The most popular of all trails in the Edge of Appalachia Preserve system is the one that leads to Buzzardroost Rock, which stands like a giant limestone monument far above the waters of Ohio Brush Creek. The panoramic scene from this hilltop has been called Ohio’s most spectacular view. 

The 465-acre protected area is named for the turkey and black vultures (buzzards) frequently seen soaring above or roosting on the rock. This dolomitic outcrop towers 300 feet above the valley and provides habitat for a number of rare prairie plant species, including the plains muhlenbergia grass, which is classified as an endangered species in Ohio.

The Trail

The trail at Buzzardroost Rock passes through a number of plant communities and provides the opportunity to witness the area's diverse geologic history. The trail crosses four separate rock strata, including Estill Shale (gentle slopes with moist forests) and Lily, Bisher and Peebles dolomites (cliff and steep sides with oak-maple forests and primary cedar barrens), and Ohio Shale (Appalachian oak forest dominated by chestnut oak).

Buzzardroost Rock trail is not a loop, and the round trip hike of three miles is considered moderately difficult, with steep grades and steps. Preserve naturalists suggest that hikers plan to spend a minimum of two to three hours for the round trip, allowing time to observe the natural features along the way and enjoy the scenic view from the top of the rock. 

Preserve Visitation Guidelines:

The following activities are not permitted at Buzzardroost Rock:

• Biking and mountain biking
• Camping
• Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle
• Cooking or camp fires
• Horseback riding
• Hunting
• Free-running pets
• Picking flowers, berries, nuts or mushrooms
• Removing any part of the natural landscape
• Rock climbing
• Snowmobiling

Please note that there are no facilities of any kind on the trail. 

Bring a copy of the Buzzardroost Rock Trail Guide and Map on your trip! (pdf, 428KB)

Directions:

From the north:
• Travel south on U.S. Route 23 to Waverly
• Take State Route 104 south
• Take State Route 32 (the Appalachian Highway) west for about 25 miles to State Route 41 at Peebles
• Follow SR 41 south to West Union
• Turn left (east) onto State Route 125
• Travel east on SR 125 for about 7 miles toward the village of Lynx
• The public access to the Buzzardroost Rock trail is a small parking lot on Weaver Road, which is entered from SR 125 just west of Lynx. The trail begins at the parking lot, crosses south over the highway and continues on.

From the west:
• Travel east on State Route 32 to State Route 41 at Peebles.
• Follow SR 41 south to West Union
• Turn left (east) onto State Route 125
• Travel east on SR 125 for about 7 miles toward the village of Lynx
• The public access to the Buzzardroost Rock trail is a small parking lot on Weaver Road, which is entered from SR 125 just west of Lynx. The trail begins at the parking lot, crosses south over the highway and continues on.

Interested in taking a weekend trip to the region?  Check out the Appalachian Discovery Trail, a guide to southern Ohio’s rich nature, culture and history.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © TNC (Buzzardroost Rock); Photo © Lucy Miller/TNC (Yellow lady slipper); Map © August Froehlich/TNC.