Other Recreation
Split Rock Conservation Park is named for the unique glacial formations deposited in the area thousands of years ago. This awesome feature and the beauty and diversity of the surrounding area have been a destination for exploration and wonder for generations. The land is a mosaic of woodlands and meadows surrounded by Woolper Creek and the Ohio River (with an abundant wildlife resource). Archaeological evidence of past cultures gives testament to the rich bounty of this area that has supported human communities and endures today.
Big Bone Lick State Park has its origins steeped in prehistoric events. Imagine ancient giant mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths, and bison roaming through mineral springs and swamps that are now grassy plains covered with trees and shrubs. That was the scene at Big Bone Lick for an 8,000-year period towards the end of the Ice Age, 12,000 to 20,000 years ago. During that time period, great ice sheets covered the North American continent just north of the Ohio River Valley. These prehistoric animals, driven southward by the prevailing ice, were attracted to the salt and minerals found in the swamp area now known as Big Bone Lick. Many of these prehistoric creatures became trapped and perished in the quagmire surrounding the swamps' ancient sulfur springs.
Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve owned by the Kentucky Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, was dedicated as a state nature preserve to protect the unique glacial features and four forest community types that are present there.
Initially, 46 acres of land in Boone County were dedicated on Nov. 5, 1987. An additional 28 acres were dedicated on May 16, 1990. The preserve, located along a tributary to Middle Creek, is named for the 20- to 40-foot conglomerate cliffs that outcrop on the valley slopes. The conglomerate is composed of gravel that was deposited as glacial outwash about 700,000 years ago.
American Walkers’ Association of Greater Cincinnati For time and location of their Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon walks, check their website.
Big Bone Landing Primitive camping and boat launch facility located at the end of Boat Dock Road near Big Bone State Park . Take U. S. Highway 42 south to Route 338 west to Boat Dock Road .
Maplewood Ball Fields Located on Idlewild Road just past the Boone County Fairgrounds.