Paint Creek State Park encompasses 5,652 acres with 25 miles of bridle trails and 12 miles of mountain bike trails. There are hiking trails through mature woodlands and open meadows. Fishermen love the 1,148-acre lake that is home to bass, crappie and other species.

Nearby is the community of Greenfield, situated along the creek that divides Highland and Ross counties. Many visit Greenfield to enjoy the scenery, experience the festivals, and learn about the community’s fascinating history. Founded in 1799, Greenfield once had an active quarry that produced limestone for some beautiful churches and homes that remain irresistibly photogenic.

Paint Creek, and the hiking and biking trail that runs alongside the creek, offer beautiful scenery and a chance to burn off some calories. Kayakers enjoy the waters of the Paint during warm weather months, and the bike path that begins at Felson Park is a popular venue for bikers, hikers, walkers and joggers.

After a few hours of exploration or exercise, hungry visitors may seek refreshment at the popular Pot Belly Pig restaurant, the Catch 22 Sports Pub (now offering local microbrews) or a plethora of other establishments in Greenfield. Another downtown stalwart, Marple’s Tattered and Torn Primitives, tempts collectors with interesting antiques and artwork.

Several seasonal festivals liven up Greenfield, including the Greene Countries Towne Festival on the third weekend of July featuring free entertainment, lots of food, antique cars and tractors, parades and many other activities. Other seasonal events include the Souper Bowl in February featuring music, chili, soups, beverages and hand-thrown pottery bowls; a German themed Oktoberfest in late September, History Day and a Halloween parade in October, and a Christmas parade in December.

Just a few miles northwest of Greenfield is one of southern Ohio’s most beautiful 18-hole golf courses, Buckeye Hills. The sprawling and affordable course has been challenging golfers for half a century and is being continuously improved.

In addition to its history that predates the founding of Ohio as a state, Greenfield is a kind of hub surrounded by Amish and Mennonite families who have come to the area more recently from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine and other areas. Horse Drawn carriages and households with laundry hanging from clothes lines provide clues as to the friendly and peaceful lifestyle of the community who have chosen a less technological, more personal approach to life. Their plows are pulled by work horses, not tractors, and they are creative in their business endeavors, offering items such as awnings, baked goods, small engine repair, garden supplies and other items from their homes scattered throughout Highland and surrounding counties. Some websites and local publications referred to the “Amish and Mennonite Trail” and list some of the merchandise available from these self-described “plain people.”