BEALLSVILLE — Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a look at the cliffs, icicles and frozen waterfalls found at Raven Rocks during a winter hike with Captina Conservancy this weekend.

Raven Rocks, which is a little over 1,000 acres outside of Beallsville and in southern Belmont County, is a private property opened up to the public for hiking.

Barnesville’s Captina Conservancy will guide hikers through a tour of Raven Rocks starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the trailhead and parking lot located at 54167 Crum Road. The hike is free and open to the public. Last year, the hike brought in more than 70 people that explored the caves. Snacks and hot drinks will be provided as well.

“It’s just a fun reason to be motivated to get out into nature, to do something positive,” Captina Conservancy Executive Director Ellie Ewing said,” hopefully get some sunshine and meet other people who are like-minded, who are interested in nature and being outside.”

The hike will have different stages. There is a half-mile trip to the first ravine, a three-mile round trip to the third ravine and back and a hike to balancing rocks that’s a four-mile round trip.

Captina Conservancy will have a donation jar on site as well. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Ewing will lead the hike and recommends participants wear sturdy boots and warm gear as there will be some slippery spots.

“It’s a good excuse to get together and get outside in time when you otherwise might not,” Ewing said. “Also, because of the ravines at Raven Rocks, they are very beautiful in the wintertime because of the ice. But we also know that it might not be something that people think to do on their own.”

Ewing described Raven Rocks as a unique and natural area in this part of Ohio and a private group of people care enough about it to preserve for the last 50 years and open it to the public.

Captina Conservancy is hoping to see as many people go on the hike as possible.

Ewing loves how different the ravines are every time she hikes through them. Although she has been to the ravines more than 100 times now, she said every time there is something new and different to look at, whether it be because of the different seasons or something new that catches her eye.

“So I just love being in such a peaceful place,” she said. “So you just get a real sense of calm being there.”

Ewing will give a quick presentation about Raven Rocks at the beginning of the hike, depending on the turnout. She said it also depends on how cold it is that they’ll spend standing around in the cold before people get to hiking. During the presentation, the conservancy members will give an introduction and brief overview of the ravines and what to expect on the hike.

Ewing will lead the way and teach about some natural history and human history with the initial group.

Board members and volunteers will be staggered throughout along the way to help with tricky spots in the ravine and to help give information toward the group that can’t hear what Ewing is saying. People can hike at their own pace and enjoy but can also listen in to the guided part if interested in learning more, Ewing said.

People can call 740-238-3415 for questions or more detail.

“It’s gotten to be a popular event,” she said. “We love to see families, friends, even solo hikers come out and get to meet new people and just enjoy a unique, beautiful, natural place.”