Date: 02/26/2023 – Distance: 1.7 mi – Elapsed Time: 1.5 hr – Ascent: 184 ft – Descent: 159 ft – Difficulty: Medium
Chalet Nivale Nature Preserve is 106 acres near Peebles, Ohio in Adams County. It is run by the Arc of Appalachia non-profit organization and is open to the public. It features two pristine tributaries with dramatic dolomite limestone cliffs and many endangered species of wildflowers including one of the best populations of Snow Trillium in the state, and many large White Cedar trees. There are three trails: two along the creeks, and one in the upper ridge between them which is a large prairie. The Snow Trilliums were at peak bloom when I was here.
Sign at the entrance on Bacon Flat Road.Parking is limited.There is a dramatic cliff face right next to the parking lot.The Arc of Appalachia is a great organization.Right away, this small slump block has Snow Trilliums blooming on it.Such an amazing wildflower. Only two inches tall, it is so delicate, so do not touch, stay on the trails, and watch your step on the trail. This preserve is actually named after this wildflower, Trillium Nivale.There is a nice kiosk at the trailhead.There is a good map with some information about the park.Some of the amazing wildflowers which can be found here at various times of the year.The creeks here also support a rich diversity of wildlife.You cross the bridge to enter all three of the trails.Please respect the privacy of the old caretaker’s residence.The creeks are small.The dolomite is eroded in layers creating these ledges.This flower is tiny, called Harbinger of Spring.The trail follows the wall.Limestone erodes different than sandstone, creating these holes.Hepatica loves limestone.You have to look closely, but there are many trilliums here.It’s such a wonderful sight.This trail junction is for the Early Buttercup Trail to the left. I was limited on time and wanted to focus on the Crawdad Creek Trail.Another junction for the Golden Meadows Trail.Approaching the other creek.There is a loop here. You have to cross the creek several times on this trail, so be prepared for a little water (it’s shallow unless there has been heavy rains), and watch your step as the limestone can get slippery.Cool mushrooms.These are the leaves from last year for the Sharp Lobed Hepatica. The leaves last through the winter and turn red and fade right as the flowers bloom. The new leaves come up right after the flower and last all year.Orange Peel Fungus.I believe this is Purple Dead Nettle.Hepatica is one of my favorites.Here is one of these White Cedar stands.They are quite large.Liverworts are in a class all their own. These ones grow on the wet rocks.The creeks often are solid bedrock around here.Another creek crossing.You can really see the different layers here and how they erode.The ferns are called Christmas Ferns and are quite common.Christmas Fern.I believe this is called Star of Bethlehem. It produces a nice small white flower, but can be quite invasive.Some of the rocks jut way out.Another creek crossing.That’s dramatic.Some blocks broke off from above.Small arch. Notice the light coming through.It’s a dramatic trail indeed.Cool moss with a small fern.Walking Fern.Mosses cover the rocks and trees here.
