The air is a hot 92 degrees. And it's an Ohio hot. It's the kind of hot mixed with muggy dampness something akin to the initial breath of clammy air you get when you stick your head over a pot of simmering spaghetti noodles. Scorching. Humid. And painfully uncomfortable.
Nothing seems to want to budge on either side of the black asphalt covering of the State Route 664 that takes us through Hocking Hills State Park . The leaves are in shock and simply droop green and saggy in the summer heat. The grass is browning with every beat of the sun.
But there is one place, nearly hidden beneath the horizon of trees offering a bit of escape from an Ohio summer afternoon. Old Man’s Cave.
It is nothing more than a deep pocket of earth, an erosion of sand left over from the ocean once covering Ohio; a bowl dug out of the earth and filled with cracks, fissures and grooves. But in describing it as such, we take away the beauty of the extraordinary plant life shoved ahead of the glaciers and left tucked into this tiny part of Ohio. Huge Hemlocks, Black Birch and Canada Yew mingle in the depths of the cool interior of the recess cave. In the center of the cave, a creek runs steadily and cascades into several beautiful waterfalls.
It is a tiny oasis in the middle of a hot summer. It is a place to visit, tucked between a innumerable other places to hike away a boring afternoon like Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House and Conkle’s Hollow. It is a wonderful place to visit for the day or even as an overnight stay.
Getting to the Hocking Hills:
Take I-71 South to Columbus.Take 270 East toward Wheeling, WV to U.S. 33 East (Lancaster Exit)Travel East to Logan, Exit on 664 South.
From Columbus, Ohio:Take U.S. 33 East through Lancaster to Logan, Ohio and exit onto State Route 664 South
From Cincinnati, Ohio:Take I-71 North towards Columbus.Watch for and take State Route 56 East through Mt. Sterling.Continue on State Route 56 East through Circleville and Laurelville to South Bloomingville, Ohio.In South Bloomingville take State Route 664 North approximately 4 miles to the park.
From Toledo, Ohio:Take I –75 South to Findlay, get on State Route 23 to Columbus.Take I-270 East towards Wheeling to U.S. 33 East (Lancaster Exit).Travel East to the Logan, Exit 664 South.
From Logan, Ohio:Take 664 South approximately 12 miles to park area.
Places to Stay:
Eagles Nest Cabin - Perfect for couples or families, this cabin offers a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms sleeping four (a futon is available to sleep two more guests) and a six-person hot tub. The spacious living room has a 27" television set with VCR/DVD players.
Majestic Vacation Homes - Offers two different cabin rentals in the Hocking Hills region: The Majestic -Nestled into the woodland, this cozy two bedroom cabin has a hot tub, gas log fireplace and more. The American - Private and scenic, this comfy one bedroom cabin offers a hot tub, gas log fireplace and more.
Big Pine Cabins - Hocking Hills cabin features magnificent all wood cathedral ceilings with beautiful yellow pine floors in the kitchen and living room. This cabin is complete and offers a comfortable living room and a fully equipped kitchen. Sleeps six and has a wrap-around deck with a clean, well- maintained hot tub.
Hocking Hills Homestead - Hocking Hills Homestead has two types of lodging-one is a restored 1800's farm-like country home and the other is the woodland cottage pictured above called the Glenwood. These two beautiful getaways help you escape from the hustle and bustle of your busy world. Soak your stress and cares away in the hot tub. In the quiet of the evening you may wish to relax before the gas log fireplace or watch your favorite show or video tape on the TV/VCR. Only one mile from Old Man's Cave with a peaceful countryside.
Beverly Hills Cabin - Beverly Hills Cabin, a private, romantic cabin in the Hocking Hills is only 5 minutes from the Hocking Hills parks. 10 acres of forest surround the cabin which features a full kitchen, outside picnic area and a five person hot tub. Wildlife wanders the property at will. This cabin is both kid friendly and pet friendly.
Frontier Log Cabins - Hocking Hills Cabins-Discover Deluxe Cabins on 40 private secluded acres - an escape. It's not just the idea of being submersed in nature that draws guests to Frontier Log Cabins in the Hocking Hills. Simply shimmering with serenity, these Hocking Hills cabins feature fully equipped kitchens, stone fireplaces and a private hot tub for each accommodation. Rustic, yet with all the upscale features you enjoy at home, these Hocking Hills cabins are simply a step above the rest.
Pleasant Valley Cabins - Pleasant Valley Cabins overlook a large, wooded ravine, filled with birds, wildlife and foliage. Each cabin is over 1000 sq. ft & sleeps 4. Queen size beds, up & down, are adorned w/ pillow top mattresses & country quilts. The great room offers a stone fireplace with comfortable furnishings as well as DirecTV with DVD. The large deck offers picturesque views, a gas grill, table & chairs and a 5 person Hot Spring hot tub.
Oakwood Cabins - New luxury real log cabins designed for couples. Oakwood Cabins is situated on a 70 acre farm with a stocked pond in the Hocking Hills. Only ten minutes from Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. Amenities include: hot tub on private screened porch, loft bedroom, gas log fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, TV/DVD/VCR, air conditioning and very private.
More information:
The Hocking Hills Information Guide
Hocking Hills Visitor Guide
Monday, June 4, 2007
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