Hocking Hills State Park- Logan, OH

Chances are, if you are not from Ohio, you have not heard of Hocking Hills State Park. Virtually unknown outside the Buckeye State, it is a mossy, lush wonderland, with dramatic rock formations and impressive waterfalls. Much like Ithaca, it is absolutely Gorges. Consisting of several discrete park areas, many of them connected by hiking trails, it is the perfect weekend destination.

Start the day early at Ash Cave, where a short but scenic hemlock lined path leads directly to the eponymous rock formation, the state’s largest recess cave. Rising 90 feet above the valley floor, the horseshoe shaped cave is an impressive 700 feet long, and 100 feet deep; a small tributary of the Queer Creek trickles over the rim, into a plunge pool below. As you can imagine, it is spectacularly scenic. As such, it is very popular with photographers, so the earlier you arrive, the better. It is very reminiscent of Dripping Spring’s Hamilton Pool, but sadly without the swimming hole.

Over millions of years, the formation’s soft Black Hand sandstone was weathered away, resulting in a natural shelter that has been used for centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests is was frequently used by the Shawnee while traveling the Great Trail; indeed, it was named after large ash piles early white settlers found inside the cave. Later, the cave was used as a church, with the preacher addressing the congregation from atop what is now known as pulpit rock.

Although it is possible to take the Buckeye Trail from Ash Cave to Cedar Falls, it makes for a very long hike if you are continuing on to Old Man’s Cave. For those not up for the 9 mile trek, drive over to Cedar Falls. Just off the parking area, graceful steps designed by architect and artist Akio Hizume lead directly to the falls.

One of the park’s most popular attractions, the 50 foot waterfall was erroneously named by early settlers, who mistook the area’s towering Hemlock trees for Cedars. The area’s most voluminous fall, a cascade of water from the Queer Creek splits on the surface of the sandstone, before briefly rejoining for the final plunge into the pool below.

From Cedar Falls you can pick up the spectacular Gorge Overlook trail to Old Man’s Cave. At just over three miles, it is long enough to thin the crowds, but not overly challenging for most hikers. Just off the trail is Rose Lake, whose placid waters perfectly showcase the surrounding scenery. Enjoy the solitude; you will be soon by surrounded by a sea of people.

The cave area is crowed and congested, but the cave itself is magnificent. Created in the same manner as Ash Cave, here, the erosion of Black Hand sandstone has left a chamber 200 feet long, 50 feet high and 75 feet deep.

According to legend, the cave was once home to an 18th century hermit, Richard Rowe, who is also said to be buried in the area. There are certainly worse places to live and die.

Just below the cave entrance are the gently cascading Middle Falls, which Frank Lloyd Wright certainly would have built a house over, if given the chance. Thankfully, an impossibly quaint stone bridge crosses the river at this location instead.

From this point, jump on the Buckeye Trail, and hike along the river to the Upper Falls. Located at the bottom of the gorge, towering sandstone cliffs rise steeply up on both sides of the half mile trail.

Just before you reach the Upper Falls, there is a river crossing at Devil’s Bathtub. Here, Old Man’s Creek has carved a deep circular depression in the Black Hand Sandstone, resulting in a cascading fall with whirlpool. It is absolutely memorizing.

The magic continues at the Upper Falls, where a gentle 15 foot cascade is perfectly framed by an old Civilian Conservation Corp stone bridge.

Hike up and around the fall, crossing the bridge before taking the upper trail back to Old Man’s Cave. From there, rejoin the Buckeye Trail to the Lower Falls.

Surrounded by striking sandstone, the 20 foot Lower Falls are also spectacularly scenic. From the Lower Falls, you can just continue on the Buckeye Trail back to the Cedar Falls parking area. Keep an eye out for rock slumps along the way, as well as stone steps constructed by the CCC in the 1930s.

Make sure to hit the restaurant at the adjacent Inn before heading over to Conkle’s Hollow. I won’t swear by their food, but they have a magnificent patio, and it is the perfect place to take a well deserved rest.

Although you might be tempted to call it a day after lunch, make the short drive over to Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve, and explore one of the deepest gorges in Ohio. Hike up the length of the gorge through thick verdant vegetation, then return via the rim trail, which looks down upon it all.

Make one last stop at Corkscrew Falls, which requires a permit from the Department of Natural Resources- which sounds much more daunting than it is. Email your application in advance, and they will send you directions and a parking permit.

Until recently, the sinuous stream and 10 foot falls were on private property; thankfully, they are are now part of the Boch Hollow Nature Preserve, and available to the public, albeit on a limited basis. The ecosystem here is just too fragile for Old Man’s Cave crowds. There are only two designated parking spots, so most likely you will have the falls to yourself.

At this point, your legs will be done for the day. Head straight over to Hocking Hills Winery, and find a spot on the patio. I admit I am not a huge fan of their wine, but they have a Raspberry Wine Slushie which is absolutely divine on a hot day. It’s not Napa, but it’s a nice tasting room, with music on the weekends. An absolute all around good time.