Back to Nature

Two-day tour of Raven Rocks, Barkcamp State Park, Zion Christian Retreat & Nature Center, Dysart Woods, Egypt Valley, Piedmont Lake. (Overnight stay at Barkcamp, Zion or Piedmont Lake).

Located at the edge of Belmont County near the Monroe County border, Raven Rocks was originally known as the First Ravine of the Raven Rocks by the early pioneers was named after the many ravens that used to nest in the overhanging ledges of the unusual, yet astonishing rock formation. Indians of the Ohio and Captina Creek Valley had left evidence of repeated visits here for over a period of 200 years, where they had set up camp and hunted in the fall and winter months. Barkcamp State Park offers 1,232 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, year-round camping with a shower house and electric, bridle and hiking trails, fishing, swimming, boating, archery, and more. Zion is an 800 + acre retreat and nature center with a 27-acre lake, various small fishing ponds, rustic and luxury cabins, full RV hook-up sites, 1.85-mile trail around the lake, stand-up paddle board and kayak rental, swimming area, playground, aqua zip, and beach. Dysart Woods, a 50-acre tract of old-growth oak forest, is the largest known remnant of the original forest of southeastern Ohio. Egypt Valley Wildlife Area , a 14,300 acres former surface mining area , offers a beautiful place to fish, hunt, hike, mountain bike, and take photographs. Piedmont Lake offers cabin, tent, and RV camping; fishing; boat, kayak, and paddleboard rental, and hiking.