Ohio’s Frozen Wonderland Provides Winter Haven
Head towards the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio, and the Buckeye State’s highways give way to twisting, turning hill-hugging roads. In fact, it’s such fun to drive the ribbons of roads in this region of Ohio that Car & Driver Magazine frequently test drives the newest models on these remote byways.
WINTER WONDERS
Just a few hours from home, the Hocking Hills region transports you far away from the winter doldrums. Winter in the Hocking Hills is a crisp, clean white wonderland. The area is fast becoming one of the nation’s premiere sites for natural scenic beauty, known for plentiful waterfalls, spectacular rock formations and rolling hills, offering visitors truly breathtaking scenes. And when all those waterfalls freeze to dazzling crystal formations, the effect is simply magical.
There are winter horseback rides through the region’s gorgeous terrain. Miles and miles hiking trails through three state parks, state nature preserves and state and national forests, which offer incredible views and wonderful hiking. Hocking Hills State Park, for example, includes seven different areas, each boasts distinctive features that make it worth experiencing, including:
Ash Cave: The largest recess cave, Ash Cave’s path is fully wheelchair accessible, carrying hikers to a misty 90-foot waterfall.
Cantwell Cliffs: A massive overhanging horseshoe-shaped cliff with dramatic, scenic vistas.
Cedar Falls: A succession of beautiful valleys pours into a steep-walled gorge where visitors are amazed by a rushing waterfall, which flows magnificently over 50 feet of cliff face.
Conkle’s Hollow: This deep gorge offers hikers the natural beauty of blackhand sandstone cliffs tower 200 feet over the narrow gorge of a serene, shaded, valley floor. The rim trail is available for more experienced, cautious hikers, offering a thrilling view of Conkle’s Hollow and the surrounding hills.
Lake Logan: One of the finest fishing lakes in Ohio, Lake Logan sports northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye.
Old Man’s Cave: Named after a Civil War-era hermit, Old Man’s Cave features waterfalls, swirling pools, deep gorges and massive rock formations.
Rock House: The only true cave in the park, this grand tunnel-like corridor is situated midway up a 150-foot cliff.
In winter, these beautiful outdoor treks become a refreshing break from the stale indoors. After the sun sets, stargazing is magnificent here. City lights are far, far away, preventing them from disturbing the glittering nighttime sky.
OHH & AHH
After a brisk woodland hike, visitors can soothe their weary bones in a bubbling hot tub, while stars twinkle overhead and snow sparkles all around. A glass of wine or a soothing massage by the fire in your own log cabin revives, making the city seem a million miles away. A number of local massage therapists offer mobile treatments that are surprisingly affordable, making a visit to the Hocking Hills especially memorable.
Beyond the great outdoors, dozens of unique gift shops, antique shops book stores and other boutiques offer distinctive shopping and hidden treasures. The completely renovated Hocking Market brings together a host of artisans, antique dealers, hand-crafted furniture shops, vendors and even a book store and diner to offer a destination that’s a must see while in the Hocking Hills. A seasonal flea market adds even more unique shopping to the Hocking Market.
The natural vistas and positive energy if the Hocking Hills make this part of Ohio a haven for gifted artists. Travelers reap the rewards as they discover their creations. For visitors who’d like to try their own creations, the talented professional artists of Logan Arts Center in downtown Logan lead classes in jewelry making, pottery, painting and more, letting travelers take home a special souvenir they made themselves.
The nearby Bowen House offers events and exhibitions by local artists. Just down the road, Logan Clay Company has partnered with an area sculptor to create line of beautiful and weather resistant garden art that includes handmade bird baths, paving stones, sculpture and more.
Not just artistic creations are made in downtown Logan. The nation’s last surviving washboard factory continues churn out the old-fashioned laundry devices, though many of its customers today are crafters and musicians. Tours are offered to visitors. Or just stop by the Columbus Washboard Factory for a picture in front of the world’s largest washboard, which hangs just outside the company’s front door.
The options for accommodations in the Hocking Hills are as incredible as the scenery. Whether travelers prefer a large modern hotel with an indoor pool, a warm country inn with a renowned chef and gourmet cuisine, a charming bed and breakfast or a serene log cabin tucked away in a woodland setting, the Hocking Hills offers more than 100 different places to stay. Some accommodations are designed for romantic escapes. Others are large and comfortable, the perfect place for families or groups of friends. Some others even welcome dogs.
EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPES
Many of the region’s countless inns, hotels and cabin and bed and breakfast outfits offer special weekend rates and packages. Some offer additional discounts in winter, especially for mid-week stays. They may include breakfast, or special indulgences to make your stay extra memorable.
IF YOU GO
To plan their Hocking Hills winter escape and order a free Winter Savings Pass and Visitor Guide, travelers can call 1-800-HOCKING or visit www.1800hocking.com. Reservations and complete visitor information are available online.
