Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area
The Ohio Division of Wildlife is excited to welcome guests to the brand-new Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center in southeast Ohio! The hills of this region offer some of the Buckeye State’s finest natural resources and recreation, and the new visitor center at Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, opened this spring, is an excellent launch point for adventures in unglaciated Ohio. Step inside to find information on the region’s history, habitats, wildlife, and recreation opportunities, or to score a glimpse of the area’s bison herd!
Before the 54,525 acres of Ohio’s largest wildlife area were opened to public recreation, they were owned by American Electric Power. Thanks to Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly, as well as hunters and anglers, the Division of Wildlife acquired Appalachian Hills between 2017 and 2022. Now, the wildlife area and nearby Jesse Owens State Park provide exceptional hunting, fishing, hiking, birding, camping, and more. Along with the visitor center, investments in the region include cabins and campgrounds, new water lines and flush restrooms at several sites, and completion of the 26-mile Straker Trail for hikers to reach the Buckeye Trail.
The Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center offers a commanding view of this region’s beauty from the moment you arrive. The first displays you’ll encounter introduce you to this region’s unmatched recreation potential. A huge topographic map that shows unglaciated Ohio’s terrain is the center of attention. You’ll also learn about the history of the region, including its mining past and ongoing efforts to restore the land. Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area is defined by three main habitat types: grasslands, woodlands, and aquatic habitats. Interactive displays devoted to each habitat invite you to learn about the management of the habitats as well as the plants and animals they support.
One of the most popular attractions at the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center is sure to be the bison herd. A covered, open-air deck offers the best views of this spectacular large mammal, a native species that was once found in the wild across Ohio. While bison no longer roam freely here, the Appalachian Hills herd is a symbol of conservation. These bison show what can happen when wild spaces and creatures aren’t protected or managed: we can lose members of the ecosystem. Lessons learned from the bison help us keep Ohio wild for bald eagles, river otters, black bears, and more.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife hopes the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center is a source of inspiration for your next memory and for supporting wildlife. It’s the perfect stop for visitors of all ages to step into southeast Ohio’s rugged hills and explore, learn, and connect, whether for a day trip or a longer adventure.
