Earthwork and Forest at Fort Hill
At Fort Hill, archaeological history and nature take center stage. The Hopewell earthwork is a hilltop fortification surrounded by stone and earthen walls. It has a circumference of 1.5 miles, and its layout includes 33 entrances and a large inner ditch. These measurements bring the structure of the site into focus: in addition to the walls, it has openings and an inner boundary.
The Highlands Nature Sanctuary is a 3,000-acre preserve in Highland County. At Fort Hill, the mature forest covers 1,300 acres. It is home to rare or endangered wildflowers, numerous species of fungi and a wide variety of tree species. Highland County thus brings archaeological remains and diverse natural features together.
Fort Hill has 11 miles of hiking trails, as well as a picnic area and restrooms. One route is the Fort Trail, a 2.3-mile loop in the Fort Hill Nature Preserve near Hillsboro. The two distances describe different scales: the entire trail network and one specific loop.
Gorges, Lakes and Trails
The Rocky Fork Gorge adds a striking geological feature: a 100-foot-high canyon with steep dolomite walls. Its features include dramatic rock formations, old eastern red cedars, grottoes, springs and stone arches. Rocky Fork State Park is also home to a 2,080-acre lake stocked with fish including bass, catfish and sunfish. Six free boat ramps are available for public use.
Paint Creek State Park offers a different mix of landscapes: hiking trails pass through mature forests and open meadows. For horseback riding, there are well-marked, maintained bridle trails and an equestrian camp for visitors who enjoy trail riding. These offerings differ from the trails at Fort Hill: here, you can choose between hiking through forests and meadows and exploring the park on horseback.
Paint Creek Lake lies between the glaciated plains and the Appalachian Plateau. The landscape is also shaped by prehistoric settlement sites of Indigenous peoples and by mound-building activities. The lake has a diverse fish population, including white and black crappie, sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, suckers, darters, channel catfish and saugeye.
The marina at Paint Creek Lake offers snacks, boat slips, boat rentals, fuel and fishing supplies. If you plan to use a particular service, check its availability in advance.
Traces of History and Culture
At Seip Earthworks, visitors can see the restored central mound and a reconstructed section of the original large circle. Interpretive signs and trails guide visitors on a self-guided tour that can be explored at their own pace. The site offers a distinct way to engage with the region’s archaeological heritage.
The Lynchburg Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge in Lynchburg, Ohio. It spans the east fork of the Little Miami River and connects Highland County with Clinton County. Its location and construction bring together the river landscape and regional history.
Hillsboro is the county seat and largest community in Highland County. It is home to the 1834 Greek Revival courthouse, Ohio’s oldest courthouse still in continuous operation. The Highland County Historical Society Museum in Hillsboro is dedicated to preserving, sharing and promoting the history and genealogy of Highland County. The museum broadens the focus from a single historic building to the history of the entire county.
Theater and Market in Hillsboro
The Paxton Theatre is a family-friendly nonprofit theater. It hosts live music, children’s theater, comedy shows and karaoke nights, among other events. If you want to attend a particular type of event, check the current schedule in advance.
Vendors at the Hillsboro Farmers Market sell homemade jams, locally produced honey, handmade goods and fresh meat products. Food and crafts are equally part of the market’s offerings.
Discover more destinations: Hillsboro, Medina County, Ashtabula County, Logan, Stark, Hocking County, Wood, Cuyahoga County
For the broader travel overview: Ohio.
