Lush Fall Beauty Hidden in the Hocking Hills
From cascading waterfalls, to wide, open meadows and deep forests, southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region offers a profusion of places for the viewing Mother Nature’s fall show. A breathtaking mix of greens, yellows, browns, reds and oranges blend into a colorful tapestry of color, born of linden, maple, oak and other trees. The region’s rolling hills, soaring rock faces and remote hollows provide superb viewing of these impressive autumn displays.
Regular visitors to southeast Ohio know where to find the most special spots tucked away in these Appalachian foothills. But for first-timers, a visit at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center is a worthwhile stop. Dozens of seasoned locals volunteer their time to guide visitors to the best locales. Rack upon rack of brochures and maps help guests find accommodations, parks and activities, along with plenty of picnic spots.
Before you pack up the picnic basket, pile in the car and head for the hills, a call to 1-800-HOCKING and a visit to www.1800hocking.com are travel planning tools. Both offer directions to and descriptions of some of the Ohio’s most beautiful places.
SIX SPECTACULAR SPOTS
State and national forests, Clear Creek Metro Park and Hocking Hills State Park are just a few of the terrific places in the Hocking Hills. Hocking Hills State Park includes six distinct areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Lake Logan, Old Man’s Cave and Rock House.
From soaring cliffs to rushing waterfalls, each offers its own idyllic setting for breaking bread. They’re open during daylight hours and feature parking, picnic tables and shelters, latrines and trash receptacles. But true adventurers pack their provisions to go and hike the trails, which are a quarter mile to 2.5 miles in length.
PARK PROTOCOL
Park regulations require that you leave these natural sanctuaries just as you found them. Both park rangers and lovers of the area ask picnickers to take their trash away for proper disposal.
After the half-mile hike into Cedar Falls, wanderers find themselves before a waterfall that rages in the spring and flows freely into fall. A large, smooth rock floor and a manmade stone wall offer natural seating and an easy place to eat.
The rugged rim trail at Conkles Hollow features scenic geologic formations and rare plants. The height and narrowness of the gorge and countless hemlocks screen the sunlight, offering a shaded valley for cool picnics during the dog days of summer. For cautious hikers, the rim trail offers thrilling views of the Hollow and the surrounding hills.
Ash Cave, Ohio’s largest recess cave, spans 700 feet in a sandstone horseshoe. A misty waterfall plunges 90 feet down to an easy, scenic trail that’s wheelchair accessible.
Rockbridge gracefully arches 50 feet, spanning a beautiful ravine. Considered to be the largest natural bridge in the state, Rockbridge is accessible by hiking trail. Or come by canoe, for a unique view.
Lake Logan is one of the finest fishing lakes in Ohio, sporting northern pike, bass, bluegill and crappie. Its scenic picnic area offers swimming and secluded walking paths.
The only true cave in the park, Rock House, is particularly unique. This grand tunnel-like corridor climbs the face of a 150-foot cliff. A picturesque picnic area marks the opening to the scenic trail that leads to the cave.
The massive overhang of Cantwell Cliffs plummets 150 feet into a gorge where a rock shelter, recess cave and large slump rocks offer an area spot. But don’t stuff your pack too full. One particularly narrow point on the trail, "Fat Woman’s Squeeze," is an unexpected challenge.
Old Man’s Cave’s waterfalls, swirling pools, deep gorges and massive rock formations offer a wonderful backdrop for viewing fall foliage. Picturesque sites include the Devil’s Bathtub, Old Man’s Cave, Sphinx Head, Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Broken Rock Falls.
WHERE TO EAT & STAY
If by chance, you forgot your picnic basket, several local eateries are prepared to save the day. Whether you want simple sandwiches or fancy formal fare, both the Inn at Cedar Falls and the Grouse Nest Restaurant have gourmet chefs on hand to pack a picnic for any size group. Or spend the night and stay for a lovely fall dinner. There’s no better treat after a good day’s hike. The Glenlaurel, a Scottish Inn, also offers incredible cuisine in a unique setting.
Beyond the public parks and forests, the Hocking Hills are peppered with unique places to spend the night, including an old train caboose, authentic Native American tipis, and secluded woodland cottages. Most of these country inns, B&Bs and cabins are situated on acres of woods and offer miles and miles of hidden trials. Many cabin owners and innkeepers will share their most secret spots with out-of-town guests.
But regardless of any leaf peeper’s vision for the ultimate autumn experience, there’s one item no one should forget to pack for this fall trip: the camera. You’ll need that to preserve the magnificent memories and beautiful images of your visit in the Hocking Hills.
