SOME REFLECTIONS TO SHARE--

on the Hocking Hills...

As a hiking experience the Hocking Hills are a premier location in Ohio—most likely the premier location.

Both Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow are easy, level, handicapped accessible walks, both into absolutely enchanting experiences.

Ash Cave is part of the Hocking Hills State Park and Conkles Hollow is separately administered but that difference certainly is not obvious.

The four remaining geologic attractions; Cantwell Cliffs, The Rock House, Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls require varying degrees of exertion and all six venues demand repeat visits. They change with the weather, the lighting and the seasons.


Most, if not all, of these attractions have multiple trails for your viewing pleasure. The main trail generally goes to the heart of the attraction while optional and rim trails offer a wide variety of viewing opportunities.

All are free of entrance charges.

You’ll want good, comfortable hiking shoes and socks. Those are essential. A day pack for water and snacks would be helpful, and, I like a hiking stick.  Otherwise, just dress for the weather.

There is a state park campground adjacent to Old Man’s Cave with its own nearby restaurant and conference facility.

There are bazillions of rental cabins around the area. Our cabin in the promo piece to this series cost us $300 per night. With six adults that amounts to $50 each for the weekend. And for that you get a well equipped, furnished and supplied home of your own complete with a hot-tub, fire pit and firewood, and cook-out facilities.

This cabin had three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft which would sleep eight more adults in both single and bunk beds. It also featured a wide screen TV with satellite service, a dishwasher, and clothes washer and dryer. It was secluded but just off SR 56 and only about 2 miles from Ash Cave.

Cell phone service is not reliable.  I consider that a blessing.

Sue and I recently also visited nearby Nelsonville and enjoyed a ride on the Hocking Valley Excursion Railroad. On an earlier visit I enjoyed the bike trail that extends from Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville to Ohio University’s campus in Athens.

There is a rappelling attraction close by and a zip-line through the treetops somewhere up near Logan which itself is just 10 miles or so away with all the shopping outlets you are likely to need.

In addition to the venues mentioned, the Buckeye Trail traverses the state park. The most convenient and absolutely enthralling hike on that trail goes through the Old Man’s Cave area and another three miles to Cedar Falls.

That is a stunning hike. There is an additional three mile section that goes on to Ash Cave. That is comparatively bland. If you are up to doing six miles, hike down to Cedar Falls then hike back to Old Man’s Cave.

That is a terrific experience.

Can you tell I enjoy the place?
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Pictured top are friends Mark Meinzer and Don Karger approaching the Devil's Bathtub in the Old Man's Cave area.  In the lower photo Mark is waiting for yours truly to catch up on a challenging section of trail.