Fall Color Hike, South Bloomingville, Hocking County Queer Creek Conservation Corridor
Spend some time outdoors and enjoy the colors and crisp cool weather this Halloween weekend – hike AOA’s beautiful Yeiser Preserve along the east side of Queer Creek in South Bloomingville. The older growth forests that cover this site will be decked out for fall on what will be the peak color weekend this fall.
AOA recently purchased a spectacular 111-acre parcel along Queer Creek from the Johnson family. Located in the unincorporated community of South Bloomingville, the parcel protects both sides of a stretch of Queer Creek and spans ridgetop to ridgetop across the valley bisected by Highway 664 on the northern entry. This site contributes to creation of a conserved habitat corridor along Queer Creek, a high-priority AOA water quality protection goal.
This parcel conserves outstanding Hocking Hills and Blackhand sandstone geologic formations including high steep bluffs and rock outcrops, shelter caves and numerous large slough rocks. There are several high-quality wetlands on the site. Most of the property is covered by older growth hardwood forests with large stands of hemlock and many native wildflower species.
The Preserve protects over 2,200 linear feet of riparian corridor along Queer Creek, an Exceptional / Coldwater Habitat, Superior High Quality Waters, as it flows south from Old Man’s Cave to Salt Creek. The Preserve increases lands AOA has conserved in the Queer Creek watershed to over 1,900 acres.
We will hike around the property enjoying the fall color show while exploring the massive Black-hand sandstone formations, mature forests and enjoying the scenic views. We will stay on the east side of the creek, avoiding a water crossing.
The Fall Color hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public. This event will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on some slopes.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. to allow time for everyone to get home for the evenings Halloween activities. This hike will last approximately two hours. Participants may leave early or stay as long as you like and explore the Preserve.
What to Bring: Binoculars to view the many birds and wildlife. Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice. Feel free to bring lunch and eat along the trail. Bug repellant is recommended.
Location: The Yeiser Preserve is located along Queer Creek in the Village of South Bloomingville. Access to the Preserve site is via the shared driveway to Natures Retreat Cabin. The drive in on the left(west) side of Chapel Ridge Road, one-third of a mile north of Highway 56. Use the cabin street address of 23882 Chapel Ridge Rd, South Bloomingville, OH 43152 or the Google Maps link below which will guide you to the entrance to the driveway on Chapel Ridge Road. We will park in a mowed field area off the drive. Look for AOA signs and green traffic cones. AOA staff will be at the drive to help direct you to the parking area.