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Hocking HillsPutting the “OOH” in OhioBy Sandra Scott
Sometimes it will be the “Ooh” of contentment after a gourmet dinner in a log cabin, or the “Ohh” of sheer relaxation of reading by the fireplace, or the “Ooh” of surprise as you stir up a little wildlife on an early morning hike. Regardless of your interest, the Hocking Hills area will win you over – permanently. It is an area of diverse appeal. Whether you’re an adventure hound who thrills at clinging to a steep rock face, or someone who prefers a quiet place to sit and unwind, the Hocking Hills area offers excitement, solitude, wildlife, gourmet meals, and shopping. Regardless of your interest there is something special waiting for you. By land, road and rail, Hocking Hills is a gem hidden between Columbus and the West Virginia border in southwestern Ohio. The 2,348-acre area is one of the state’s most picturesque regions and home to every flora and fauna indigenous to the Midwest.
Start near Lancaster, drive southeast on US 33. Turn right on to Highway 374, soon you will be at the impressive cliffs and deeply cut, rugged glen of Cantwell Cliffs. After Cantwell Cliffs, visit Rock House, the only true cave in the park. It is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Blackhand sandstone. This House of Rock has a ceiling 25 feet high while the main corridor is 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide.
Continuing south on 374 there are more falls and caves at Cedar Falls, and then wheelchair-accessible Ash Cave, easily the most spectacular site in the park. The 80-acre semi-circle cave was once the venue for concerts. At 700 feet long and 90 feet high, with a stream pouring over the precipice into a pool, the cave will make one feel insignificant amidst the grandeur of nature. Early settlers found ashes believed to be from Indian campfires built up over hundreds of years possibly from smelting silver or lead from the rocks. More recent uses of Ash Cave were for camp and township meetings. Pulpit Rock, the largest slump block at the cave’s entrance served as the pulpit for Sunday worship service until a local church could be built. The cave lends itself well for large gatherings due to its enormous size and incredible acoustic qualities. In fact, two spots under the recess have the qualities of a “whispering gallery,” a great place to test the strength of your “Oooooh-factor.”
Don’t think Hocking Hills is only a fair weather destination. During the winter months Hocking Hills will raise your “ooh” factor to new heights. There are hikes, festivals, food, music, Santa train, and much more to warm your heart, body and spirit.
Before heading back to the real world, visit one of the many antique shops, country stores, or craft shops for the perfect remembrance of your “ooh-some” escape. The communities of Athens, Logan, Nelsonville, and Lancaster offer great shopping but you will find shops throughout the area. You are sure to find that item you just can’t live without, something that will make your mind and spirit go “ooh” every time you look at it and remember those carefree days in Hocking Hills. If you go: Inn at Cedar Falls Ravenwood Castle Hocking Valley Scenic Railway For more information check
www.1800hocking.com |
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Test
your “ooh” Factor. From the moment you open the door of your rustic,
authentic log cabin and see all the modern necessities, including a hot tub
in the master bedroom, then walk out on your balcony in time to catch sight
of a scampering deer, you will be testing your “ooh-factor.”
Make
it a driving tour. You can view a lot from your car but the bucolic scene
will be too enticing to resist. You will have to stop, look, listen, and
take a walk just to just check things out. 
Next
stop is the Visitor’s Center and a hike to Old Man’s Cave, where the
heavily-wooded 417 acres contains two miles of ravine trails, picturesque
waterfalls, and two caves.
Take
a break. Hop the train. Return to another era on an authentic, diesel
powered vintage train ride through the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio on
the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Choose between a 13-mile round trip from
Nelsonville to Haydenville or a 15-mile round trip to Logan. Both stop in
Robbins Crossing, where a visitor’s center recreates a small 1860s settlers
village. The railway runs on a section of tracks that stretch from
Nelsonville to Logan.
Accommodations
range from camping to the luxurious. Chose between a luxurious log cabin at
the Inn at Cedar Falls to the King Henry VIII room at Ravenwood Castle, or
opt for their gypsy wagon. Dining is just as varied. Whether it is roasting
a hotdog over a campfire, or the elegance of "Old English" dining at the
Great Hall at Ravenwood Castle, or a delectable gourmet meal in an 1840s log
cabin at the Inn at Cedar Falls.