Moderately Active Ohio: Shallenberger State Nature Preserve

Shallenberger State Nature Preserve

I am sitting with a glass of homemade concord grape wine and thinking about the wonderful weekend I had in Ohio. The temperature was up. The snow is melting. My spirits are up. I took the opportunity to visit Shallenberger State Nature Preserve. My mission: Search for Ohio's missing green.

Shallenberger SNP is located in Lancaster, OH, Fairfield County, on Becks Knob Road near the intersection with State Route 22. It features Allen's Knob, a large Blackhand Sandstone formation rising approximately 240 feet above the surrounding area. The area was formed by a large inland ocean and sculpted by weathering and glaciation.

For the Moderately Active Ohioan looking for a hiking opportunity, this is a nice place to visit. The hike was moderately challenging. My mother with two hip replacements was able to hike it without any issues. The area was muddy from the recent snow thaw, but it does not appear to be a condition that will last long. A few more dry days and it will be perfect.

It is a bit early, but I have been told that the spring wildflowers are excellent. The view from the overlook is wonderful. Not as spectacular as the view from Christmas Rocks SNP, but Shallenberger SNP is a better hike to start with and well worth the time. Because of the mud, we decided to only hike the Allen's Knob portion of the trail. There is another section, Ruble Knob. I am going to put the Ruble Knob section onto my spring hike list.

Once again, there are no restroom facilities. You have been warned.

The birds are returning to the area. Bring your binoculars. There is plenty of habitat to keep them happy.

I didn't get a picture, but I believe I saw an Eastern Bluebird darting in an out of the knot holes on this tree.

There are beautiful rock formations everywhere you walk.

The hike up the knob has been made a little easier. Dad seemed happy with the steps.

Blackhand Sandstone

The Mountain Laurel will be beautiful.

The ground under our feet.

Chestnut Oak and Mountain Laurel cover the top of the knob.

Blackhand Sandstone

Blackhand Sandstone was quarried from the area.

A little fun with Dad.

We found the quarry area. Dad wanted to see it before we left.

The Blackhand Sandstone quarried from Allen's Knob was used to create some of the most beautiful and unique buildings in the area. This included the one of a kind Stonewall Cemetery 1838-1839. The stone was cut so perfectly that no mortar was used in the construction.