55th Annual Winter Hike at Hocking Hills State Park

We enjoy winters splendor on this 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave in beautiful Hocking Hills State Park. The magnificence and grandeur on this lovely hike will leave you speechless. Taking in everything that you will see on the trail, on this hike, will give you a new appreciation for the outdoors in winter. I promise, you won’t be disappointed, but you might get chilly. Bundle up in layers on this hike and be prepared to take some things off if you start to sweat. I recommend a good pair of hiking shoes for this winter trek.

*THINGS TO KNOW*

Refreshments are available at Cedar Falls for a donation and a shuttle bus returns hikers to Old Man’s Cave. Parking can be challenging so arrive early if you can.  This year welcomed the opening of the new Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, make sure to schedule time into your day to explore this state of the art facility. For more information about this hike check out  Ohio State Parks

Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center Address:

Location:

19988 OH-664 Scenic

Logan, OH 43138

How can you choose just one hike within this superb metro park system? I encourage you to hit as many of their winter hikes as you can during this season. There is one hike that has stood out over time and that is the Hemlock Loop Trail at Brecksville Reservation. This area is waterfall heavy and has so many things that hikers are looking for in a winter hike.

*THINGS TO KNOW*

There are many winter outdoor activities to do here within the Cleveland Metro Park system. You could spend a week adventuring through them and not get bored. They teach classes and lead tours on snow shoes and cross county skies during the winter, if you’ve never done these activities, now is your chance.

Did you know there are Toboggan Shoots in Ohio? They have these here in OHIO, yes, you read that right, in OHIO! We have wanted to make it to the Chalet for tobogganing for years to ride on the fastest ice shoots in Ohio and it has never worked out. Getting there is bucket listed for 2020 and we can’t wait to head to Cleveland to have some winter fun!

I can’t leave out Ohio’s one and only National Park off my list, the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The hike to the Ledges Overlook is honestly one of my favorites in Ohio. It’s crazy amazing any time of the year, but in winter, it’s MAGICAL.  This is probably the most popular overlook in the park, with the rock outcroppings, a secluded feeling, being surrounded by trees, and the smells of the forest make this hike otherworldly. I can’t help but make my way here every winter.

*THINGS TO KNOW*

If there is a lot of snow you can rent some snow shoes or bring your own. We hiked the Ledges in 6″ of snow and I was exhausted afterwards because we did not have snowshoes. It’s worth considering using them. Make time to visit the brand new Boston Mill visitors center located at 6947 Riverview Road
Peninsula, Ohio 44264. We recommend yo do the Jr.Ranger program and watch the video about Cyuyahoga Valley National Park, it is informative and gives you a HUGE appreciation for this Midwest National Park.

As a central Ohioan, I can’t leave out the amazing Columbus Metro Park system. They have an outstanding winter hike series, every hike is special and a one of a kind in the winter season. There is diversity that stands out on each hike. The Clear Creek Metro Park winter hike has to be one of my favorites in winter. The terrain and rock formations here make this hike a winter wonderland of absolute amazing-ness. Ice forming off the sides of rocks and dripping off the Hemlocks make this a place of fascination and wonder. This years winter hike is January 25th, put it on your calendar!

*THINGS TO KNOW*

Every winter hike in the Columbus Metro Parks ends with soup and hot chocolate and there is nothing better than sitting down with family or friends after a winter trek through the woods. The volunteers at Columbus Metro Parks are amazing and really help the parks pull off these winter events. Make sure to add one of their winter hikes to your winter MUST DO LIST!