Sinking Spring OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sinking Spring, Ohio.
1. Serpent Mound
ANCIENT EFFIGY EARTHWORK
Serpent Mound is an ancient effigy mound in the shape of a serpent, representing one of the most significant prehistoric earthworks in North America. The 1,348-foot-long structure was built by ancient indigenous peoples and continues to fascinate archaeologists and visitors with its precise alignment to solar events. Visitors can walk along observation trails and learn about this mysterious monument at the on-site museum.
2. House of Phacops Rock Shop
GEOLOGICAL TREASURE TROVE
House of Phacops Rock Shop offers an impressive collection of minerals, fossils, and geological specimens for both casual visitors and serious collectors. The shop specializes in local fossils, including the trilobite Phacops after which it is named, as well as crystals and jewelry made from natural stones. Knowledgeable staff provide educational information about the geological history of the region and the origins of their specimens.
3. The Highlands Nature Sanctuary
PRISTINE WILDERNESS PRESERVE
The Highlands Nature Sanctuary encompasses thousands of acres of preserved forest, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, and diverse ecosystems in the heart of Appalachian Ohio. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests and along scenic Rocky Fork Gorge. The sanctuary serves as headquarters for the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and offers interpretive programs that highlight the region's unique biodiversity.
4. Pike Lake State Park
FORESTED RECREATIONAL HAVEN
Pike Lake State Park centers around a serene 13-acre lake nestled in the wooded hills near Sinking Spring. The park offers numerous recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and camping, with modern facilities available for overnight stays. Hikers can enjoy several trails that wind through diverse landscapes, showcasing the natural beauty of Ohio's Appalachian region.
5. Rocky Fork State Park
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Rocky Fork State Park features a sprawling 2,080-acre lake surrounded by scenic shorelines and wooded hills. The park is known for excellent fishing opportunities with abundant populations of bass, crappie, and catfish, along with designated swimming beaches and boating facilities. Visitors can explore the Storybook Trail, which combines outdoor recreation with literacy by featuring pages from children's books along an accessible path through natural settings.
6. Ohio's Buckeye Trail
HISTORIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
Ohio's Buckeye Trail passes through Sinking Spring as part of its 1,444-mile loop around the entire state of Ohio. This section of the trail takes hikers through varied terrain including forests, meadows, and along historic routes that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Appalachian Ohio. Trail markers featuring the distinctive blue blazes guide hikers through this scenic portion of one of America's longest circular trails.
7. Paint Creek State Park
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Paint Creek State Park is centered around a 1,200-acre reservoir that provides extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation near Sinking Spring. The park features the South Loop Bridle Trail, which offers horseback riders and hikers a way to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the area. Visitors can also enjoy the marina, campground, cabins, and scenic picnic areas that make this a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Spruce Hill Earthworks
ANCIENT HILLTOP FORTIFICATION
Spruce Hill Earthworks is an impressive ancient walled enclosure built by the Hopewell culture approximately 2,000 years ago on a plateau overlooking Paint Creek Valley. The stone walls extend for nearly two miles around the hilltop, representing one of the largest prehistoric stone structures in the eastern United States. This archaeological site offers visitors hiking trails with interpretive signs explaining the historical significance of this mysterious fortification.
9. Blue Ribbon Farm
BERRY PICKING PARADISE
Blue Ribbon Farm invites visitors to experience the joy of harvesting their own fresh strawberries in season, typically in late spring through early summer. The farm maintains meticulously tended fields with rows of sweet, juicy berries that are perfect for picking by families looking for a hands-on agricultural experience. Beyond strawberries, the farm market offers locally produced foods and farm products that showcase the agricultural bounty of the region.
10. Fallsville Wildlife Area
NATURAL WATERFALL RETREAT
Fallsville Wildlife Area features a stunning natural waterfall on Clear Creek that drops approximately 15 feet in a picturesque woodland setting. The 1,382-acre conservation area offers hiking trails through mature forests and past rocky outcroppings that showcase the natural beauty of Highland County. During summer months, visitors can also enjoy the spectacular sunflower field that creates a vibrant golden landscape perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
11. Reading Public Museum
ART AND SCIENCE COLLECTION
The Reading Public Museum houses an impressive collection spanning art, science, and history exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages. Its planetarium offers immersive astronomical programs, while the main galleries display everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. The museum is surrounded by 25 acres of arboretum featuring sculpture gardens, making it both an indoor and outdoor cultural destination.
12. Fort Hill State Memorial
ANCIENT HILLTOP ENCLOSURE
Fort Hill State Memorial preserves a 2,000-year-old hilltop enclosure built by the Hopewell culture, featuring earthen walls that stretch over 1.5 miles around the summit. The 1,300-acre site includes an excellent museum with artifacts and exhibits explaining the archaeological significance of this ancient sacred place. Visitors can hike through old-growth forests on several trails that offer views of the earthworks and the surrounding Appalachian foothills.
13. Amish Country Store
TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTED GOODS
Amish Country Store offers visitors an authentic taste of traditional Amish culture through its selection of handcrafted furniture, quilts, and homemade foods. The shop specializes in locally produced jams, jellies, cheeses, and baked goods made using time-honored recipes and methods. Visitors can often watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and learn about the Amish way of life from knowledgeable staff.
14. Highland County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Highland County Historical Society Museum is housed in a beautiful 1842 building, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region through artifacts, photographs, and documents. Exhibits highlight various aspects of local history, from Native American artifacts to pioneer settlements and the county's agricultural development. The museum maintains period rooms that recreate domestic life from different eras, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the past.
15. Countryside Diner
HOMESTYLE APPALACHIAN COOKING
Countryside Diner serves authentic Appalachian cuisine featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared according to traditional recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant is known for its hearty breakfasts, including biscuits and gravy, and home-style dinner specialties like fried chicken and country ham. Friendly service and reasonable prices make this a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors exploring the Sinking Spring area.