Highlands Nature Sanctuary — Attraction in Ohio

This park is very nice and FREE !!! Tony and I had to use the GPS to locate the park, it is off the main Rt 41 route in Bainbridge, Ohio and up Cave Rd. so you might need to use your GPS to find it. Not much signage until you actually reach the road itself. We parked at the top of the hill above the visitors center as directed by the sign as you cross the bridge and enter into the park. We walked down the steps and crossed the road to the visitors center, this is a regular roadway that is busy and narrow so please be careful when crossing.

The visitors center is the starting point for the 2 trails through the gorge down to the Rocky Fork Creek that is located in the bottom of the gorge. They do take donations and there is some very lovely handpainted artwork to enjoy in the visitors center. Tony and I opted to take the trail that leads to Marble Cave and off we went. It is about 1 1/2 mile loop. We enjoyed seeing the cave openings or shelters and the one cave (not very big or deep but it is a cave) They did a very nice job on the stairs, they are safe and stronge!! The rock formations are nice to enjoy and the trail takes you along the waterway.

We enjoyed the park, wish like everyone else that the other caves were open to enjoy but unfortunately...

First, and most importantly—NO CELL PHONE SERVICE ON THESE TRAILS.

This is the first time I was actually able to hike the trails of Appalachia. I figured I would put my comments of all the trails I hiked in one area.

BARRETT’S RIM TRAIL- was a pretty simple trail loop. Approximately 2.75 mile loop. At the beginning you walk through a field, which could be hot in the summer. Once in the woods (majority of the trail) it is much better. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There is a decline, taking you into The Valley of the trail and then an incline bringing you back out. The area (mainly in The Valley) is chok full of wildflowers. This includes the uncommon “shooting star”

The VALLEY of the ANCIENTS trail is the same. A short trail. but much more rock formations. There is a steep decline (via stairs) into The Valley which takes you to a waterfall. Very beautiful.

I also hiked the ETAWAH WOODS TRAIL.—This was also a gorgeous trail. Longer than The Valley trail but gorgeous as well. Nature...

The Highlands Nature Sanctuary, part of the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System, is a place for anyone who has ever felt, or ever wanted to feel that connection with nature that makes you feel whole, makes you feel alive again. In the spring, spectacular wildflower displays will fill you will awe and hope for a world where little makes sense anymore. In the fall the fall foliage will leave you speechless and create a perfect atmosphere for self-reflection and community caring. This Sanctuary not only provides a place for nature to return to her glory, but visiting it creates within ones heart a place for nature's music to live forever. Whether needing a sense of community in which to share the wonderment of flowers, trees, birds and other wildlife; or yearning for solitary solace in the embrace of Mother Nature's arms, Highlands Nature Sanctuary is where...