Highland County is located around 1.5 hours from Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, and offers outdoor adventures and more for a day trip or weekend getaway.
I’m sharing more about fun things to do on your Ohio road trip around Highland County.
![wildflowers at Ballentine Corn Maze](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/wildflowers-at-Ballentine-Corn-Maze--700x525.jpg)
Thanks again to Visit Highland County for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own.
![woman at entrance for McKimmie's Cave at Highlands Nature](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woman-at-entrance-for-McKimmies-Cave-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-e1666220958354-627x700.jpg)
Go On a Private Self-Guided Cave Tour at Highlands Nature Sanctuary
7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, Ohio
This was one of my FAVORITE discoveries during our visit to Highland County.
![vintage the 7 Caves sign](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vintage-the-7-Caves-sign-700x467.jpg)
Highland Nature Sanctuary was formerly known as “7 Caves,” a popular tourist attraction from 1930-1970’s.
7 Caves began to decline as an attraction after that and was later transitioned to Highlands Nature Sanctuary, encompassing 3100 acres.
![bats of the sanctuary sign at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bats-of-the-sanctuary-sign-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-700x525.jpg)
5 of the original 7 caves are protected bat sanctuaries with no public access. Two of the remaining caves, McKimmie’s Cave and Marble are still accessible to the public.
![Appalachian Forest Museum at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Appalachian-Forest-Museum-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-700x525.jpg)
Where to Get the Bat Keys for McKimmie’s Cave
Visitors who want to go inside McKimmie’s Cave will need a special bat key from the front desk at the Appalachian Forest Museum.
![bat key for McKimmie's Cave](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bat-key-for-McKimmies-Cave-e1666277114979-676x700.jpg)
Ask the front desk for the bat key and flashlights to access and explore McKimmie’s cave.
![map of trails at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/map-of-trails-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-700x525.jpg)
I would also recommend taking a picture of the trail map in case you want to explore more of the area afterward.
![Appalachian Forest Museum at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Appalachian-Forest-Museum-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-2-700x525.jpg)
Before or after your cave tour, you’ll want to explore more of the Appalachian Museum too.
![bat key for McKinnie Cave at Highland Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bat-key-for-McKinnie-Cave-at-Highland-Nature-Sanctuary-e1666134997906-522x700.jpg)
The bat key opens the gate that leads down to McKimmie’s Cave.
![crawl entrance to McKimmie's Cave](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/crawl-entrance-to-McKimmies-Cave-e1666279012234-537x700.jpg)
You can enter the crave through a crawl space if you are extra feeling daring or flexible.
![entrance to McKimmie's Cave](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/entrance-to-McKimmies-Cave-e1666279120655-530x700.jpg)
If you prefer to walk into the cave there is a larger opening around the corner.
![McKimmie's Cave at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/McKimmies-Cave-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-e1666223394596-599x700.jpg)
The flashlights definitely come in handy on your self-guided tour. I also used the flashlight feature on my cell phone for even brighter lighting.
![woman in McKimmie's Cave at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woman-in-McKimmies-Cave-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-e1666223109281-498x700.jpg)
The only group allowed in the cave is the one with possession of the bat key.
This helps avoid overcrowding in the cave because it’s an out-and-back that progressively gets really narrow toward the back of the cave.
![trail at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/trail-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-e1666227150469-523x700.jpg)
Hike Valley of Ancients Trail also located at Highland Nature Sanctuary
The Valley of Ancients Trail is a 0.4-mile loop trail that takes you into Rocky Fork Gorge.
![Valley of Ancients Trail](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Valley-of-Ancients-Trail-e1666135282115-526x700.jpg)
The trail starts at the museum and involves going up and down stairs.
![trail at Highlands Nature Sanctuary](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/trail-at-Highlands-Nature-Sanctuary-2-700x525.jpg)
Valley of Ancients trail is still considered an easy hike on AllTrails.
![Nedra McDaniel on Valley of Ancients Trail](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nedra-McDaniel-on-Valley-of-Ancients-Trail-e1666135131744-519x700.jpg)
The scenery and rock formations are really interesting and beautiful. You can easily complete this hike in a relatively short time.
If you want to extend your stay at the park there are unique lodging options available onsite at Highlands Nature Sanctuary.
![friends painting at The Art Rookery](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/friends-painting-at-The-Art-Rookery-700x525.jpg)
Create One of a Kind Art at The Art Rookery
340 Jefferson Street, Greenfield, Ohio
Everyone is an artist, especially under the supervision of an art teacher during a painting party.
![painting class at the Art Rookery](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/painting-class-at-the-Art-Rookery--700x467.jpg)
It’s OK if you aren’t a natural artist because Nancy, the owner of Art Rookery, is there to guide and encourage you every step of the way.
![painting class at the Art Rookery](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/painting-class-at-the-Art-Rookery-2-700x642.jpg)
She provides you with everything you need for your art project. The beautiful part is that each individual painting in the group is supposed to be uniquely different so there is no pressure for perfection.
There is also open studio time available if you prefer to create on your own without any guidance.
![sign for the Art Rookery](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sign-for-the-Art-Rookery--e1666196576702-549x700.jpg)
If you don’t have enough time for a class make sure that you still stop in to check out all of the art for sale in the gallery by Nancy and other local artists.
![mums at B. Williams Farms](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mums-at-B.-Williams-Farms-700x467.jpg)
Find Farm Fresh Products at B. Williams Farms
9959 Centerfield Road, Leesburg, Ohio
B. Williams Farms specializes in farm fresh freezer beef of cattle that are grass-raised, grain-finished beef, corn, soybeans, pumpkins, seasonal produce, and hay & straw.
![friends at B. Williams Farms](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/friends-at-B.-Williams-Farms-e1666140361928-700x383.jpg)
If you visit in the fall you’ll find a great selection of reasonably priced pumpkins, mums, and gourds at their pumpkin patch.
![hay horse at B. Williams Farms](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/hay-horse-at-B.-Williams-Farms-e1666141202778-626x700.jpg)
There are also fun photo ops on the property including a unique “hay horse” that you can sit on.
![jumping by the corn height chart at B. Williams Farms](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/jumping-by-the-corn-height-chart-at-B.-Williams-Farms-700x642.jpg)
The barn also has some games and a corn pit. Don’t forget to measure your height by the corn sign before you go.
![friends on Greenfield Bike Path](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/friends-on-Greenfield-Bike-Path-700x525.jpg)
Enjoy a Scenic Hike or Bike Ride on the Greenfield Bike Path
Felson Park, Tri-County Triangle Trail, Greenfield, OH 45123
The Greenfield Bike Path is a great place to enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride.
![friends biking on Greenfield Bike Path](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/friends-biking-on-Greenfield-Bike-Path-e1666198762660-524x700.jpg)
There is a large gravel parking lot at Felson Park but there isn’t a restroom or playground in case you are bringing younger kids.
![bike on Greenfield Bike Path](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bike-on-Greenfield-Bike-Path-e1666198338560-569x700.jpg)
I brought my foldable Buzz electric bikes for us to enjoy on the Greenfield Bike Path…because exercise is WAY more fun on an e-bike.
![women biking on Greenfield Bike Path](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/women-biking-on-Greenfield-Bike-Path-e1666198197468-525x700.jpg)
The paved path is relatively flat and goes along Paint Creek.
![woman biking on Greenfield Bike Path](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woman-biking-on-Greenfield-Bike-Path-e1666198524215-692x700.jpg)
The approximate length of the trail is 3.47 miles. We didn’t go the full length of the trail but still enjoyed the scenic ride.
![picking apples at Karnes Orchard](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/picking-apples-at-Karnes-Orchard-700x525.jpg)
Pick Apples and Other Seasonal Fruit at Karnes Orchard
8200 Worley Mill Road, Hillsboro, Ohio
Karnes Orchard is a multi-generational business where you can pick apples, peaches, pears, and cherries seasonally.
![Karnes Orchard](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Karnes-Orchard-700x525.jpg)
Inside their market, you’ll find seasonal fruit for sale from mid-July to mid-November.
![golden delicious apples at Karnes Orchard](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/golden-delicious-apples-at-Karnes-Orchard-700x525.jpg)
Karnes Orchard has over 30 varieties of apples for guests to choose from.
Check out the description on the label for the best use of each type of apple and don’t leave without trying their apple cider.
![kayakers on Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kayakers-on-Paint-Creek-Lake-700x642.jpg)
Kayak at Paint Creek State Park to see Plum Run Gorge with Greenfield Outdoor Adventures
Paint Creek State Park – 280 Taylor Road, Bainbridge, Ohio
The 1,148-acre lake allows boats with unlimited horsepower and has a swimming beach.
If you are interested in exploring more of the outdoors make sure that you check out the programs offered by Greenfield Outdoor Adventures.
Their mission is to promote outdoor educational and recreational experiences through hiking, kayaking, biking, and much more!
![kayaking at Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kayaking-at-Paint-Creek-Lake-2-e1666281278299-525x700.jpg)
I was joined by Mike Anderson from Greenfield Outdoor Adventures who provided the kayaks and life jackets…while everyone else watched from the shore… because they thought it was too cold.
I actually thought the weather felt great and was even comfortable in a short-sleeved shirt.
![kayak to Plum Run Gorge](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kayak-to-Plum-Run-Gorge-700x525.jpg)
The views of Plum Run Gorge were definitely worth it because you can only appreciate this view from the water.
![kayaking at Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kayaking-at-Paint-Creek-Lake-700x642.jpg)
During our kayak tour, Mike shared more about the wildlife and rock formations in the area.
Make sure that you follow the Greenfield Outdoor Adventures Facebook Page for upcoming events or you can call (937) 876-9868 to learn more about setting up an adventure.
I really enjoyed my time out on the water and definitely want to bring my inflatable stand-up paddle board to Paint Creek Lake in the summer.
![Paint Creek State Park in Ohio](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Paint-Creek-State-Park-in-Ohio-700x467.jpg)
Explore Paint Creek State Park
280 Taylor Rd, Bainbridge, OH
After spending time on the water, we explored more of Paint Creek State Park.
The 5256-acre park has three hiking trails ranging in length from 0.75 to 6 miles., 12 miles of mountain biking trails, and 25 miles of bridle trails.
The park also has a 21-hole disc golf course, nature center, and campground.
![view from dam at Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/view-from-dam-at-Paint-Creek-Lake-700x467.jpg)
If it’s not busy during the day of your visit, I’d recommend pulling over to the side when you are on top of the dam so that you can admire the views from both sides.
![view from top of the dam at Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/view-from-top-of-the-dam-at-Paint-Creek-Lake-700x467.jpg)
The area near the lower dam is also a popular spot for fishing.
![heart shaped rock cave at Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/heart-shaped-rock-cave-at-Paint-Creek-Lake-700x525.jpg)
You’ll definitely want to check out the heart-shaped rock formation in the park.
![paved trail at Paint Creek Lake](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/paved-trail-at-Paint-Creek-Lake-700x467.jpg)
It’s located toward the beginning of the paved path that leads to the lower dam.
![woman near heart shaped rock at Paint Creek State Park](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woman-near-heart-shaped-rock-at-Paint-Creek-State-Park-e1666137214526-525x700.jpg)
I briefly considered climbing up into the heart-shaped cave… but quickly discovered that my shoes had ZERO traction and settled for a pic in front of it instead.
![White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-2-700x525.jpg)
Stay at Whiteoak View Bed & Breakfast
2315 Taylorsville Rd. Hillsboro, OH
You can sleep at a rural farmhouse in southeast Ohio.
![bedroom at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bedroom-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-700x525.jpg)
This bed and breakfast has plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
![bedroom at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bedroom-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-2-700x525.jpg)
There are 4 four bedrooms, a full kitchen, 2 full baths, a large deck, wrap-around porch, fish and release pond.
![White Oak Bed & Breakfast at night](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-at-night-700x525.jpg)
Outside there is a nice fire pit area with plenty of wood nearby if you want to enjoy a bonfire at night.
![bedroom at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bedroom-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-3-700x525.jpg)
Each bedroom has thoughtful quotes and displays of memories from 6 generations of Jeff and Kim Hauke and their family.
![bathroom at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bathroom-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-700x525.jpg)
The two bathrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs made it easy for all of us to get ready in the morning.
![cows at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cows-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast--700x525.jpg)
We arrived at the bed and breakfast after dark and enjoyed seeing the adorable cows and scenic views in the morning.
![catch and release pond at White Oak Bed and Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/catch-and-release-pond-at-White-Oak-Bed-and-Breakfast--700x525.jpg)
There are fishing poles available if you want to give catch-and-release fishing a try during your stay.
![woman on porch swing at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woman-on-porch-swing-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast--e1666134858655-530x700.jpg)
The porch swings and rocking chairs on the wrap-around porch definitely made my morning very relaxing.
![stocked fridge at White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/stocked-fridge-at-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast-e1666227754360-541x700.jpg)
Our group was on the go for breakfast out but I did appreciate the stocked fridge with drinks and snacks for us to enjoy during our stay.
![highland county-opoly White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/highland-county-opoly-White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast--700x525.jpg)
There was also a Highland County-opoly game for guests to play featuring several of the places we visited during our trip.
![White Oak Bed & Breakfast](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/White-Oak-Bed-Breakfast--700x525.jpg)
The bed and breakfast is a short drive to area restaurants and shopping in Hillsboro.
Speaking of restaurants, I’ve got you covered if you are looking for great places to eat in Highland County during your stay.
![Ohio Road Trip Getaway- 1.5 hrs from Cincinnati and Columbus](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ohio-Road-Trip-Getaway-1.5-hrs-from-Cincinnati-and-Columbus--467x700.jpg)