CAMDEN — According to Peakery.com, Devils Backbone is a 945-foot “mountain peak” near Camden which ranks as the 248th highest mountain in Ohio. According to some historians and storytellers, the area is haunted by the spirits of Native Americans.
But, what Devils Backbone is now, is the newest donation of land to become part of the Preble County Park District, where it can be enjoyed in the future by area families and even tourists.
Earlier this month, the Preble County Park District announced the family of Herb and Patricia Wagers generously donated the property known as Devil’s Backbone to the Park District. The property is located on old Ohio 725, west of Camden.
According to PCPD officials, plans for the property include putting in trails and picnic areas and “keeping the property in its natural scenic state.”
The property was owned by the Wagers family since 1966, a PCPD press release noted. The family cleared underbrush and kept the property in a park like condition for many years. In the 1970s several charity events were held on the property.
More recently the property has been allowed to go back to its natural state and has become a sanctuary for wildlife and native plants.
There are many stories about the Devil’s Backbone including tales of murder and Native Americans, as well as reports that the area is the most scenic place in Preble County with its limestone formations and waterfalls.
“When the Park District gets the trails open and ready for the public, you will find it to be a unique and beautiful place to visit,” the release noted.
The Preble County Park District also owns the Garber Nature Center located at 9691 Ohio 503 North, north of Lewisburg. The Nature Center features a restored farmhouse, trails in the 30-acre woods with a handicapped accessible boardwalk to a picnic area, a picnic pavilion, a wetland, a prairie and geo-caches along the trails. The Garber Nature Center offers educational programs and family events on a monthly schedule which can be found on the PCPD website at www.preblecountyparkdistrict.org.
