Hocking Hills and Surrounding Area

While many people from Cincinnati head to Hocking Hills for long weekends, visiting this beautiful area is doable as a daytrip if you are willing to get up early. For those who want to stay, I have suggested a duo of cabins below.

Approximate Travel Time to first stop (from downtown Cincinnati) : About three hours

Who Should Go: Families with children, couples

What to Bring: Picnic lunch, sunscreen (seasonal), camera, binoculars, change of shoes and socks

Watch For: Snakes (including the copperhead), deer on back roads, bear (rare but possible)

Oddities or local lore: Check out the stories about Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave at www.forgottenoh.com, under Hocking County.

Stop One: The Main Attractions...the Caves of Hocking Hills

Because it's tough to determine what caves will be busy, I've provided some guidance but have grouped all caves into one stop. That way if one is busy, you can visit another.

To beat the crowds in peak times, I would suggest getting to Hocking Hills as early as humanly possible.

I would recommend hitting Old Man's Cave early in the morning before it fills with tourists, as this is easily the most crowded and popular site. During peak times, try Cantwell Cliffs or Rock House, two of the more out-of-the way caves. For an easy hike, head to Ash Cave (on two recent visits, we finished the day with this cave as it is manageable when energy is low).

I must also take this opportunity to remind people to be respectful of the environment and other hikers. Unfortunately, there are too many people who leave trash, let their children climb on delicate rock formations and swim in ponds where signs clearly state not to do so. Please remember the old saying: "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."

Ash Cave

Gorge Trail: 1/4 mile, 1/2 hour; Wheelchair accessible

Rim Trail: 1/2 mile, 1 hour
Cedar Falls : 1/2 mile, 1/2 hour

Cantwell Cliffs: 1 mile, 1 1/2 hours

Conkle's Hollow

Gorge Trail: 1 mile, 1/2 hour

Rim Trail: 2 1/2 miles, 1 1/2 hours

Old Man's Cave: 1 mile, 1 hour

Rock House: 1/2 mile, 1/2 hour

There are picnic areas near all caves and formations; take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery! Be sure to pack out trash.

Stop Two: Shopping at Rempel's Grove

If you want to pick up a souvenir or find the perfect antique, head to Logan to visit Rempel's Grove.

Accommodation: Fern Valley Cabins

The owners of these cabins seemed a little leery of letting a group of six twentysomethings rent of their cabins for the weekend. We were there to hike and hang out, not to party--and they had to be convinced of this fact. I can't say I blame them as I can only imagine the bad behavior they've had to deal with.













If you're okay with a little talk about the rules, these cabins are a perfect place to spend the weekend. Make sure you book ahead of time and sign the log book!


Links:
Map of Region
Trail Maps
Rempel's Grove Information
Fern Valley Cabins


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A Day in the Country

Ever since my grandmother moved out to Peebles when I was a child, my family has been combining trips to see her with stops at the places in this day trip itinerary.

Approximate Travel Time to first stop (from downtown Cincinnati) : 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Who Should Go: Families with children, couples, elderly

What to Bring: Picnic lunch, sunscreen (seasonal), camera, binoculars, extra cooler for food purchases

Watch For: Amish buggies, whitetail deer, Quilt Barns

Oddities or local lore: A large black panther has been spotted around the Serpent Mound area.

Check out an excellent Serpent Mound article here http://forgottenoh.com/Counties/Adams/serpent.html

Stop One

Keim Family Market

2621 Burnt Cabin Rd
Seaman, OH 45679

(937) 386-9995

Stop in for fresh baked pies, hard-to-find and bulk spices, beautiful wood furniture and much more. If you didn't pack a picnic lunch, pick up sandwich supplies (try their pepper cheese, my favorite), unique candies and fresh-baked deserts. Pack your purchases in a cooler so you don't have to hurry home.

Time Needed: If you are just picking up lunch supplies, give yourself 15 minutes. If you'd like to browse, up to an hour.

Stop Two

Tater Ridge Barn Sale

817 Tater Ridge Rd
West Union, OH 45693

As you near Tater Ridge Road from 32, you will usually see neon posterboard signs advertising this high-quality barn sale. While prices tend to be a little high, you don't have to sort through junk nobody wants and you are likely to find something that strikes your fancy. Produce is available seasonally, so pick up a watermelon or some tomatoes for your picnic.

Be sure to watch out for the friendly resident dog!

Time Needed: An hour or two

Stop Three

Serpent Mound

3850 State Route 73
Peebles, OH 45660

Explore the world-famous effigy mound and learn more about local history in the small museum. Hours change seasonally; check site for more info. Binoculars are great for viewing the surrounding countryside from the tower.

Make good use of the picnic facilities while you are here.

Official Site: http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/sw16/index.shtml

Time Needed: One-two hours

Want to make a few stops on the way home or stop for dinner? Check out the Adams County Travel Site:

http://www.adamscountytravel.org/



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