Bluebell Preserve (230 acres) borders the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and Wayne National Forest, providing part of a continuous 2.5-mile protected corridor for the bikeway. The preserve was established in 2006, when 64.9 acres, comprising two noncontiguous parcels, were donated to the Athens Conservancy by American Electric Power (AEP). In 2018, the Conservancy acquired another 165.57 acres from AEP with a grant from the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program, connecting the two original sections.

The preserve features spectacular spring wildflower displays, which are generally at their peak in mid-April and are easily enjoyed from the bikeway. The masses of trilliums, Virginia bluebells, and blue-eyed Mary are particularly beautiful in the southeastern part of the preserve, but there is a greater diversity of wildflowers in the northwestern part. The preserve also protects part of Hamley Run shortly above where it empties into the Hocking River, as well as several small tributary watersheds.

Hunting is allowed on the preserve by permission but is restricted to bow hunting of deer.

To get to the Bluebell Preserve from Athens, take US-33 6.5 miles northwest from the US-50 junction to the SR-682 (N. Plains Rd.) exit.  Turn right on SR-682 and go 0.4 mile to the first cross road.  Turn left and go 0.2 mile to a parking area on the right, serving the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway (which is at about mile 10.2 on the bikeway; there are markers every half mile).  Walk west on the bikeway 1.3 miles to reach the preserve.  The preserve extends from this point, about mile 11.5, to about mile 12.8.  The northwestern part of the preserve can be more easily accessed by parking where Glen Ebon Road (County Road 4) crosses the bikeway and walking southeast on the bikeway about 0.5 mile.  Theft from cars has been reported in this parking area, so lock your car and do not leave valuables visible.

Use iNaturalist to help document plants, mushrooms, insects, birds, mammals, and more in the Bluebell Preserve.

Bluebell Preserve can also be enjoyed by bicycling the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. 

Volunteer Preserve Steward: Rick Perkins