Waterfalls of crystal ice and sandstone rock formations blanketed in snow will be part of the spectacular scenery at Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio for the Annual Winter Hike, scheduled for Saturday, January 19.
Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from across the region are expected to participate in the hike, which is one of Ohio's most popular wintertime activities. Participants will be among the first visitors to take advantage of recent trail improvements at Hocking Hills State Park. Those improvements include new bridges at the upper falls of Old Man's Cave and at Cedar Falls; widened trailways in some areas; and new culverts and retaining walls.
Hikers should gather at the Old Man's Cave parking lot prior to 9 a.m. Groups of hikers will start down the six-mile trail to Ash Cave at regular intervals until 11 a.m. The hike is expected to take about five hours.
"During the last 37 years, participation in the Annual Winter Hike at Hocking Hills has become a seasonal tradition for many Ohioans, as well as for visitors from surrounding states," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "Winter merely enhances the natural beauty of the area, which offers one of the most unique landscapes in the state."
A hearty lunch of bean soup, cornbread and hot chocolate will be served at Cedar Falls, mid-way point of the hike. Park officials will provide return transportation from Ash Cave to Old Man's Cave following the event.
Pre-hike activities, including naturalists' programs, games and refreshments, will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 18, at the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge.
"Layered clothing and sturdy footwear are the 'uniform' of the day," West cautioned. "Remember, we hike regardless of the weather."
The event is free to the public. Donations are encouraged for refreshments. Winter hike souvenir patches and hiking stick medallions will be available for purchase.
Hocking Hills State Park is located on State Route 664 in Hocking County, about 12 miles southwest of Logan. For further information about the Annual Winter Hike, call the park office at (740) 385-6841.