Date: 02/12/2023 – Distance: 2 mi – Elapsed Time: 1.25 hr – Ascent: 428 ft – Descent: 399 ft – Difficulty: Medium
Shallenberger State Nature Preserve is a small preserve south of Lancaster, Ohio and features a couple of high “knobs” of sandstone which resisted erosion from the last ice age more than 10000 years ago. The preserve sits at the southeastern limit of those glaciers, and it’s evident if driving from Columbus as the hills seem to rise up out of nowhere. The top of the knobs feature some rare species like Mountain Laurel while the cliff faces and slopes feature some amazing spring wildflowers. I was here to search for evidence of early wildflowers, which because of previous visits, I know existed. There are three trails here, however they only total a couple miles. Don’t miss the climb up to the top of Allen Knob which towers over 240 feet above the surrounding countryside.
Sign at the entrance on Becks Knob Road SW just north of the US33 and US22 interchange.There’s a decent sized parking lot for as small as this preserve is.The trailhead.You should wipe the invasive seeds off you feet.1973.Lots of things to look for on the kiosk.Map of the trails.It’s hard to see, but there is a cliff there.The intersection which begins the loop.Some slump blocks have fallen off the cliff.Cool honeycomb weathering on the rocks.The sign reminds you to stay on the trails to protect the delicate species.Cool hole in the main trunks.This rock field is home to lots of Hepatica, but I didn’t see any in bloom.The intersection which takes you to the other knob.Cutleaf Grape Fern.Fungus.This trail cuts over to the second loop.White Tailed Deer track.This post marks the border of the preserve.This sign merely reminds you to stay on trail at a sharp turn.Mushroom.Spring Beauty is just coming up through the leaf litter.The smaller of the two knobs in the preserve.Invasive Garlic Mustard.Not entirely sure, but may be another type of Grape Fern.There is a trail here which goes to the top of the larger Allen Knob. You can see some stairs near the top in the center of the photo.They recently rebuilt these stairs.The final ascent is really steep.There is a small loop trail on top.You can see for miles.US 33 looking west.A tiny spur leads to a cool overlook.Be careful up here.There is no fence and it’s a deadly drop.But the view is spectacular looking southeast.There is plenty of space to rest and take in the view.Quite a deep crevasse in the rock. Notice how that one piece is just hanging there.There is a strange depression right on top of the knob, which almost looks manmade.Probably a coyote, but could be a dog, even though they aren’t allowed here.Half of this very large tree split away.
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