Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Shellenbarger Park Alley Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve is a 67-acre nature preserve located in Lancaster, Ohio.
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Summary
The preserve is well-known for its unique rock formations, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the preserve's trails through forests, meadows, and wetlands, and enjoy stunning views of the Hocking River Valley. The preserve has a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, such as eastern box turtles and timber rattlesnakes.
One of the points of interest at Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve is the "Christmas Rocks," which are large sandstone rock formations that date back millions of years. Visitors can also explore the preserve's wetlands, which are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including a number of rare and endangered species.
The best time to visit Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve is in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors, and the weather is cooler. Visitors can also enjoy winter activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, during the winter months.
In addition to its natural beauty, Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve is also home to several historical sites, including an old iron furnace and a historic canal lock. These sites offer visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history.
Overall, Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical sites make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Shellenbarger Park
Alley Park
Maher Park
Cenci Lake Park
Martens Park