A Path Less Travelled: Hocking Hills State Park
With the sad fact that I've traded in my blue-collar, outdoor industry job for that of a cubical and a laptop, I'm starting to realize that Ohio isn't necessarily the worst place to be if you're into the outdoors. I know I'll only be here for a few months but it has provided me with a chance to explore local parks that I wouldn't otherwise have visited. One such park reminds me of many of the glens and gorges of New York; Hocking Hills State Park.
South of Columbus, among the foothills leading into the Appalachian range, there are dozens of state parks and forests. Hocking Hills, judging by how quickly the parking lot fills each day, is one of the more popular locations. I've hiked through the gorge twice, visiting most of the significant sights in the park, and looking up at caves and waterfalls. It's difficult not to stop and stare in wonderment at the amazing rock formations and Hocking Hills easily has one of the best visitor centers I've seen in a state park. A relatively short hike of 6.5 miles will take you through the interior of the gorge and back on the overlook trail with plenty of sights to see along the way. The park also has a rich history, with the earliest settlers having called these caves home over 7000 years ago, and the story behind the fabled 'Old Man.'
About the Park:
Hocking Hills has a lot to offer, with activities such as hiking, mountain biking, boating, and archery. The park offers camping, ranging from primitive to full hookup, with bathhouses and a swimming pool to cool off in. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, but plan to get there early as parking fills quickly and plan in some extra time to check out the incredible visitor center.
To plan your trip or for more information, please visit the Ohio DNR website.
