Hike AOA’s New Big Woods Preserve, Salt Creek Narrows, Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative

Explore one of AOA’s newest and our largest Preserve – the Big Woods in the Salt Creek Narrows on the Hocking-Vinton County line.  The Big Woods protects riparian corridor along Salt Creek as well as an extensive network of primarily coldwater headwater streams that contribute to high water quality in Salt Creek.

Salt Creek is designated as Exceptional Warmwater Habitat and is classified as a Superior High Quality Waters stream.  Much of the headwater areas we have conserved have always been forested and never been cleared for agriculture or experienced significant development – a virtual wilderness impacted only by prior timbering.

Salt Creek within the Narrows is the site of a glacial driven stream reversal which left behind extraordinarily rugged landscapes featuring high ridges and narrow, steep sloped stream valleys.  Although much of the Preserve includes excessively steep slopes with most 40 to over 70%, we will confine our hike to a stream valley and encounter only moderate slopes.

The Big Woods Preserve currently comprises about 2,000 acres and protects a rich native habitat.  AOA is actively working to connect the Big Woods to the nearby Tar Hollow State Park and Forest. Enjoy the scenic drive to the site through the high hills that line Salt Creek.  We will visit a hilltop overlook where we can view the miles of the Big Woods being conserved.

This hike as well as other AOA events are free and open to the public.  We will meet 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.  The hike will last approximately two to three hours.

What to Bring:  Binoculars to view birds and wildlife.  Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice.  Feel free to bring a lunch and eat along the trail. Bug repellant is recommended.

Location.  We will rendezvous at AOA’s nearby Riddle Preserve along Narrows Road on the Hocking / Vinton County line to park. Drive down Narrows Road from Highway 56 (approximately 4.7 miles) and look for AOA signs / green traffic cones at the entry gate.  Staff will help direct you onto the property. Use the street address, 26244 Narrows Rd, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, or the google link below for directions.

Google Map Link.  Use this Google map link to AOA’s Riddle Preserve property which is located at the intersection of Narrows Road and Carmel / Pole Ridge Road:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Rd,+Eagle+Township,+OH+43152/@39.361792,-82.6678917,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847bc3f067fe6a1:0xcd1c9c33a71447c4!8m2!3d39.361792!4d-82.6678917