Hike the Buzzardroost Rock Trail at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

The vantage point from Buzzardroost Rock has been called one of Ohio’s best, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The outcrop is named for the turkey and black vultures (also known as buzzards) frequently seen roosting on the rock, which towers 300 feet above the valley below and offers a 270-degree vista of the rolling hills of the Ohio Brush Creek Valley. 

The trip out and back from the trailhead takes less than two hours, although it is certainly recommended that hikers linger at the terminus to take in the view. The trail is moderately difficult with 456 feet of elevation gain and some unsteady, often very root-filled footing. There isn’t great drainage on the trail either, so if it has rained recently, it will be muddy. 

Whether there’s mud or not, Buzzardroost Rock Trail offers a thoroughly enjoyable hike, particularly once you get a little farther into the woods, away from the sounds of cars on state Route 125. The beginning of the trail has small boardwalks and crosses some lovely streams. Visitors have the option to hike through native prairie before reentering the forest and continuing onto the terminus of the trail. There is still some elevation to work through before reaching the boardwalk that will take you down dozens of steps to Buzzardroost Rock.

The trail is a good one for kids, and we saw a few littles ones out on our most recent hike, but leave the pups at home as dogs are not allowed in The Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Cincinnati Museum Center, the preserve encompasses over 20,000 acres across southern Ohio. These are the foothills for the larger Appalachian forest system, and the preserve boasts a total of 27 miles of hiking on six different trails. 16300 St. Rte. 125, West Union 45693, thenatureconservancy.com/ohio

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