By Kaitlyn Karol
Trek on out to lovely bucolic Hocking Hills (Logan Ohio) for your family fun adventures this year!
Hocking Hills, a lovely bucolic part of country in Logan, Ohio, is home to many great tourist attractions and fun getaways for your everyday life. There are bungalows and cabins where you can get comfy – so curl up by the fireplace in your romantic cabin or just relax and get a hot stone massage, visit the unique shops, museums, wineries and diverse, cozy dining spots or go on a zip line adventure and take a ride on the clouds or on the water, via hot air ballooning or canoeing! Or, go hiking for your ‘super big’ excitement!
Then there are the holidays here, which are especially gorgeous fun times, regardless of what adventure you’re taking! However you plan to spend your summer vacation or winter holiday getaway, what Hocking Hills is so memorable for is their winter hike, so don’t forget to mark your calendars right now as this merry and magical event is right around the Christmas corner!…
In the great Logan Ohio, this coming new year, don’t forget about their Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike! The six-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave draws thousands of hikers from around the globe to Ohio each year to experience the Midwest’s most spectacular scenery. The hike features continuous starts from 9-11 a.m. Hot bean soup is served midway at Cedar Falls for a donation; and a shuttle bus will return hikers from Ash Cave to the parking lot at Old Man’s Cave.
Hikers are advised to wear layered clothing and good traction footwear, as snow and ice can make the trail slippery. They’re also encouraged to bring a camera to record the region’s winter beautify; and to post those pictures and videos to Facebook and Twitter.
With the Hocking Hills offering everything from an easy hike through Ash Cave, to more lengthy treks, such as the annual winter hike. The region’s gorgeous rock formations, soaring cliffs, deep gorges and stunning waterfalls, which freeze to icy, crystal sculptures, make the Hocking Hills one of the Buckeye State’s most popular winter destinations.
“So many people make New Year’s Resolutions that include getting in shape or enjoying life more, there’s nothing better than a Hocking Hills hiking getaway to help them achieve those goals,” said Hocking Hills Tourism Association Executive Director Karen Raymore. “Winter is a truly magical time in the Hills and with a little preparation, visitors will enjoy a dazzling winter wonderland.”
In addition to recommending that hikers stop by the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center for trail maps and travel suggestions, Raymore and the experts at the Hocking Hills Tourism Association offer the following tips for winter hikers:
- Stay on the trail. Hocking Hills naturalists report that most accidents occur when hikers leave the trail.
- Choose the right footwear. If your feet are cold, your whole body will be cold. Opt for waterproof hiking boots designed for cold weather that offer good traction in snow and ice. Metal cleats can be snapped onto your boots if you encounter ice on the trail.
- Wear multiple pairs of socks — as many pairs as you can comfortably fit with your boots on. You can always remove layers if you get too warm. Carry extra dry socks in a waterproof bag in your backpack, just in case.
- Use trekking poles or cross country ski poles for extra stability.
- Stay hydrated. Pack water in your backpack. Energy bars are another good idea.
- Cover your hands and face. A ski mask covers your entire face, or can be rolled up to just cover your head and ears. Wear insulated gloves and carry an extra dry pair.
- Layer your clothes. While hiking you may become warm. Multiple layers allow you to remove items as needed. If possible, carry extra dry thermal underwear in your backpack.
- Know the weather forecast and trails. Carry a compass, map and cell phone with you. Your cell phone may not work in many areas, but it’s a good idea to have one. A hand-held GPS unit can also help you stay oriented.
- Don’t hike alone. It’s always more fun with friends. Plus, it’s safer. If you must hike alone, be sure to tell someone where you are hiking and what time you expect to finish.
- Don’t forget your camera or phone with a camera. Winter in the Hills provides dramatic scenery.
- Share images of your trek via social media. You can help others discover the region’s incredible beauty
Whether it’s winter season or any time of year, Hocking Hills is the best tourist attraction you could ever imagine in our Tri-state area. You can get away without going too far, and still give back to the local economy by ‘shopping and travelling local’ within our Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky and Indiana Tri-state area.
Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, Hocking Hills offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of Admission: FREE activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns. In addition to hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills is the Canopy Tour Capital of the Midwest, with 55 zip lines being offered via three distinct guide services.
Unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf, spas and more add to the allure of the Hocking Hills as the perfect place to unplug.
Complete traveler information is available at ExploreHockingHills.com.
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– Amy Wierick provided info and edited by Editor of Altro Magazine