and beautiful perennial gardens. Three floors 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 well-appointed with antiques. Two bathrooms, both on the hall. Wrap around porch with swing and chairs. Large living room and kitchen have high ceilings, illuminated by a wall of large glass windows, offering the best indoor space we have for indoor workshops and gatherings. Optional rental of a large outdoor pole barn. 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. A short drive accesses all the Sanctuary's fourteen miles of trails.  Prices range from $120 to $250.00/night plus a one-time housekeeping fee of $65-$135.  Click here for more information and photos.

For 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.hopespringsinstitute.org

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

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

Directions          Visitors Guide to the Region