Weekend Excursions in Ohio
Part II – The Hocking Hills
by Rick Brown

There might not be a more beautiful area in Ohio than the Hocking Hills. Breathtaking gorges, caves and bluffs carved during the Ice Age (that’s 3:30 pm. Day # 1 for you Creationists) this is a day hiker’s dream. My personal favorite trek is from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back.

This 4-mile round trip hike is enjoyable any time of the year. But while not particularly strenuous, it’s not a cakewalk either and can be downright treacherous in the snow and ice. Generally, late spring and fall are the best times. But make sure to go on a weekday if possible. Old Man’s Cave in particular can be incredibly crowded on a beautiful autumn Saturday when the leaves are in full color. But like most tourist destinations, once a hiker gets ½ a mile into the walk the crowds diminish considerably. Take a lunch and enjoy Cedar Falls from the seat of your pants!!

Of course there are several other sights to be seen in the area as well. Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, and another of my favorites, Ash Cave are close by. The Buckeye Trail connects some of these parks but the leg I mentioned above is definitely the most scenic.

There are many, many cabin rentals in the area, some quite wonderful and some relatively cheesy. If drinking beer in a hot tub all weekend is your idea of nirvana then revel in the cheese…they might save you some beer cash. But my money is on Summit Haven Retreat. My wife Yvonne and I were first lured there because we could take our dog Henri. In fact dogs are welcome. Groundskeeper Scott lives just down the hill with his pooch and on rare occasion owners Cindy and Don might show up with their two lovable hound dogs as well. But you will only notice them there if you take the time to look.

There are only three cabins at Summit Haven Retreat, ensuring privacy for all. The larger cabin sleeps up to six while the smaller ones are for couples mostly. The grounds are perfect for running your dog too. Logan is a short drive away from this hilltop heaven and while the drive has lovely countryside, the town itself is not so pretty. Ohio’s economy (what’s left of it after the past 7 years of pandering to the elite by W.) is depressed and Logan certainly reflects the situation. But unless you are obsessed with reading a daily newspaper there is no need to leave the woods.

Last time we visited we spent the Thanksgiving weekend at Summit Have. Friends visited and brought their city hounds with them. Despite his small stature, Henri anointed himself the “alpha dog” but was cordial enough to show his visiting canines around the area. Even shy buddy Fritz got in on the fun! Fritzie experienced his first woodland adventure off his leash. And although his demeanor is usually incredibly shy, almost incognito…after an afternoon romping around with pal Henri off leash, even Fritz had a joyful swagger!!

For more information about The Hocking Hills go to http://www.hockinghills.com/