Aimee’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
(7 miles away) Previously called "7 Caves" Highlands Nature Sanctuary is my #1 recommendation for hiking in the area. The trails explore the Rocky Fork Gorge area where you will see cliffs, rock formations, caves, waterfalls, a creek and a wide diversity of native botanicals.
The Appalachian Forest Museum (free, open on weekends) is a great place to get some info and is the starting point to some of the most popular trails. NOTE: Most of the trails within the sanctuary are not open to dogs, however, there are a couple of dog-friendly trails (inquire at the museum). Museum is closed for the winter (Nov-March). **My picks: Valley of the Ancients Trail, Etawah Woods Trail, Barrett's Rim Trail (2.5 mile loop) and the Kamelands Trail (2 mile loop).
16 recommandé par les habitants
Highlands Nature Sanctuary
7660 Cave Rd(7 miles away) Previously called "7 Caves" Highlands Nature Sanctuary is my #1 recommendation for hiking in the area. The trails explore the Rocky Fork Gorge area where you will see cliffs, rock formations, caves, waterfalls, a creek and a wide diversity of native botanicals.
The Appalachian Forest Museum (free, open on weekends) is a great place to get some info and is the starting point to some of the most popular trails. NOTE: Most of the trails within the sanctuary are not open to dogs, however, there are a couple of dog-friendly trails (inquire at the museum). Museum is closed for the winter (Nov-March). **My picks: Valley of the Ancients Trail, Etawah Woods Trail, Barrett's Rim Trail (2.5 mile loop) and the Kamelands Trail (2 mile loop).
(3 miles away) This state park has dog-friendly hiking trails (the little pond trail is a personal favorite), mountain bike trails, a 21-hole disc golf course, boat ramp (if you have kayaks, you can paddle around on the lake), and a camp store that has ice and hand-dipped ice cream. There is also a BEACH, which is good for picnicking and swimming, located at the southern entrance, off of SR 50.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Parc d'État de Paint Creek
280 Taylor Rd(3 miles away) This state park has dog-friendly hiking trails (the little pond trail is a personal favorite), mountain bike trails, a 21-hole disc golf course, boat ramp (if you have kayaks, you can paddle around on the lake), and a camp store that has ice and hand-dipped ice cream. There is also a BEACH, which is good for picnicking and swimming, located at the southern entrance, off of SR 50.
Serpent Mound is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio.
This prehistoric effigy mound is 1,348-foot-long, three-foot-high and sits on a plateau of the Serpent Mound crater along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio (about 30 minutes away by car). .
48 recommandé par les habitants
Site historique de Serpent Mound
3850 OH-73Serpent Mound is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio.
This prehistoric effigy mound is 1,348-foot-long, three-foot-high and sits on a plateau of the Serpent Mound crater along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio (about 30 minutes away by car). .
This local shop has a great mix of local gifts (coffee, honey, crafts, etc), art, antiques, primitives and even a circus museum. Definitely an enjoyable stop in Bainbridge!
Ancient Valley Mercantile
107 East Main StreetThis local shop has a great mix of local gifts (coffee, honey, crafts, etc), art, antiques, primitives and even a circus museum. Definitely an enjoyable stop in Bainbridge!
Enjoy natural beauty and hike to see one of the best-preserved ancient hilltop enclosures in North America.
Just 25 minutes away, this preserve encompasses 1300 acres of mature woodlands and 11 miles of some of the best hiking trails in the state. Part of the Old Growth Forest Network, there are remnants of the temperate deciduous forests that once covered all of the eastern United States. For archaeology enthusiasts, there is a stone and earthen wall hilltop enclosure, as well as a smaller circular earthwork (both of which can be difficult to discern).
19 recommandé par les habitants
Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
13614 Fort Hill RdEnjoy natural beauty and hike to see one of the best-preserved ancient hilltop enclosures in North America.
Just 25 minutes away, this preserve encompasses 1300 acres of mature woodlands and 11 miles of some of the best hiking trails in the state. Part of the Old Growth Forest Network, there are remnants of the temperate deciduous forests that once covered all of the eastern United States. For archaeology enthusiasts, there is a stone and earthen wall hilltop enclosure, as well as a smaller circular earthwork (both of which can be difficult to discern).
Just 5 minutes away, there is a sweet little covered bridge that you can still drive across in the tiny town of South Salem. To get there from here, head east on Moxley Rd, take a left on 41 North and then take a right onto Lower Twin Rd and drive a few miles and you will come to the bridge.
Buckskin/South Salem Covered Bridge
3947-3999 Lower Twin RoadJust 5 minutes away, there is a sweet little covered bridge that you can still drive across in the tiny town of South Salem. To get there from here, head east on Moxley Rd, take a left on 41 North and then take a right onto Lower Twin Rd and drive a few miles and you will come to the bridge.
(about 20 minutes away) Popular with boaters and water skiers, the 2,080-acre lake offers unlimited horsepower boating along with a marina, docks, and multiple boat ramps. With several fishing piers, Rocky Fork will give anglers a chance to test their skill catching a variety of fish.
You can also kayak on the lake... there is a lovely section full of lotuses near the boat ramp by the campground (via North Shore Dr).
14 recommandé par les habitants
Parc d'État de Rocky Fork
9800 N Shore Dr(about 20 minutes away) Popular with boaters and water skiers, the 2,080-acre lake offers unlimited horsepower boating along with a marina, docks, and multiple boat ramps. With several fishing piers, Rocky Fork will give anglers a chance to test their skill catching a variety of fish.
You can also kayak on the lake... there is a lovely section full of lotuses near the boat ramp by the campground (via North Shore Dr).
(about 17 minutes away) This nature preserve, consisting of 85.8 acres of calcareous cliff community, hardwood forest and old field habitats, has a 3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bainbridge. Good for all skill levels, you will notice unusual geological formations, such as natural arches and waterfalls. There are great informational placards along the way and places to sit and take in the view. Rocky Fork Gorge contains some of the best spring wildflower areas to be found in southern Ohio.
The parking lot is very small and don’t suggest bringing a large vehicle. Enough space for three vehicles.
Miller Nature Sanctuary
13654 Barrett Mill Road(about 17 minutes away) This nature preserve, consisting of 85.8 acres of calcareous cliff community, hardwood forest and old field habitats, has a 3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bainbridge. Good for all skill levels, you will notice unusual geological formations, such as natural arches and waterfalls. There are great informational placards along the way and places to sit and take in the view. Rocky Fork Gorge contains some of the best spring wildflower areas to be found in southern Ohio.
The parking lot is very small and don’t suggest bringing a large vehicle. Enough space for three vehicles.
(about 35 miles away in Chillicothe): If you are into mountain biking, you will find some of the best trails in the state here (start at the Lick Run parking area). There is also a great disc golf course here along with a picnic shelter and a playground for the kids.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Great Seal State Park
4908 Marietta Rd(about 35 miles away in Chillicothe): If you are into mountain biking, you will find some of the best trails in the state here (start at the Lick Run parking area). There is also a great disc golf course here along with a picnic shelter and a playground for the kids.
Just 5 miles south of the town of Bainbridge, 587-acre Pike Lake State Park is located in the midst of the scenic wooded hills of southern Ohio. The small 13-acre lake is surrounded by state forest which includes some nice hiking trails and a disc golf course.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Pike Lake State Park
1847 Pike Lake RdJust 5 miles south of the town of Bainbridge, 587-acre Pike Lake State Park is located in the midst of the scenic wooded hills of southern Ohio. The small 13-acre lake is surrounded by state forest which includes some nice hiking trails and a disc golf course.
Food scene
(About a 15 minute drive) Folks travel from near and far to visit this Amish bakery. Fresh donuts, breads and pastries made daily. The made-to-order sandwiches (on a soft pretzel bun) are my absolute favorite! **NOTE: Cash or Check only. Closed Sundays.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Country Crust Bakery
4918 State Rte 41(About a 15 minute drive) Folks travel from near and far to visit this Amish bakery. Fresh donuts, breads and pastries made daily. The made-to-order sandwiches (on a soft pretzel bun) are my absolute favorite! **NOTE: Cash or Check only. Closed Sundays.
(12 minutes away) A taste of the down-home country flavor. The Paxton is popular with the locals serving good, home cooked meals (check out the daily specials) and a variety of pies and cheesecakes for dessert.
9 recommandé par les habitants
The Paxton Restaurant
108 W Main St(12 minutes away) A taste of the down-home country flavor. The Paxton is popular with the locals serving good, home cooked meals (check out the daily specials) and a variety of pies and cheesecakes for dessert.
About 15 minutes away, this Amish market is right after the Amish bakery on route 41. Delicious deli sandwiches and great deals on spices, cheeses, pickles, jams, bulk foods, local produce, etc. They also sell canning equipment, furniture, kitchen gadgets, etc. Watch out for horse & buggy traffic... and bicycles! *NOTE: The Amish accept cash or check only and are closed on Sunday.
13 recommandé par les habitants
JR's General Store
4715 State Rte 41About 15 minutes away, this Amish market is right after the Amish bakery on route 41. Delicious deli sandwiches and great deals on spices, cheeses, pickles, jams, bulk foods, local produce, etc. They also sell canning equipment, furniture, kitchen gadgets, etc. Watch out for horse & buggy traffic... and bicycles! *NOTE: The Amish accept cash or check only and are closed on Sunday.
Best pizza in Greenfield and just 5 miles away. The location is nothing fancy (small town strip mall) but the food is good.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Big City Pizza
Jefferson StreetBest pizza in Greenfield and just 5 miles away. The location is nothing fancy (small town strip mall) but the food is good.
City/town information
A visit to the nearby city of Chillicothe (Ohio's first capital) is a great way to spend a day!
Just 30 minutes away, the downtown historic district boasts charming architecture and is perfect for exploring on foot. Several local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and breweries. A lovely city park with a small lake is host to a year-round population of ducks, geese and swans and makes a great place for a walk, a picnic or even a round of disc golf.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Chillicothe
A visit to the nearby city of Chillicothe (Ohio's first capital) is a great way to spend a day!
Just 30 minutes away, the downtown historic district boasts charming architecture and is perfect for exploring on foot. Several local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and breweries. A lovely city park with a small lake is host to a year-round population of ducks, geese and swans and makes a great place for a walk, a picnic or even a round of disc golf.
Just 5 miles away, Greenfield is the nearest town and is a good location for getting supplies. There are a few restaurants, two supermarkets (Community Markets, at the further end of town, is recommended over the Save-a-Lot), a bar and a liquor store.
Greenfield also has a rich history, including community members who helped in the underground railroad, new industries, and the remarkable McClain High School. And, perhaps interesting to country music lovers, Greenfield is the hometown of Johnny Paycheck, a true outlaw.
Greenfield
Just 5 miles away, Greenfield is the nearest town and is a good location for getting supplies. There are a few restaurants, two supermarkets (Community Markets, at the further end of town, is recommended over the Save-a-Lot), a bar and a liquor store.
Greenfield also has a rich history, including community members who helped in the underground railroad, new industries, and the remarkable McClain High School. And, perhaps interesting to country music lovers, Greenfield is the hometown of Johnny Paycheck, a true outlaw.
Our Place
This is us! Founded in 2017, Fruitdale Farm consists of 15 acres located off a quiet country backroad in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio. About half of the property is wooded. As a farmstead, we are guided by regenerative practices and our goal is to become a sustainability learning and retreat center. We are steadily making small improvements to the land and we love sharing it with others who appreciate the outdoors and all that this area has to offer.
The property has a small pond , 5 designated primitive campsites, 2 tiny guest cabins, a moderate vegetable garden, a nature trail, and the host lives in a small cabin in the woods nearby.
Enjoy a campfire under the stars and fall asleep to the sounds of crickets, frogs and owls. You are welcome to explore the little nature trail that winds through the property (about 1 mile, trail starts near campsite #3).
FIREWOOD is available for purchase. The little wood shed is near campsite #3 and is self-serve. $5/bundle (cash, PayPal or Venmo)
Farm fresh eggs and fresh produce are also for sale when in season (please inquire with Aimee).
Fruitdale Farm
671 Moxley RoadThis is us! Founded in 2017, Fruitdale Farm consists of 15 acres located off a quiet country backroad in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio. About half of the property is wooded. As a farmstead, we are guided by regenerative practices and our goal is to become a sustainability learning and retreat center. We are steadily making small improvements to the land and we love sharing it with others who appreciate the outdoors and all that this area has to offer.
The property has a small pond , 5 designated primitive campsites, 2 tiny guest cabins, a moderate vegetable garden, a nature trail, and the host lives in a small cabin in the woods nearby.
Enjoy a campfire under the stars and fall asleep to the sounds of crickets, frogs and owls. You are welcome to explore the little nature trail that winds through the property (about 1 mile, trail starts near campsite #3).
FIREWOOD is available for purchase. The little wood shed is near campsite #3 and is self-serve. $5/bundle (cash, PayPal or Venmo)
Farm fresh eggs and fresh produce are also for sale when in season (please inquire with Aimee).