VisionWe envision an ever-widening circle of people of all ages who, through our creative programming in outdoor spaces, deepen their connection to nature, and strengthen our human connections in this shared natural world.
MissionOur mission is to offer to all ages a rural playground for experiential learning that will feed peoples’ connection to nature.
GoalsOur goals are to fuel wonder; encourage outdoor exploration and stewardship, and inspire community-building fun.
Less than 15 minutes from historic downtown Marietta, we’re a nearly 110-acre working farm with a fold of Highland cattle and four little goats. A 1.5-mile hiking trail crosses creeks and fields and runs to the top of Dave’s Hill with its breathtaking, 360-degree views and a front row seat to stunning sunsets. A nearly century-old barn offers a second-story view of the Highlands in our barnyard. Inside, a custom-built, 16-foot banquet table offers room to gather with friends, take a class, learn a craft, grab a snack, or just relax.
Erb’n Roots is a rural playground for all agesThe nonprofit side of our adventure provides programming through the summer and fall to visitors of all ages. We open to the public on about a dozen special weekends, weather permitting. Group trips or special outings are available through reservations from April to November.
For those who want to relax and refuel with us for a few days, Erb’n Roots, a limited liability company, provides a two-bed, two room Airbnb with full facilities and laundry. Additionally, camping and glamping offer a panoramic view of the setting sun and night sky. If you prefer to camp - but not work too hard at it - we’ve got you covered. We can deliver the wood for your campfire, a kit for s’mores, a private camp bathroom, and a continental breakfast and supplies for fresh coffee in the morning.
Meet Our Coos
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![Erb'n Roots Rosie the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Rosie
The grandmother of our fold, Rosie is the gentle matriarch. While Highlands might bump each other out of the way with their horns to get their way, Rosie’s have been deformed since birth, we’re told. Instead, she swings her head and chuffs at the others to make her intentions clear.
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![Erb'n Roots Peaches the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Peaches
Look closely at the horns on each of our girls, and search for the coo with the widest horn span. That’s Peaches. She’s our always-curious girl, and she’s usually in the lead when we call them to dinner. Still can’t spot her among the fold? Look for Chai, with the midnight black hair. The two of them are buddies and often side-by-side.
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![Erb'n Roots Chai the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Chai
Chai’s the easiest of our girls to spot. She’s deep black, just like the tea after which she’s named. She’s also a bit skittish – tending to stand back and scan a crowd before sauntering in. We call her Chai the Shy. She’s BFF to Peaches.
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![Erb'n Roots Ruby the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Ruby
Ruby is aptly named, given she’s the reddest of the red cows out there. And while you’re admiring her shiny locks, consider this: Highland cows have a double coat of hair! The outside oily hair protects them from rain and ice and snow, while the downy undercoat keeps them toasty warm in the winter.
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![Erb'n Roots Emmy the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Emmy
She’s the blondest of our fold and one of the youngest, and she’s truly a model among #cowswithbangs. Her hair is always in her eyes. Now that we think of it, we’ve never seen her eyes!
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![Erb'n Roots Diamond the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Diamond
Diamond is our sweetest cow, and a bit of a loner. She’s lighter in color and she walks with a bit of a limp. Her horns slope upward more than the others. While she is part of the fold, she’s a bit spoiled, truth be told. She’ll stare at you til you bring her food. And we do. She’s too cute to be ignored.
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![Erb'n Roots Puff the Highland Cow. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley in Marietta, OH, near Parkersburg, WV.]()
Puff
Description goes here Puff is usually the easiest to spot because she loves to cheese it for the camera. Her mom was named Cocoa and had beautiful chocolate hair, too. Get it? Cocoa … Puff. And Puff’s also the most vocal, often chuffing when she feels dinner isn’t being served quite fast enough!
Stay with Us
Airbnb
Escape to the simple life and rhythms of a working farm at Erb’n Roots.
Our upstairs Airbnb in the original 1930s home offers a quaint living area with a kitchenette. Doordash delivers, or you can create your own feast. Kitchen includes a refrigerator, air fryer, microwave and coffee station and is stocked with essential dishes, silverware and casserole cookware.
Camping
If s’mores under the stars is more your thing, we offer several campsites on our working farm. Drive-up accessible, these quiet spots offer time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
We’ll even do the hard work for you.
Glamping
For those who prefer a bed and roof under the stars, we offer a full-service mini-glamping experience. From atop Dave’s Hill, kick off your hiking boots as the sun slips down over the trees and the night sky becomes studded with stars. Then slip into our custom cozy camper with its queen-sized bed and room to keep your belongings dry.
We’ll even do the hard work for you.
Visit Us
363 Killwell Run Rd.
Marietta, OH 45750