(Updated April, 2024): One of my toughest POTA activations I’ve was Flint Run (US-9464). This is because it
took me so long to figure out How to do it. Flint Run is a Wildlife area in Jackson county Ohio. It lies south of Wellston off of Route 327. I’d decided that it was strictly a “hike – in“ activation.
The last time out, I hadn’t done my research ahead of time, couldn’t find a location to activate from, and just plain gave up.
In August 2023, it was time. According to the website for the Athens Conservancy, you can park off of Route 124 at Frank Smith Road and hike in through the old Buckeye mining property. That probably would have worked, but the entrance looked kind of sketchy. I don’t remember if the gate was locked, or what. So for me, the easier way looked to be to come in from the south hiking in from Tick Ridge Rd.
Using Tick Ridge Rd, which turns north off of Pattonville Road, you can reach a parking area. Tick Ridge Rd is only paved for about 500’. After that, it turns to a dirt path. I did find out in april, 2024 that you aren’t yet on Broken ARO property till you pass the Yellow blazes. Then, you are in Broken ARO (US-9447).
I would definitely agree with Eric, WD8RIF, in recommending an all wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. I didn’t have to use 4WD, but I was glad to have it at my disposal for this trip. The vegetation encroaches pretty well onto the “road”. If you’re the type to gets nervous when you hear branches scraping along the side of your vehicle, I would suggest borrowing a friends beater. The clearing where I parked is roughly another mile or so in via this rough dirt road.
From this parking area, You have a moderate 1/2 mile hike to the north. The trail parallels a fence row that runs along a pasture. At the back of the pasture, you will find some yellow blazes, which I believe mark the boundary between the privately owned pasture, the Broken ARO property, and your goal; Flint Run. After that, it’s a matter of finding a clear spot to set up. I hiked about 100 Yards in from the boundary, and set up my end-fed Half Wave.
I had no plans to return, but then, in 2024, I tried it again. While in the parking area, I got to talk to a Wildlife officer who advised me that Tick Ridge is aptly named. When shared my plans to hike back to Flint Run, ad strongly cautioned not to attempt it without Tick spray as they were very bad lately.
The officer did advise me that the parking area definitely was open to the public despite the roughness of the road to get back to it. Here’s a Google Map Link to help: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g8ohPhmzJLR1eZQY8 This link takes you to the parking area at the end of Tick Ridge Rd. So will I try to activate Broken ARO & Flint Run again? Sure will! 73 all DE WG8X
Resources
https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1914301
https://www.athensconservancy.org/aaorg/flintrun-brokenaro_swa.html
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/flint-run-wildlife-area
http://ohiodnr.gov/static/documents/wildlife/wildlife-area-maps/brokenaroflintrun.pdf