Adams County is a true gem when it comes to nature!

We are nicknamed “The Little Smokies” here in Southern Ohio. We rival the Great Smokey Mountain National Park on a smaller scale, and we are just as beautiful and unique! The fall is a spectacular time to visit Adams County, as the autumn colors are magnificent.

We have many natural areas and preserves, and countless hiking trails. The Edge of Appalachia, the Highlands Nature Sanctuary (aka the Arc of Appalachia), and Shawnee State Forest. It’s the largest state forest in Ohio, boasting over 64,000 acres, including 8,000 acres of designated wilderness.

If hiking is not your thing, there is sure to be time for other outdoor recreational activities, like fishing or hunting. This time of year is in full swing for hunting, and our area is well known for large whitetail deer. There are also lots of fishing opportunities, as we are close to the Ohio River, Adams Lake, Turkey Creek Lake, and Roosevelt Lake. If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can arrange for a backwoods horse back riding excursion in the Shawnee State Forest.

There are miles and miles of forest roads to drive and take a scenic tour of our area, if that’s more up your alley. You will still see and experience just as much of the outdoors from the comfort of your car.

The northern part of Adams County features Serpent Mound. If you aren’t familiar, it’s an ancient effigy mound in the shape of a giant serpent made by Ohio’s earliest inhabitants. It sits atop river bluff that traverses a giant crater that was made by a cosmic event. The mound was designed to sync up astronomically with our winter/summer solstice and fall/spring equinox. It’s known around the world, and is a remarkable site to see! They have a gift shop and hiking trails. Plus, there is a really cool rock shop around the corner. It’s worth stopping in for a visit, perhaps you have a special rock you’d like to know more about. Or even want to buy some crystals and rocks. The owner is an avid rock hound, and has found some stellar fossils in the county.

We are very close to Amish country, too. They always have fresh baked goods, beautiful hand crafted furniture, and other unique wares you can buy. They also have saddle shops, building supplies, and fabric shops. In the heart of it, they have some awesome antique stores, like the Wheat Ridge Antique Store. The prices are very reasonable, too.

There is truly a lot to keep a person busy in our area. And if all of this sounds overwhelming, maybe a bonfire and a relaxing view from your cabin window is all you need to fill your cup. There’s plenty to keep you busy during your down time on this particular weekend… and you’re sure to have a memorable experience that you won’t forget!