Shallenberger State Nature Preserve - Nature preserve in Lancaster - 2468 Becks Knob Rd SW, USA

Great little hike! We mostly did the orange loop with the blue up to the top. We started to follow the blue to the other hill, but turned back because of time and wasn't sure how long it would take. Went and hiked before going to Amanda Roller Rink which was only about 8 min away. I would definitely recommend a fall or winter hike here. I'm not sure if you could see much of the scenery in summer. I appreciate having some wire around the edges at the top for my kids.

This is not a large nature preserve (2 - 2.5 miles of trails)but it has a lot to offer. The rock formations are amazing and the moderate to difficult hike to the top is challenging at times but is worth it.

Only a couple trails here... 2 loop trails connected by a short trail in between (around 1 3/4 miles total between the two). The right loop trail will take you to the top of the knob, which would have a great view from high above if it weren't for the trees (and there are some large trees here!). But it's still a peaceful walk and no one was here but me.

Monday afternoon on Juneteenth hike. Wonderful! Trails are clear and easily manageable, shaded. I did forget to put on bug spray so mosquitos whined around me but I was not bit. I also missed the map on the visitor board at the start so rewalked the far loop twice ( I knew this because I recognized this one tree --LOL. I downloaded the AllTrails app wphile walking it to figure out how to get off loop and back to car). Beautiful bird song and trills the whole walk. I walked in hiking sandles with no stick and was fine, not difficult terrain, although not flat. The pictures do not do justice to the rock outcroppings. I saw no animals excepts birds, dragonflies and toads. Peaceful walk for my soul.

Nicely preserved wooded hills with a figure 8 trail. There is a trail spur that heads to the summit, but I only had time for the first loop. Large trees, a nice shady walk through the forest. Tulip Poplars, Oaks and Maples.

Just a trail. But a good exercise. Nice easy trail. Not really very rural. Very could still hear traffic in every direction

This is a relatively small but delightful and unique nature preserve. Be SURE you get a pamphlet at the entrance if you aren't familiar with the layout of the trails. Think of the rims of two eyeglass lenses attached by the connection across your nose. By the connection is another trail with lots of wooden steps to the top of the only knob open to the public. The view up there is amazing!! I would suggest caution if you bring young children as it could be dangerous at the top. Dogs are not permitted. There are no restroom facilities, no trash containers so be aware of that before you go. There are 16 parking spaces which is plenty and there are now cameras there for everyone's safety. Lots of deer, squirrels and hundreds of birds make their home here. Trails can get very slippery when wet. Nice metal mesh has been nailed to footbridges. This site is one of the first places glaciers started falling apart leaving sizeable deposits...thus the knobs. If you are lucky, you may see buzzards playing in the updrafts at eye level when at the top of the knob! It is awesome! They do a super job keeping this preserve clean and trails clear. Check the kiosk at the entrance for maps and other key info. I've included lots of brand new info regarding trail rules such as no picking mushrooms or flowers etc. In my pictures! Last comment, the big indentation in the middle of the top of the knob was caused by headstones being cut out of the rock and taken to the octagon shaped famous cemetery on Crumley Road.

No. Just No. This place is essentially what we colloquially call a "wood lot." Nothing less, but certainly nothing more! No place to SIT DOWN, excepting a single semi rotted bench. No picnicking No eating: Das ist VERBOTEN! No washroom at the trail head, in case you need to hit the head. Forget bringing kids. Ridiculous. Your tax dollars not at work. Gets Zero toilets (out of five) for not having a toilet. It would better to place something useful here, like a Dollar store, or a fast food place, or maybe even a filling station, so at least you could use the washroom and a buy a lottery ticket or two. What's more, there's not even a trash can here. Note to Ohio: If you think NOT having a trash can here, or a washroom means that people "won't?" Well they will anyway, but not responsibly. That's How It Is.