Natural History of the
Hockhocking Adena Bikeway



The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural history of southeastern Ohio.

[Picture of Prothonotary Warbler] Highlights include:

picture of Dutchman's Breeches
Wildflowers
The wildflowers are best viewed in April and early May. They include Bloodroot, Hepatica, Wild Geranium, Dutchman's Breeches (shown here), Bellwort, Phlox, Bluebells, Solomon's-seal, Canada and Yellow Violets, Blue-eyed Mary, Toothworts, Bishop's-cap, three species of Trillium, and many others, intermixed with Maidenhair and Wood Ferns. Wildflowers are easily damaged by foot-traffic; please be careful not to trample the plants when examining or photographing them. It should go without saying that wildflowers must not be picked! Leave them for others to enjoy.



[Picture of Black Ratsnake]
Snakes
Snakes are often found on the bikeway. The black pavement absorbs solar energy during the day, so it is an attractive basking site for snakes during the early evening hours, especially in the spring. One of the most frequently observed is the Black Ratsnake (shown here), which may grow quite large but is not venomous. However, Copperheads (poisonous) are common in southeastern Ohio and have been seen on the bikeway.

Do not disturb or attempt to handle unidentified snakes on the bikeway!! If you are sure that a snake is non-poisonous, and you are concerned about it being run over by a bicycle (which has occurred with small snakes), you may want to push it gently off the pavement with a long stick. Remember that we are sharing the bikeway with the native animals. Please treat them with respect.

For more information about snakes that may be seen along the bikeway, click here (Snakes).



Flora and Fauna of the Bikeway



This page is maintained by Phil Cantino of the Ohio University Department of Environmental and Plant Biology.

Natural history observations and other comments are welcome (cantino@ohio.edu).


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