There are many special places and activities by which to explore nature in Adams County. The links below will get you started on an outdoor adventure you’ll surely enjoy.

Birding– Spring and fall migrations of warblers can be viewed at such places as the Edge of Appalachia Preserve, Shawnee and Brush Creek State Forest and Tranquility Wildlife Area. Also the Appalachian Birding Trail through Adams County will lead you past some of the areas best birding hot spots in the county.

Hiking– Most of the State Designated Nature Preserves offer some hiking, but Davis Memorial is perhaps the best. Adams County’s most popular hike however is the Buzzardroost Rock Trail at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve. Other popular hikes at the preserve would include the Wilderness Trail and Lynx Prairie. (Click here for trail maps) Hiking is also popular at nearby Shawnee State Forest. Two interstate hikes also go through Adams County, the North Country Trail (www.northcountrytrail.org) and the Buckeye Trail (www.buckeyetrail.org).

Canoeing & Boating – Adams County has a number of public access points from which to launch a canoe or a boat and explore the Ohio River or Brush Creek. Public boat ramps are at Manchester, Island Creek, and at the mouth of Ohio Brush Creek. For Brush Creek check the link to the ODNR Public Access Sites for floating or fishing on this beautiful stream.