Wildflower Pilgrimage Lodging

The Wildflower Pilgrimage takes place in five southern Ohio counties, a region boasting the highest forest density left in the state, as well as some of the most beautiful wildflower displays to be found anywhere in the world. This region is called the Arc of Appalachia, and covers Ross, Pike, Scioto, Highlands and Adams Counties. On the western boundary, the Arc outlines the leading edge of the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio.

Because the outer curve of the Arc spans approximately 90 miles in length, it is wise to orient yourselves to the Pilgrimage's morning, evening, and field trip destinations before you decide where to make your lodging reservations. We will be making some recommendations for you--please scroll below the map to see our list.

For Lodging, please scroll below the map for recommendations, and/or click on one of the red lodging dots. Region A is the hub at Cave Canyon, the Appalachian Forest Museum and the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Gold stars are the meeting areas. Blue hexagons are the field trip trailheads.

IF YOU CONTACT A LODGING FACILITY AND IT IS FILLED TO CAPACITY FOR THE PILGRIMAGE, PLEASE NOTIFY US AT DIRECTOR@HIGHLANDSSANCTUARY.ORG or 937-365-0101 AND WE WILL MAKE A NOTE ON OUR WEBSITE. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP OTHERS.

Top Lodging recommendations for ambience and/or proximity

1) Highlands Nature Sanctuary (for groups only): BOOKED FOR 2009 PILGRIMAGE. The Highlands has two lodges, each ideal for groups of 10-14, runs around $25.00/night per person if filled to capacity. Beechcliff Lodge lies in a wooded setting by the Rocky Fork Creek, only .5 miles from the Appalachian Forest Museum. Ravenwood Lodge has a beautiful yard with shade trees, just fifty feet from the heavily wooded and scenic Rocky Fork Gorge and Listening Trail--and lies about 8 miles from the Appalachian Forest Museum.

2) Region F: Pike Lake 9 miles from Appalachian Forest Museum. Pike Lake State Park Cabins and Campground is a real bargain for atmosphere and cost. The Park is located in a beautiful Appalachian hill-country setting -- a tranquil 13-acre lake surrounded by a very large state forest -- Pike Forest -- approximately 10 miles from Cave Canyon Preserve. In addition to a campground (electric sites) tucked compactly in a tall and stately pine plantation, the park offers twelve basic cottages and twelve 2-bedroom preferred cottages, the latter sleeping up to six people. Basic cottages allow up to four people and include full kitchen with a refrigerator, cookware and dinnerware, all linens provided, color TV, and are heated and air conditioned. Preferred cottages allow up to six people and include all the amenities of the basic cottages plus a gas fireplace and a screened porch. For reservation information, call 1-866-644-6727. For park information, including detail info on cabins, call 740-493-2212. www.ohiodnr.com/parks A private lodging offering in the area is at Greenbriar Ranch at Pine Ridge Retreat. Located 1.8 miles from Pike Lake State Park. Greenbriar Ranch is a home in a rural setting converted into a rental cabin. Bed, bath, kitchen accessories, and cookware provided. Sleeps 8-10 people. (740)493-4400; cell (937)205-7877, Owner: Tracie Dart, www.pineridgeretreat.net

** 3) Hope Springs Retreat Center: 30 miles from Appalachian Forest Museum A bit of a drive but gorgeous and very special. We are very excited to offer you this special promotion at Hope Springs-- just for Wildflower Pilgrimage guests, an internationally known retreat center located 40 minutes south of the Pilgrimage hub at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary near Peebles, Ohio. Hope Springs is an ideal choice for people who want trips both on the north and south end of the Arc, as it is placed nearly perfectly in the center. The long drive to the evening dinner will be a bit of a sacrifice, but the roads between are pastoral and beautiful--helping to mitigate the distance, especially when you figure many guests have flown across continents just to get here! Hope Springs is an amazing experience. It is known for its hospitality, community-style warmth, and incredibly delicious meals--usually vegetarian or light meat in substance. Think of it...wildflowers during the day and Hope Springs at night! Life doesn't get much better than this! Besides the beauty of its secluded forested setting and tranquil grounds, what makes Hope Springs special is its outstanding facilities--all within walking distance from each other on a pleasant campus. Lodging rooms include comfortable, homey rooms in an old farmhouse, a forest cabin, and artistically decorated rooms rimming the outer perimeter of the stunning octagonal Studio. The Studio is an architectural masterpiece. In its heart is a large movement floor with finished maple hardwood floors, and high ceilings with skylights. Hope Springs has a warm, community feel and artistic ambience throughout its complex. For the Pilgrimage, Hope Springs is offering rooms for couples (two singles or King) at $125.00/couple/night with shared bathrooms nearby on the hall, and rooms with three single beds at $80.00/person/night with attached bath. If you are solo, Hope Springs will do their best to find roommates of the same gender to share your room. There is a two night minimum. Prices include a classic Hope Springs breakfast and all retreat amenities (hot tub, meditation Spirit house, walking labyrinth). Center Phone: (937) 587-2602 Business Office: (937) 587-2605 or write suzhswc@bright.net. www.hopespringsinstitute.org.

4) Region H: Chillicothe 25 miles from Appalachian Forest Museum Chillicothe is a very historic city with a beautiful old downtown. Once the state capital, it is surrounded by the same Appalachian hills that inspired the Great Seal of Ohio. Chillicothe is located next to Great Seal State Park, Hopewell Culture National Monument and Ross County's Buzzard's Roost. Chillicothe has several motels, and several delightful bed and breakfasts, many of which are in the historic district. Chillicothe is about a thirty minute drive to the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Downtown Bed and Breakfasts include: Victoria Manor is a 12-room Italinate-style brick home on two acres and just two blocks from downtown Chillicothe. Featuring four guest rooms, a gazebo, gardens, waterfalls. Owner Katharine Galloway. Call 740-775-6424. www.victoriamanor.org The Atwood House is is a majestic brick Greek Revival house built in 1843. Owned by only three families since that time. Four bedrooms. Phone 740-774-1606. www.chillicothebedandbreakfast.com. The Blair House is on West Fifth St in downtown Chillicothe, call 740-774-3140. No website. The Greenhouse is a gorgeous Victorian-era home with Queen Anne architecture that is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The home was built in 1894 by George Hunter Smith for his winter home. He summered at the famous Adena estate, now owned by the Ohio Historical Society. call 740-775-5313, www.chillicotheohio.com/thegreenhouse. The Guest House is a two story private-entrance guest house located next to a historic home built in 1826 by Ohio's first governor, Governor Tiffin, for his daughter as a wedding gift. The main home stands on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Tom and Kay Binns. Call 740-772-2204, www.chillicotheohio.com/guesthouse/

5) Region X: ARC Interior: 25-35 miles from Appalachian Forest Museum If you want something operated by small business owners, many being located in a rural and/or forested setting, check out selected options that are scattered in the interior of the Arc of Appalachia. These will be close to our more southern preserves. Hope Springs Retreat Center is nationally and internationally full service retreat center providing accommodations for up to 30 people -- known for its hospitality, community-style warmth, and memorably delicious meals--usually vegetarian or light meat in substance. Besides the beauty of its secluded forested setting, what makes Hope Springs special is its outstanding facilities. Includes yoga/movement hexagonal gathering space, a meditation yurt, and a labyrinth. Located 45 minutes south of Cave Canyon. (937) 587-2605 Center: (937) 587-2602 www.hopespringswomencenter.com Prairie Pond Woods is located near Lynx, Ohio, just 12 miles east of West Union. Offers single secluded cedar two-bedroom home. Sleeps up to four adults. Fully equipped. 27 acres of prairie, woods, and pond. Craig & Cindy Steffen, owners. 937.532.6688 www.prairiepondwoods.com Scenic-View Cottage offers a small furnished house for 2-6 people. Large living room, master bed with deck. Fully equipped. Betty Hoop, owner. 937.587.2874 Woodland Altars is an outdoor education center for youth groups with cabin rentals available for families and couples. Chalet rentals include 3 BR, 2 bath for 1-8 people. Campsites also available. 3-acre stocked lake and picnic area. 1.800.213.1161 or 937.588.4411 www.woodlandaltars.org Adams County Cabins are fully furnishedAmish-built log cabins with 2 queen-size beds, hot tub and gas fireplace. West Union. 888.549.8070 or 937.549.8070 www.adamscountycabins.com Dogwood Farm Bed & Breakfast has a Colonial Williamsburg charm, with gardens, poster beds and gourmet breakfast. One room has queen-size bed connects to room with 2 twin beds; and a second room with queen-size bed, sitting room and fireplace. Lastly, Great Room features a large fireplace. Owner Fern Wilson says she is a home economics teacher so she knows how to cook! West Union. 937.544.5227 Murphin Ridge Inn Early 19th century farm on a large wooded preserve with full dining possibilities in nearby restaurant. The guest house features a large gathering room with stocked bookshelves and board games. Each room in the guest house offers ten guest rooms one or two queen-size beds. Fireplaces and/or private porches in some rooms. Also nine cabins, each with a whirlpool tub, fireplace, and front porch with chairs. Hiking trails. Tennis court. South of Peebles. 877.687.7446 www.murphinridgeinn.com Unity Woods is located on 175 acres near Johnson Ridge State Nature Preserve. Five miles hiking trails. Woods and pond on site. Three Amish style back-to-the-woods cabins are modern non-electric heated, offering a complete bath with plenty of hot water, a fully equipped kitchen, and a Weber grill. 937.544.6908 www.unitywoods.org

6) Region B: Hillsboro 9-17 miles from Appalachian Forest Museum Hillsboro is the county seat of Highland County and offers a medium-sized town with an urbanized setting. Located sixteen miles to Cave Canyon and the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Hillsboro offers direct state routes to both northern and southern hiking destinations. Many fast food operations and a few restaurants are located here. Hillsboro is in the glacial plains of western Ohio and is surrounded by farm country. Some of the area's lodging facilities are somewhat outdated -- please be discerning when you make a reservation. We can recommend the following facilities: Tu-lakes Motel at 937-393-1917 (halfway between Hillsboro and the Highlands Nature Sanctuary--modest, no landscaping but clean, affordable & close), Days Inn at 393-0299, recently remodeled, uptown Hillsboro, Fling Family Cabin offers a single beautiful large cabin on 200 acre horse farm, sleeps 2-8 people, reasonably priced, phone 397-393-8200, www.flingfamilybandb.com, and Coyote Creek Bed and Breakfast is another beautiful large farm south of Hillsboro, higher end. www.coyotecreekfarmoh.com/rates.html

7) Region E: 45 miles from Appalachian Forest Museum Beautiful!!! but far away from the central hub. Will work for you if you are only doing southern trips and no evening programs.
Shawnee State Park Lodge and Cabins on the south tip of the ARC is a GREAT place to stay but only if you are opting to do at least two field trips in the southern half of the Arc, down near the Ohio River. The down side is that it is an hour and ten minutes to Cave Canyon and the Appalachian Forest Museum (Highlands Nature Sanctuary), and so you would be driving approximately 70 minutes to catch the dinners and primary evening programs held at the Sanctuary Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The drive, at least, is a real pretty one -- through the heart of the ARC. 937-393-5166 www.shawneelodgeresort.com

Visitor Bureaus in the Arc of Appalachia Region