Highland County: Experience Nature, History and Water

Between Nature Preserves, Lakes and Historic Traces

Highland County in Ohio combines impressive natural landscapes with an unusually diverse history. The Highlands Nature Sanctuary covers 3,000 acres and protects a landscape where nature observation and peaceful exploration go hand in hand. The Rocky Fork Gorge is particularly striking: the 100-foot-high, steep-sided dolomite canyon features rock formations, ancient northern white cedars, grottoes, springs and stone arches. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Highland County can therefore choose their accommodation based on whether landscapes, water activities, culture or varied excursions are the main focus of their trip.

Hopewell Earthworks and Trails Through the Forest

Fort Hill is home to a Hopewell earthwork surrounded by stone and earthen walls. The hilltop fortification has a circumference of 1.5 miles, 33 entrances and a large inner ditch. Fort Hill is also a destination for hikers: there are 11 miles of trails in total, as well as a picnic area and restrooms. The Fort Trail in Fort Hill Nature Preserve is described as a 2.3-mile loop near Hillsboro.

The landscape itself also deserves attention. Fort Hill encompasses 1,300 acres of mature forest with rare or endangered wildflowers, numerous mushroom species and a great diversity of tree species. At the Seip Earthworks, information panels and educational trails guide visitors through a self-guided tour at their own pace. There, you can see the restored central mound and a reconstructed section of the original large circle. These destinations particularly appeal to travelers who enjoy combining nature experiences with insights into Indigenous history and mound building.

Lakes, Paddling and Horseback Riding Trails

Paint Creek Lake lies between the glaciated plain and the Appalachian Plateau. The landscape is shaped by prehistoric settlement sites of Indigenous peoples and mound-building activities. Fish species in the lake include white and black crappie, sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, suckers, darters, channel catfish and saugeye.

For days on the water, Rocky Fork State Park offers six free public boat ramps. The park also has a 2,080-acre lake stocked with, among other species, bass, catfish and sunfish. In the downstream recreation area of Paint Creek, two tiered concrete access points were built in 2013. They provide paddlers with access to Paint Creek and make it easier for anglers to reach the shoreline. The marina at Paint Creek Lake offers snacks, slips, boat rentals, fuel and fishing supplies.

Those who want to explore the area on land will find well-marked and maintained horseback riding trails and an equestrian camp at Paint Creek State Park. Hiking trails also lead through mature forests and open meadows. This makes it possible to vary your travel plans between water activities, horseback riding excursions and walks in the countryside without reducing the character of the region to just one type of experience.

Culture in Hillsboro and the Surrounding Area

Hillsboro is the county seat and largest community in Highland County. The Greek Revival courthouse dates from 1834 and is Ohio's oldest courthouse still in continuous operation. The Highland County Historical Society Museum is dedicated to preserving, sharing and promoting the history and genealogy of the county. Another historic attraction is the Lynchburg Covered Bridge in Lynchburg, Ohio. The wooden covered bridge spans the eastern branch of the Little Miami River and connects Highland County with Clinton County.

For a cultural evening, the Paxton Theatre is available, a family-friendly nonprofit theater. Its events include live music, children's theater, comedy shows and karaoke nights. Vendors at the Hillsboro Farmers Market sell homemade jams, locally produced honey, handmade goods and fresh meat products. These regional impressions complement a stay that is not intended to consist solely of excursions into nature.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

A holiday apartment or vacation home in Highland County can be selected according to your preferred travel theme. Nature enthusiasts can focus their plans on nature preserves, gorges and forest trails. For culture-oriented days, the earthworks, courthouse, museum and covered bridge offer specific destinations. Those who prefer the water can make Paint Creek Lake and Rocky Fork State Park the focus of their trip; families will also find an explicitly family-friendly cultural option at the Paxton Theatre. When searching, check which location and type of accommodation suit your own daily rhythm, and use Highland County as a base for the experiences that interest you most.

More destinations at this level: Morrow County, Lucas, Butler, Williams, Jackson, Monroe, Mercer County.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ohio.