Hiking with Doc

20210327 – Edge of Appalachia – Joan Jones Portman Trail

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Date: 03/27/2021 – Distance: 1.9 mi – Elapsed Time: 1.5 hr – Ascent: 433 ft – Descent: 390 ft – Difficulty: Medium

The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System is a 20,000 acre region in southern Ohio west of Shawnee State Forest near Portsmouth. The preserve is run by The Nature Conservancy, a global grassroots non-profit which aims to “conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.” The Cincinnati Museum Center also helps manage this vast property.

The area sits right on the western edge of the of the Appalachian Plateau. It is a very hilly area and hosts over 100 different rare plant and animal species. Many different habitats cover the area.

The Joan Jones Portman trail is classified as moderately difficult however I didn’t think it was that difficult. I think they were referring to the climb, but a reasonably in shape person should have no problems. The trail features some Eastern Red Cedar groves, post oaks, prairie and dolomite cliffs. There is also a good lookout at the end of this out and back trail.

The visitor center at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd.
Map of the preserve system.
A little history.
More education.
Ohio Brush Creek.
The Joan Jones Portman trailhead is right across the road from the visitor center.
Trail Map.
Common Blue Violet.
The trail begins by entering a large grove of Eastern Red Cedar trees.
Eastern Red Cedar.
Eastern Red Cedar.
There are some large areas of Reindeer Lichen here. I heard a naturalist say once it takes many years for this to grow.
Bloodroot.
White Trout Lily.
Notice the trees changed.
There is a cliff along the ridge.
And a few slump blocks.
The slump block is covered with wildflowers.
The cliff seems to have a couple caves
One of the caves.
You can see light through this one.
There is a second layer of cliff as well.
Getting closer to the lower cliff.
I believe this is called Peebles Dolomite. And the upper cliff above this one is called Greenfield Dolomite and has a more blocky layered appearance.
This cave isn’t very large, but could shelter two people.
Columbine loves this dolomite which is heavy with limestone.
The trail continues and wraps around the edge of the hill. The blue blaze marks that thus is part of the larger 1400 mile Buckeye Trail system.
Coming to the end of this trail. I’m now on top of that second cliff.
Flood’s Point is the destination.
The sign says that the Buckeye Trail continues and warns that it is long.
Flood’s Point is breathtaking.
And it’s a long way down.
The view from Flood’s Point.
Redbud.
Heading back.
Cool rock on the point.
The view from the point.
I didn’t see this on the way up because I was looking at the cliff. I’m not really sure what it is.
It’s pretty big.

Waypoints:

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