The Arc of Appalachia Preserves stewards highly protected nature preserves.
Please read all regulations before visiting.

SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT: Trail hiking is potentially dangerous, even life-threatening. Visitors must hike at their own risk. Trails are back-country in nature and may be narrow, uneven, steep, slippery, and/or icy. Many trails border high vertical canyon walls. Hikers may encounter poison ivy and stinging nettle. Keep all youths in close contact and attended at all times.

Following these regulations serves to protect plants, animals, visitors, and the Arc’s outstanding natural landscapes. Arc trails are open without charge to the general public. However, visitors who are found violating any of these regulations risk losing visiting privileges.

• Visitors must remain on the trails. No off-trail exploring.

• Trails are for foot traffic only. Vehicles, bikes, dogs, and horses are not permitted. (exceptions below).

• Youths under 18 years old may enter only with a responsible adult.

• Trails lead into potentially hazardous areas, including high cliffs. Visitors enter at their own risk. 

• Arc trails are open sunrise to sundown year round, weather permitting.

• Walk single file to protect trailside vegetation, including the delicate bulbs of spring wildflowers.

• Do not disturb nor collect plants and mushrooms. Do not pick wildflowers. Most wildflowers take 5-7 years to bloom.

• Do not disturb, catch, or collect wildlife. Hunting is limited to management hunts only.  

• Do not disturb nor collect natural features, rocks, or artifacts. No caving nor rock climbing.

• Setting campfires and collecting firewood is prohibited.

• No fishing, swimming, diving, or wading.

• No smoking; no alcohol.

• No Littering nor off-trail picnicking. Pack out all refuse and personal possessions.

Dogs are only permitted only at the following locations and when on a six-foot leash: Fort Hill, Junction & Steel Earthworks, Ohio Hanging Rock, Rock Run, Spruce Hill, and at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary trails, Crow Point Trail, and Ridgeview Farm Trail ONLY. Full dog policy on Arc trails.

Winter Closures: Parking lots are not winter maintained and trail hiking in the perilous cliff country of the Sanctuary should never be attempted during snowy or icy weather for safety reasons. Many of the Sanctuary’s trails are closed during our annual Deer Management Hunt which currently takes place annually on 1) the Monday through Sunday following Thanksgiving, and 2) the Saturday and Sunday before Christmas.