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Wahkeena Nature Preserve

The name Wahkeena is from an American Indian word meaning "most beautiful." The beautiful Wahkeena Nature Preserve is located on the edge of Hocking Hills. This outdoor education area is used for nature study and is preserving for birds and wildlife. The 150-acre preserve also features interesting flora, including mountain laurel, twenty-six fern varieties and eight native orchids. Wahkeena's sandstone cliffs, part of the famous Black Hand sandstone, are forested with tulip and oak trees.

Facilities Information
Chaperones: None, other than teachers.
During hot weather, students may wish to carry water bottles.

As students will be outdoors during their experience, please dress appropriately for the weather. An insect repellant may be necessary from mid-May through late September, as visitors may encounter mosquitoes and/or deer flies.

Although the nature center and restrooms are not handicapped accessible, some disabilities can be accommodated. Trails are unpaved, uneven and narrow in some areas. Call Wahkeena directly for more details.

There is no indoor eating facility on site. Groups may picnic together on the lawn or eat at picnic tables under a shelter house.

Hours of Operation
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

Admission
$3.00 per student; $3.00 per chaperon; teachers & bus drivers are free

Location
Wahkeena is on Pump Station Road 1 mile west of County Road 86, which is six miles south of Lancaster off of U.S. Route 33 in Fairfield County.



Directional Map [Yahoo] - Will load in a new window

Bus Driver's Instructions
Buses will enter through the first gate to the parking area, drop off students, then park. When leaving, exit out the same gate as entered.

If you will be delayed in arriving at your appointed time, call 740-746-8695 or 800-297-1883.

Bus drivers are admitted free to Wahkeena Nature Preserve.

• Flint Ridge
• Harding Home
• Newark Earthworks
• Ohio Historical Center
• Wahkeena Preserve