Quiverheart Gorge. Photo by Brian Prose
Ohio’s Appalachian Front
The Appalachian Front is Ohio’s gateway to the state’s finest nature destinations, hiking trails, and historic sites. Bounded to the south by the Ohio River, the region’s heavily forested hills are often laced with mist and clouds. 2000 years ago, twenty-four Hopewell Cultural earthwork complexes turned the Appalachian Front into an immense ceremonial landscape. Today, four of these earthworks are World Heritage Sites. The Appalachian Front also boasts the enigmatic effigy mound, Serpent Mound, as well as many state-owned preserves, parks, and forests. Nowhere else in Ohio is there anything close to this region’s extraordinary density of attractions.
Visitors can enjoy well over 100 miles of splendid hiking trails in the Appalachian Front, trails that lead to some of the most stunning scenery in the tri-state area. The Arc of Appalachia has heavily invested in the development of public hiking trails, their work assisted by Clean Ohio grants and private donations. SCROLL DOWN FOR INTERACTIVE MAP OF ALL TRAILHEADS & HISTORIC SITES.
Junction Earthworks Preserve, Arc of Appalachia
Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve, Dense Blazing Star in late summer by John Howard
Highlands Nature Sanctuary; Arc of Appalachia, Photo by Tom Croce
Gladys Riley Golden Star Lily Preserve, Arc of Appalachia, Golden Star Lily by Jerry & Barb Jividen
Serpent Mound, Ohio Historical Society, aerial by James Ruddick
Tremper Mound Preserve, Arc of Appalachia
Raven Rock State Nature Preserve
Samson/Obrist Woods Preserve, Arc of Appalachia, overhang in winter by Brian Prose
Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Bobcat by David Ackerman
Cedar Falls Preserve, Edge of Appalachia, The Nature Conservancy
Chalet Nivale Preserve, Arc of Appalachia
Whipple State Nature Preserve. Drooping Trillium by Catherine Cubert
Buzzardroost Rock, Edge of Appalachia, The Nature Conservancy & Cincinnati Museum Center
Buzzardroost Rock, Edge of Appalachia, The Nature Conservancy & Cincinnati Museum Center by Brian Prose
Ohio River Bluffs Preserve, Arc of Appalachia, Dwarf larkspurs by Tim Pohlar
Mound City, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (World Heritage Site)
Quiverheart Gorge Preserve, Arc of Appalachia. Photo of overlook by Tim Pohlar
Lynx Prairie, Edge of Appalachia, The Nature Conservancy & Cincinnati Museum Center
Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve, Arc of Appalachia
Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve by Brian Prose
Kamama Prairie Preserve, Arc of Appalachia. Prairie Coneflowers.
Miller State Nature Preserve. Bluebells by Catherine Cubert.
Along the Buckeye Trail by Brian Prose
Turkey Lake at Shawnee State Park by Brian Prose
Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve by Brian Prose
Beaver at Scioto Brush Creek State Nature Preserve by Brian Prose
Kinnikinnick Fen, Ross County Park District
Buzzards Roost, Ross County Park District
Each of the agencies and nonprofits described below contribute
to the Appalachian Front’s natural and historic attractions.
Click on each county to connect with the Travel & Tourism Sites on the small map.
Arc of Appalachia
The Arc of Appalachia is dedicated to beauty, balance, and biodiversity, stewarding over 70 miles of public hiking trails and 11,000 acres of protected nature preserves scattered across southern Appalachia.
State Nature Preserves
Ohio’s 147 State Nature Preserves and natural areas contain remnants of Ohio’s pre-settlement past, rare and endangered species, and wondrous geologic features. Many sites are developed with walking trails that invite immersion and engagement.
Ohio History Connection
Through preserving and sharing stories, OHC provides a way for people to connect meaningfully to the places and people who came before us—through historic sites and museums, preservation, exhibits and events, and research. .
Ross County Park District
Ross County Parks provide the best possible outdoor experience for the citizens of Ross County and beyond through nature conservation and education, health and wellness opportunities, and secure, well-maintained recreational facilities.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
The 1800-acre Hopewell Culture National Historical Park consists of five earthwork complexes: Mound City Group, Hopeton Earthworks, Hopewell Mound Group, Seip Earthworks, and High Bank Works, all of them belonging to the Hopewell Culture era.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center has been preserving land at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System since 1961. The museum manages an active educational portfolio for both children & adults, co-owns and manages trails with The Nature Conservancy, and is committed to cataloging the rich biodiversity of life found on the preserve.
Ohio State Parks
The Appalachian Front region is home to Seven state parks! Ohio State Parks are open every day and always free, providing a refuge from the pace of modern life, and offering hiking trails and other recreation.
Buckeye Trail
For nearly 1447 miles, the Buckeye Trail winds around Ohio, reaching into every corner of the state, from a beachhead on Lake Erie near Cleveland to a hilltop overlooking the Ohio River in Cincinnati. The Buckeye Trail coincides in Ohio with The North Country National Scenic Trail.
Ohio River Way
The Ohio River Way is pursuing an Ohio River Valley renowned for its vibrant communities, opportunities for exploration and recreation, and high quality of life.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
Whether you are cruising by automobile or motorcycle, the Ohio River Scenic Byway is the perfect ride with exceptional river views, breathtaking hills and lush forest valleys connected by curvy routes dotted with charming river towns – ideal road stops with fabulous local food and interesting things to do.
Scioto Historical
Scioto Historical is an educational mobile application and website that puts the history of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the surrounding Appalachian region in the palm of your hand. Learn about American and local history through map-based, interactive, multimedia presentations and experience professionally curated historical tours on your laptop, tablet, or on a screen in your classroom.
The Nature Conservancy
The Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is working with partners across the state to preserve and protect our state’s incredible natural areas for generations to come. TNC’s largest preserve lies in the Appalachian Front - the 24,000-acre Edge of Appalachia, offering several hiking destinations. The Nature Conservancy co-owns land with the Cincinnati Museum Center.