Starting at the pond, the loop composed of Magic Is Real Trail, Renz Ridge Trail, and Runaway Tractor Trail offers a quiet and attractive birding route. The most frequently encountered breeding birds include Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Tufted Titmouse, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, Acadian Flycatcher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Wood Thrush.

Officially opened on April 30, 2023, this 71-acre nature preserve is just north of Athens and is the Athens Conservancy's latest addition. It features 1.5 miles of trails through mature forests, scenic rock formations, wildflowers, and wildlife. There is a gravel parking lot that holds seven cars maximum. Please drive slowly when entering and leaving the driveway, as there is a dip where low-slung vehicles may bottom out.

Peace Tree Trail (0.19 mile; difficulty—moderate) is the only route from the parking area to the rest of the trail system. After a gradual climb through an attractive stand of white pines (the Iroquois “tree of peace”), the trail descends sharply to a pond. The steepness of this trail’s ascent to return to the parking lot at the end of a hike is the reason for the “moderate” difficulty designation.

Sheehan Way (0.39 mile; difficulty—easy) follows an old farm road from the pond to Renz Ridge. There is evidence of two old house sites along the route. 

Magic Is Real Trail (0.58 mile; difficulty—moderate), is a narrow footpath built by former owner Claudia Sheehan. Winding through a majestic oak forest with scenic views of the stream valley below, it offers a window into the grandeur of Appalachian Ohio forests when they are not logged repeatedly. This is probably not primary forest, but it has remained undisturbed long enough to develop old-growth characteristics. 

Renz Ridge Trail (0.24 mile; difficulty—easy) follows an old road and is fairly wide because AEP occasionally uses it to access a power line. The bench at Lindy’s Lookout, the high point at the junction with Magic Is Real Trail, is a peaceful place to sit and reflect.

Runaway Tractor Trail (0.07 mile; difficulty—moderate), although short, is quite steep. (The name commemorates an event from decades ago that could have resulted in tragedy but fortunately did not.)