West Union Section

West Union Section Description:

The West Union Section exhibits the transition between the relatively forested slopes in the eastern part of the state and the more highly populated and developed plains in the western part of the state. Overall, the trail undulates somewhat over 5000 ft along the way.

Beginning in the hilly, unglaciated portion of the Appalachian Plateau, the trail continues off road through The Nature Conservancys preserve named the Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve. The footpath ends at the George Rieveschl Jr. Creek Bend Center on the Ohio Brush Creek. West of this creek, the trail continues on road into a geologic region known as the Bluegrass Region, a less dissected, but still hilly region which is more amenable to agriculture and other development than the Appalachian Plateau. Here, the trail passes through Bentonville and enters Brown County.

A little later, the trail crosses Eagle Creek and climbs up into a much flatter geologic region known as the Till Plains. Here, the trail passes through Russelville and near both Georgetown and Mt Orab. Between the latter villages, the trail goes very near two covered bridges, both out of service. The section ends at an intersection just after the trail crosses the dam that restrains Grant Lake, the main feature of the Grant Lake Wildlife Area.