The Highlands Nature Sanctuary is the largest and oldest nature preserve in the Arc of Appalachia preserve system. This 3,000-acre nature preserve, located in southern Ohio, is home to over 16 miles of hiking trails, including the Barrett's Rim Trailhead. We recently hiked the two trails at the Barret's Rim Trailhead: The Barrett's Rim Trail and the Roundtop Trail and hope to return to visit some of the other trails and preserves in the area later this year. 

The Arc of Appalachia is a non-profit organization that owns and manages the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and several other nature preserves with trails in southern Ohio. They offer a variety of programs and activities, including guided hikes, educational workshops, and overnight retreats. The Highlands Nature Sanctuary includes several trails and sites, and we were able to visit these two during our afternoon day trip.

 The Barrett's Rim Trail

The Barrett's Rim Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that offers incredible views of the Rocky Fork Gorge. The trail is listed as a "moderate" hike, but the trail is mostly level and is clearly marked. The trail follows the Rocky Fork Creek and edges up against a very impressive, vertical rock wall.

 The rock cliffs are massive and gorgeous as you make your way along the trail. 

 

It was quite easy to be amazed by nature on this hike!

 

 

 

Tips for Hiking the Barrett's Rim Trailhead in the Highlands Nature

Plan a couple of hours.  We hiked both trails at this trailhead and stopped for pictures and little breaks and spent a little over two hours.

When should you visit?  The sanctuary does not winterize the parking areas--and the trails can become quite slippery in the winter months, so the sanctuary and the Forest Museum operates from mid-March through mid-November. We visited in the summer and the heat made the climb to the top of the Roundtop Trail ridge a little tough, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.

Where do you Park?  The parking area for the trail head is a small gravel space, with a handful of parking spaces, positioned between the two trails.  The trailhead was not busy when we arrived, but the parking lot had filled up by the time we left.

Restrooms?  There are no restrooms or even a portable potty at the site.  The Forest Museum is a short drive away and has a restroom. The trailhead is close enough to Bainbridge or the Paint Creek Lake State Park that a public restroom is easy enough to locate--but, plan ahead and hit the restrooms before the hike and probably after the hike too!

Dining in the Area.  While we didn't visit any restaurants during this visit, The Paxton Restaurant, is one that we have visited in the past in nearby Bainbridge. We have also ventured a little further away into Hillsboro or Chillicothe when in the area as well. Both of those cities have various chain spots and local restaurants.

Other Activities in the Area.  The Barrett's Rim Trailhead is just one stop of many within the Arc of Appalachia's Highlands Nature Sanctuary. You will also find Paint Creek State Park and Rocky Fork Lake State Park within easy drives for more outdoor activities.

Things to Remember when you Visit The Barrett's Rim Trailhead:

Stay on the Trails. Since these trails are located within a nature preserve, hiking off the marked trails is prohibited.

Dogs are NOT Allowed on These Two Trails.  There are pet friendly trails in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary--the Ridgeview Farm and Crow Point Trails--but, the trails off the Barrett's Rim Trailhead are not dog-friendly.

What did we think of the trails at the Barrett's Rim Trailhead in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary?

I actually grew up near the area and, as a child, I had been to the old 7-Caves tourist site before it was closed and became part of the nature sanctuary--but, I had never seen these cliffs and rock formations and was surprised that I had never hiked the areas before. If you have been to the Hocking Hills region of Ohio, or Blackhand Gorge, this sanctuary area will remind you a bit of that.  It was a nice day trip--but, I would have liked to have had more time to visit the other trails and areas of the sanctuary. This is a spot where you could spend the weekend (or a few days) and will want to allow time for the other nature trails and the two state parks. 

We would definitely recommend it--especially for geology and wildflower lovers. 
 

Details about the Site Featured Here:

The Barrett Rim Trailhead is near the Forest Museum Visitor Center.

Directions: Follow Cave Road south until you pass Browning Road on the right. Turn into the very next parking lot on the right. It is a gravel parking lot with a wooden fence at its entrance.

Get the Hiking Guide and Map for the Highlands Nature Sanctuary.

Note:

This hike was part of our 52 Hike Challenge in 2024!  You can learn more about the challenge and sign up to participate in the challenge yourself!