Surprisingly mild weather greeted us this past January in southeast Ohio. Having heard about the spectacular ice formations, expecting a winter wonderland with waterfalls frozen in time, we were mildly disappointed in the warmer than expected turn of events. Instead, we were treated to spring-like temperatures and cascading waterfalls.

Not too bad for the dead of winter.

A hiker scouts for treasures near a waterfall in Ash Cave, one of the many sights in Southern Ohio's Hocking Hills.
For adventurous nature lovers, Hocking Hills is a paradise with endless trails for hiking, rocks for climbing and rappelling and caves to explore. The area has many storytellers such as Leland Conner who is also an author, historian and naturalist. He led us on the Ash Cave trail pointing out different rock formations and showing us where the Wisconsin glacier ended at the line of pine trees in the cave. Leland also told us the story about Grandma Gatewood (1888-1973) who had 11 children and hiked the Appalachian Trail at age 67. With all of Grandma's history of hiking, the Ash Cave trail became her favorite. In her 70s she also hiked the Oregon Trail.

This little corner of Ohio is also home to an abundance of secluded cabins and romantic hideaways, a wonderful place of respite where you can truly get away from it all.

Couples return annually on their wedding anniversaries to enjoy their honeymoon spot once again. At Old Man's Cave Chalets, my home for this trip, I stayed in the last A-frame on the road‹very secluded. In the cozy kitchen/living room, there was a memory album in which people wrote their thoughts and feelings about their stay. Many people wrote about having spent their first days as husband and wife and how they were returning years later to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

From The Inn at Cedar Falls to Glenlaurel, Hocking Hills has many unique dining experiences to compliment the retreat-like inns. Glenlaurel is a Scottish Country Inn where one can escape everyday life by enjoying a stay in an intimate upstairs garret, an elegant suite or a luxurious cottage. On a Saturday night, we dined on a seven-course meal with the innkeeper, Michael Daniels. He was dressed in the full Scottish regalia of a kilt and all its accoutrements. Innkeeper Daniels entertained us with a bit of Robert Burns, reciting poetry with his Scottish lilt.

Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder manages The Inn at Cedar Falls with her husband, Terry. Guests at the Inn can reserve a cottage with antique decor or stay in a renovated 19th century log cabin. The kitchen is the center of activity with its openness where diners can watch the American cuisine meals being prepared. We took part in a cooking class put on by Chef Moe. She wowed us with her apple strudel topped with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Cooking classes and wine tastings are a specialty at the Inn.

Southeast Ohio, being part of Appalachia, is noted for its talented artisans, whether they be musicians, quilters, jewelry makers, painters or photographers to name a few. Photographer Eric Hoffman, having traveled there as a child and now living in this naturalists' heaven, created The Old Bear's Den Nature Photography Center Workshop and Educational Center. Eric, along with his partner, Don Stephenson schedule workshops, customized if desired, for individuals or groups interested in learning more about photography and how to make their cameras really work for them, i.e., having correct lighting, etc.

Must-haves for travel in Hocking Hills State Park are a map, good directions and to know exactly where you're staying. Cell phone service is not always available, so calling for directions while on the road is not reliable.

For more information about Hocking Hills and its amenities, check out the following websites:

www.1800hocking.com

www.innatcedarfalls.com

www.glenlaurel.com

www.theoldbear.com

Back to top of page | Journal Home