About the Edge
Ok, you're not there yet. But did you know that just 75 miles east of Cincinnati you can find a 14,000-acre nature preserve of global importance? One of the most bio-diverse natural areas in the region? It is the Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System and, located in Adams County, Ohio—it is one of the largest privately owned preserves east of the Mississippi. The name comes from the location on the western flank or “edge” of the Appalachian Escarpment. It consists of eleven unique preserves including: Ohio Brush Creek, Cedar Falls, The Wilderness, Buzzardroost Rock, Red Rock, Lynx Prairie, Cave Hollow, Hanging Prairie, Germany Hill Prairie, Abner Hollow and the Rieveschl Preserves. Four of these sites have been recognized as National Natural Landmarks—a testimony to their national significance and ecological importance. Museum Center has been working with our collaborative partner, The Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, to protect these areas for more than 50 years.
Trails on the following three preserves, are open to the public. Click here to download maps and directions.
Charles A. Eulett
The Wilderness Preserve Trail
Opened in 2000, this trail is a two and-a-half mile loop and goes through an area termed “a howling wilderness” in 1961 by Dr. Edward Thomas, a nature writer for the Columbus Dispatch. The trail also crosses the most diverse of the preserve areas with more than 744 plant species recorded.
Christian and Emma Goetz
Buzzardroost Rock Preserve
Opened in 1967, this three mile one way hike traverses the front of the Appalachian Escarpment to a rock promontory 900 feet above the Ohio Brush Creek. Cliffs, outstanding views and a prairie plant community are found at “The Rock." More than 491 species of plants have been recorded from Buzzardroost Rock Preserve.
E. Lucy Braun
Lynx Prairie Preserve
Opened in 1959 this was the first public trail at the Edge. This trail meanders through 10 prairie openings in an otherwise forested area. Lynx is one of the preserve’s cradles of plant diversity topping more than 600 recorded species.
Exhibits and Special Events
Edge of Appalachia
Eulett Center
Eulett Center is the preserve’s newest addition and is available to rent for conferences, business meetings and community events.
Edge of Appalachia
Science Camp
Looking for a way to get your child to appreciate the outdoors? At our Science Camp, they will reconnect with nature and have the time of their life.
Edge of Appalachia
Advanced Naturalist Workshops
Our Advanced Naturalist Workshops continue the Edge's systematic study and cataloging of preserve resources, and offer field training for those interested in nature study.