Take U.S. Route 50 East from Hillsboro to Rainsboro, turn right on Barrett Mill Road and follow to Cave Road, turn left. On this road you will see the remains of Barretts’ Mill. Continue on this road (you may have to stop for a family of wild turkeys or peafowl to cross the road) to the Seven Caves, the scenic gem of America. There is an admission fee but well worth it. After visiting the caves, you may want to browse a while in the Cliff House Gift Shop. There is also a picnic grove where you can relax in the shade.
  There are two nature sanctuaries in the area that offer spectacular scenery of the limestone/dolomite cliff formations of Rocky Fork Gorge. Miller Nature Sanctuary is on Barrett Mill Road, access is available only with a written permit from the Ohio State Nature Preserves. You may call 937-544-9750 for more information. See wilderness in Ohio, at Highlands Nature Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is a nature preserve encompassing the pristine Rocky Fork Gorge. Hikes into the gorge are offered free-of-charge to the public the first Sunday of each month from March to November. A learning center and a number of lodging and camping options, including Beechcliff House, are available to couples, families, and groups for educational nature retreats. You must call 937-365-1935 for more information and to make arrangements prior to visiting.
Live, outdoor family entertainment is held at Magic Waters Theater, located at 7757 Cave Road. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. on Sunday. Catered picnics are also available.
  Continue on Cave Road and it will bring you back to U.S. Route 50, turn right on Route 50, go to Rapid Forge Road, turn left. As you cross the bridge overlooking Paint creek (reputed to be the second longest creek in the world) to the right you will see an area of Paint Creek known as the Chutes. This is where kayaks and canoes enter the water. Looking to your right. You will see a large flat rock that is known as Turtle Back Rock. After crossing the bridge turn right on Falls Road, this follows Paint Creek. Keep a sharp eye out for the Falls of Paint, a very scenic spot. Also on Falls Road is the site of the original settlement of Bainbridge, which was called New Amsterdam Village. Continue on Falls Road to State Route 41, turn right and this will lead you to Bainbridge. At the traffic light turn right on U.S. Route 50 west. Follow U.S. 50 west to State Route 41 south, turn right, another scenic highway.
  Continuing on you will see the recently formed Mennonite community. Be sure to stop at JR’s General Store. This charming store features homemade candies, bulk foods, an extensive selection of goods for home bakers and candy makers, crafts, books relating to the simple life, produce and so much more you won’t believe it. Driving short distances within the community will allow you to visit bakeries, plant nurseries, and a produce auction. Just ask at JR’s for directions. This old world settlement will be a joy for the whole family. Continue on State Route 41 south to Fort Hill Road, turn right, travel about one mile and Fort Hill State Memorial Site is on the left with its mystical Native American earthworks, over ten miles of nature trails, and a beautiful picnic area and shelter house built by the WPA.
  Then follow State Route 41 south to Sinking Spring, look to your right, you’ll see the Octagonal Schoolhouse. Turn right at the street beside the schoolhouse and go two blocks. At the end of the street look to your right to see the Governor Byrd Cemetery which has recently been restored. Governor Byrd is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the State of Ohio. Continuing on State Route 41 south into Adams County, be aware of the birding opportunities around you, especially at Woodland Alters, which will be on your left. Be on the lookout for the House of Phacops Rock Shop as you enter Locust Grove. Before you turn right on to State Route 73 in Locust Grove look to your left ahead of you to see the rock shop across from the Dairy Bar. Now turn right on 73, to Serpent Mound State Memorial, the largest and finest serpent effigy in North America. Serpent Mound undoubtedly symbolized significant religious or mystical principle for its builders. The details of that belief, however, are a mystery. There is a parking fee for this site.
  You may follow State Route 73 north, a 19 mile drive back to Hillsboro, through the beautiful foothills of Appalachia, with small villages and quaint country stores. This is only one of the many scenic by-ways to be discovered in Southern Ohio.