Hellbender Preserve

A simple green cartoonish lizard or salamander on a black background.

Home to a landscape that was carved by nature, but chiseled away by man, Hellbender Preserve is a place where history and nature harmonize. The preserve is nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, and hosts an abundant variety of native plants and animals; most notably the Eastern Hellbender salamander. The property is divided by two distinct physical features: Cross Creek and the Panhandle Railroad corridor.

A Walk Through History

Laid upon the original bed of the Steubenville & Indiana Railroad, the primary walking trail of Hellbender Preserve provides a scenic escape to nature. As guests meander along the trail, they will come across the historic Lincoln Bridge. Originally a wooden railroad trestle that nearly collapsed from the raging waters of Cross Creek below in February 1861, Abraham Lincoln took note of the bridge that nearly prevented him from attending his own inauguration. Understanding the importance that rail infrastructure would play in a growing nation, one of President Lincoln's first acts was to ensure funding to replace the wooden trusses with an arched stone bridge. The bridge stands strong today, and allows guests to cross into the impressive Tunnel 8.

A salamander-like creature forms the "H" in "DONATE" on a khaki background.

Image Gallery

A stone bridge with two arches spans a calm river, surrounded by autumn trees and fallen leaves.

A forest scene with trees, fallen leaves, and ferns on a hillside.

A serene autumn scene with a reflective river, surrounded by trees shedding brown and orange leaves.

A serene creek flows through a forest with autumn trees under a clear blue sky.

A forest clearing with scattered fallen leaves, surrounded by bare trees and a small river.

Two benches on a dirt path in a forested area, with wooden posts and rope nearby.

A pathway with wooden railings surrounded by trees and clear blue sky.

A stone bridge with arches over a creek in a forested area, under a clear blue sky.

Walking & Biking Trails

Visitors to the preserve are invited to enjoy the beauty of nature from the leisure of our maintained trails. The former rail corridor is now surfaced with packed, crushed limestone, allowing for both cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the scenic landscape along the 0.75-mile long trail which takes visitors across the Lincoln Bridge and through Tunnel No. 8. Additional walking trails spur from this primary corridor, leading visitors down to the creek or along the Fardowners Retreat trail with scenic views of Cross Creek below.