Overview

Make it a weekend trip by reserving one of our lodges today! Lodging at Highlands Nature Sanctuary | Arc of Appalachia.

Schedule

10:30 - 11:30 am: Timber rattlesnake program at the Appalachian Forest Museum by naturalist John Howard

Timber Rattlesnakes, Saving the Wilderness, and Current Research in Southern Ohio: Timber rattlesnakes are an endangered species in Ohio, and a true icon of wilderness. These shy and retiring creatures are surprisingly forgiving of trespassers, and yet wherever humans and rattlesnakes cross paths, extirpation of the species soon follows. Join us for a fascinating presentation about their life history, the importance of this species in the ecosystem, and how the protection of timber rattlesnakes is intrinsically linked to saving wilderness. Learn about current research projects taking place in Southern Ohio and what efforts are being taken to safeguard the future of this imperiled enigmatic species.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Break for lunch, restrooms, and to drive to your assigned trailhead parking lot for the guided hike. Please note: both trailheads are a 25-minute drive from the Forest Museum, so please give yourself plenty of time to make the commute!

12:30 - 3:30 pm: Naturalist-led hike at Sugarbush Hill or Rock Oak Trail at Canebrake Ridge - you will be asked your preference during registration.

Trail Descriptions

The Sugarbush Hill trail is a 1.25-mile-long loop that takes visitors on a moderate climb up a forested hillside with immense maples, hickories, oaks, and tulip poplars.  At the top of the hill, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the densely forested Appalachian hills of Pike State Forest. The trail then follows a rocky path along a boulder-strewn cascading stream before returning to the trailhead parking area. The trail is accessible from both the Buckeye Trail and North Country Trail, and this hike will help fulfill part of the Buckeye Trail Association's goal of challenging and inspiring people to collectively hike as much of the Buckeye Trail as possible on National Trails Day! 

The 1.25 mile-long Rock Oak trail is named for the chestnut oak that is the predominate tree species in this rugged, upland deciduous closed-canopy forest. The trail begins by winding through a young, successional woods before entering a beautiful, healthy, intact forest that supports a high diversity of species, including salamanders, birds, insects, and reptiles. It follows along a small headwater stream that gradually grows in size as it cuts its way down the hillside, eventually reaching Tobacco Barn Hollow proper. The trail makes its return climb to the parking lot passing alongside towering oaks and hickories and acidic soil-loving understory plants.

Hiking Trails Difficulty - Both are moderate to difficult. Ascents and descents are mostly gradual on undulating terrain. For individuals interested in an easier route, we suggest enjoying a self-guided hike on the trails at the Forest Museum, the 0.5-mile-long CCC Trail or 0.4-mile-long Lake Rim Trail at nearby Pike Lake State Park, or the 0.5-mile-long Harmony Trail at Paint Creek State Park. Please inquire for more information/directions for these self-guided alternatives.

What to bring:

• packed lunch

• water

• binoculars

• good hiking shoes

• hiking stick or poles

• appropriate clothing/rain gear

Cancellation Policy: The program and hike will take place rain or shine, unless the weather or trails become too hazardous.