This hike is timed to enjoy peak fall color at Buzzardroost, with the red maples in the valley below Buzzardroost creating a fabulous blend of burgundies, oranges and yellows. This is one of the premiere hikes around here for great fall colors. While this hike is only 4 miles round-trip, it’s almost continuously up for 2 miles, and is one of the steepest hikes we do in this area, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

After the Buzzardroost hike, we’ll drive a short distance to the Wilderness Preserve for an additional 3.3 mile moderate hike. Part of our hike here will take us through an area containing sugar maples, which are some of the best trees for fall color.

Parking is limited at Buzzardroost, so we’ll take as few cars as possible. We’ll carpool from the Biggs at Eastgate. To get to Biggs, take I-275 to exit 63, Route 32. Take the Route 32 exit going east, to the Eastgate Blvd. exit. At the light, take a left, then another left at the next light (Clepper Drive). Biggs will be on your right, and we’ll meet in the parking lot near the road. Look for me in a green Toyota Camry. We’ll leave there promptly at 9:00.

I’m planning for us to be back in Cincinnati by 5:00, which means we’ll be hiking at a pretty steady pace all day, stopping briefly for lunch, and driving straight back when we’re finished, so you might want to bring a snack for the ride home.

Some reminders:

- Be sure to bring plenty of water, along with lunch to eat on the trail and snacks.
- Hiking boots are necessary for this hike.
- If it's raining Saturday morning, and the forecast is for rain near West Union a good part of the day, this trip will be cancelled. Check here Saturday morning if you're not sure whether the trip is going.
- Regardless of whether it's raining, it's a good idea at this time of year to include rainwear in your daypack, since who knows what the weather could turn out to be that day.