One of my favorite winter traditions is the Hocking Hills Winter Hike at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. And the 51st annual Hocking Hills Winter hike in the woods is coming up on Saturday, January 16th. So if you can, gather your cold weather gear, lace up your boots with good traction and plan to be in Hocking Hills the second weekend in January. The 6 mile hike from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave is a beautiful one, and there is hearty bean soup and corn bread served from huge iron kettles about half way through to warm you up. Naturalists are sometimes there to teach hikers about the area. Once finished, a free shuttle will return you to your car at Old Man’s Cave, or if you’re feeling especially adventurous, turn around and hike back to your car. We love going on this hike since it is so much fun!
If You Go to the Hocking Hills Winter Hike:
The official hours for the 51st annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike event are from 9 am-2 pm on January 16th, 2016.
Wear shoes with good traction. The icy trails are no joke and can be quite slippery. Trust me. I’ve learned this the hard way.
Bundle up. The majority of the Hocking Hills is in the shade. It’s always easier to take off a layer than be wishing for another one.
Shuttle buses will be lined up at Ash Cave to take you back to the starting point at Old Man’s Cave. Parking is Free.
A free bowl of soup and corn bread is served about half way through the hike. And doughnuts have sometimes been available at the Ash Cave Parking Lot. Donations are always appreciated.
This is a dog friendly event. We took our dog Luna last year and she loved it.
The scenery in Hocking Hills State Park is spectacular and the cold weather often leads to beautiful frozen waterfalls. This is such a fun event, and best of all, it’s Free! Even though it is several hours away, we try to make it every year.
I love Hocking Hills! I hiked here back in the spring last year and absolutely loved it. The scenery is so beautiful. I wish I lived closer to make it to the winter hike!! Have fun!
I’ve never been in the spring. I am sure it is beautiful! We’ve had such warm weather this winter, maybe the Winter Hike will feel more Spring like this year. 😉