Highlands Nature Sanctuary Lodging FAQ
During your stay: Be careful! Highlands is a little bit wilder than your normal destination (part of its charm!) so please observe the following safety precautions. It is recommended that you carry a flashlight. The stairs and decks can be slippery, please always watch your step. Before hiking, carefully read the hiking regulations listed on the trail map. If you have an emergency or trouble en route, please call the main office at 937-365-1935. The phone is forwarded to staff members in the evening, and messages are checked frequently. Further emergency instructions are detailed in your lodge, please look over the emergency procedures when checking in.
How much does it cost? The price of each lodge per night and per week is listed on the individual lodging pages - there is a nice discount for week-long visits. There is also a one-time (per week for longer stays) cleaning fee for each visit that goes to our local cleaning staff, and not our non-profit mission. A 7% Ohio state sales tax and a 3% Highland County lodging tax also apply.
How do I pay? Full payment via check, Visa, or MasterCard is requested at the time of your reservation. If you cannot pay at the time of reservation, full payment is due one month before your stay.
What is the Cancellation Policy? Full payment is due one month prior to your reservation date, and cannot be refunded after that time for any reason. Thank you for understanding that last minute cancellations are quite harmful to our non-profit organization. Cancellations prior to one month before your reservation date are without penalty.
What amenities are provided in the lodges? Towels and bed linens are provided. There are no televisions or phones in the lodges. Full kitchenware and utensils are provided. All lodges have central heating/cooling for your comfort. Many interesting books are to be found in each lodge for your entertainment on quiet days. Hiking passes to the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and free admission to the Appalachian Forest Museum are included with your lodging stay.
What should I bring with me? Please bring your own environmentally friendly soap and toiletries, and a flashlight for safety. Consider bringing a yoga mat, hiking stick, binoculars, nature identification guides, or other items for your pleasure.
Is there daily cleaning service? We do not provide daily service, but will provide weekly service for extended stays. Extra linens are available in each lodge if you would like to change them during your stay. For large groups, pickup of trash, compost, and laundry, and light cleaning can be provided as arranged if needed.
What time is check-in? You may check in any time after 4:00pm the evening of your stay. If arriving after dark, please bring a flashlight or call ahead to make sure an outdoor light is left on for you.
How do I check in? When checking in, go directly to your lodge. The key to the door will be locked inside a key box to the right of the front door, requiring a pass code. Toggle the numbers given to you in your confirmation email and the box will pop open to reveal the door key.
How do I access the hiking trails during my stay? Hiking maps and a parking pass for your car will be waiting in your lodge when you arrive. Place the parking pass in your windshield and follow the directions on the maps to the trailheads. You may hike from dawn-dusk, any day during your stay, including after checking out.
What time is check-out? Please check out no later than 1:00pm on the day of your departure.
How do I check out? Simply lock the door behind you and deposit the key in the lock box, swirling the numbers to hide the combination. Before leaving, please wash any used dishes. To reduce our environmental impact by saving water, please help our cleaning staff by removing used sheets and pillow cases from your bed and remaking the bed as you found it, with just the quilt. Leave used sheets and towels on the floor for the cleaning staff. Unused sheets can be left folded on the beds.
Phones and Internet? No phones are provided in the lodges. Cell phone coverage may not be good in the woods, but a signal can dependably be picked up on Highway 50. At this time, no internet service is available.
Is smoking allowed? In keeping with a retreat setting, smoking is prohibited inside the facilities and on the hiking trails.
Are campfires allowed? Because of the wooded setting of most of our lodges, campfires are permitted only at Ravenwood Lodge in the already constructed fire circle. Gathering firewood from the preserve land is prohibited, but you can purchase locally harvested wood from the Rocky Fork Truck Stop, on the corner of Highway 50 and State Route 753.
Are pets allowed? To keep the wildlife safe and our furniture in a well-maintained condition, we cannot accommodate pets at this time. A $100.00 fee will be added to your bill for unauthorized pets in your lodge.
May I invite guests or have a large event? For comfort and safety, we cannot accommodate outside guests, or host large events such as weddings on our grounds. Events must be restricted to paying lodging guests only. Daytime workshops and gatherings including several lodges are allowed, but additional overnight guests above the occupancy limit are strictly not permitted. The maximum occupancy limits for each lodge are as follows:
Retreat Setting: In keeping with a tranquil retreat setting, please keep noise to a minimum.
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We look forward to your visit! This valley can touch you on all levels of your being. May you leave feeling renewed and revitalized!