Noah’s Rock. Photo by Nancy Stranahan
Ohio Hanging Rock
a 5-acre Trailhead Project
Trailhead Project Cost: $69,057
Current balance yet to raise: $17,264
Expanding the Ohio Hanging Rock preserve. The Arc of Appalachia is fundraising to purchase a 4.76-acre property adjacent to its existing Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve. Ohio Hanging Rock is 750 acres in size and lies in the remote hill country of northeastern Scioto County in the Little Scioto River watershed. It was created through three acquisitions, with the first and second funded with the help of Clean Ohio. The preserve boasts several assets - including rich spring ephemerals, a high diversity of tree species, several rare and unusual vascular plants, a number of amphibian species, eight miles of waterways, twisting ridge lines, and a large number of isolated hilltop knobs. All these features contribute to Ohio Hanging Rock’s status as a high-quality natural area.
This project has been funded in part by a grant from Clean Ohio.
The map below shows the expansion in red and the current preserve in gray.
Protecting land along Frederick and Skull Creek. The proposed acquisition includes a young riparian forest bordering Frederick and Skull Creeks, with large yellow buckeye (Aesculus glabra), river birch (Betula nigra), boxelder (Acer negundo), and American sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis). The mowed floodplain provides an area that offers viewing opportunities for a dense and beautiful firefly display.
Visitor Services Planned. The Arc intends to install an additional 2.25 mile-long public hiking trail that will begin from a trailhead and parking lot on the proposed 4.76-acre expansion that will be easily accessible from Frederick Road. The trail will be 2.25 miles in length with a 328-foot change in elevation across its length, and would focus on the cultural history of this site and take hikers along the ruins of the clay mine that are still visible today.
One of the signature natural features that hikers will see along the new trail is a rock formation locally known as “Noah’s Rock.” It has served as a gathering spot for area residents for generations. Local historians say that it received its name in the 1800’s during one of the many times when the entire forest had been clear-cut for charcoal production or lumber - locals thought it appeared as a large boat in the barren landscape.
The Arc to develop an interpretive kiosk for the preserve, utilizing the existing framed garage that is already serviced with water and electricity. The trail is planned to be open to the public in 2026.