A private preserve of 14,000 acres of forest, prairies, waterfalls, gorges, and mountains, containing over 100 rare species of plants and animals. Administered jointly by the Nature Conservancy and Cincinnati Museum Center, the preserve contains and protects such local landmarks as Buzzardroost, Cedar Falls, Red Rock, The Swirl Hole, and Lynx Prairie.

• The Edge of Appalachia Preserve has three hiking trails open to the public. All trails are marked and well maintained.
  
• 
  
• Lynx Prairie Trail is 1.5 mile round loop trail. The Lynx Prairie is a National Natural Landmark and it best viewed in late summer when the prairie is blooming. It’s an easy hike that features over 200 species of plants and prairie flowers.
• 
  
• Wilderness Trail is 2.5 mile loop trail. A moderate hike through the 1,200 acre preserve will reveal an unbroken forest with limestone cliffs and over 50 rare plants and flowers. A good spring and fall hike.
• 
  
• Buzzardroost Rock Trail is 1.5 miles one way to Buzzardroost Rock. Buzzardroost is perhaps the most popular hike in Adams County and for good reason. A strenuous hike of three miles to the “Roost” and back rewards hikers with a spectacular view of Brush CreekValley at the trails end. Spring wildflowers, fall colors, and during winter, the surrounding landscape lays bare all its unique geological features for everyone to see include the nearby Tiffin cliffs. Excellent hiking year round.

Serpent Mound is one of the few effigy mounds in Ohio. It is the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States. The museum contains exhibits on the mound and the geology of the surrounding area, known as the Serpent Mound crypto explosion structure. It is located on State Route 73 six miles north of State Route 32. It is operated and maintained by the Ohio Historical Society. Serpent Mound is open year round, although hours vary with the seasons. Museum hours also vary. There are special hours for schools and other groups by appointment. Please call 937-587-2796 for more information. Serpent Mound is one of the few effigy mounds in Ohio. It is the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States. The museum contains exhibits on the mound and the geology of the surrounding area, known as the Serpent Mound crypto explosion structure. It is located on State Route 73 six miles north of State Route 32. It is operated and maintained by the Ohio Historical Society. Serpent Mound is open year round, although hours vary with the seasons. Museum hours also vary. There are special hours for schools and other groups by appointment.

Features a short, 1/4-mile, trail that winds downhill to the Brush Creek valley. Considered a moderate hike, the trail is at its best during the early spring when Trilliums cover the hillsides.

Please call 937-587-2796 for more information.

From their website: "Located in the Appalachian foothills near the banks of the Ohio River, Shawnee State Park is nestled in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest. Once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians, the region is one of the most picturesque in the state, featuring erosion-carved valleys and wooded hills. The rugged beauty of the area has earned it the nickname 'The Little Smokies.' "

Shawnee State Forest is along the border of Adams & Scioto Counties and has many quiet gravel roads - excellent for mountain bike trips.

There are several hiking trails including a section of the North County Trail that goes through the Shawnee Wilderness Area. The Buckhorn trail, a seven mile bridle & hiking trail takes hikers into the heart of the wilderness area. The Cabbage Patch Trail also leads into the interior of the wilderness area can be accessed off Lower Twin Creek Road. The trails range from moderate to strenuous. Hikers may encounter remains of old sandstone quarries active during the late 1800’s.