For a relaxing, back-to-nature weekend in the state of Ohio, look no further than inside the Hocking Hills State Park, located outside of the quintessential small town of Logan, Ohio. Enjoy the wide variety of activities this small town has to offer, including the beautiful park itself, winter hiking and horseback riding, and even a train ride. Here’s how to enjoy a winter weekend getaway at Hocking Hills.
Hocking Hills State Park is massive at just over 9,000 acres and takes visitors into the past while connecting them with the possible future. See the giant sandstone cliffs carved 300 million years ago and the remains of birch and hemlock trees which are roughly 400-500 years-old. Today the forest serves multiple purposes including timber harvesting, outdoor recreation and in some areas, hunting as well as rock climbing, making it the perfect outdoor destination for all four seasons.
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Enjoy the beauty of Hocking Hills State Park by camping in one of several different cabins. From luxury campus to treehouses, there is something for everyone including your four-legged friends! There are five separate sections to choose from, including Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs and Rock House. Each cabin is designed with rustic, yet modern features and has views for days of the mountains, the forest, caves, and more. Many of the cabins are also pet friendly, so feel free to bring Fido along as well!
Start your morning with a brisk hike through the forest to Ash Cave, one of the largest and most impressive recessed caves in all of Ohio, measuring at 90 feet-high, 700 feet-wide and 100 feet-deep. It got its name after a huge pile of ashes was found under the shelter by early settlers. The trail to the cave is easy terrain for those less experienced and is also handicap accessible and features a narrow gorge lined with gorgeous hemlocks, impressive beech trees and in the summer, some of the most gorgeous flowers and other wild plants.
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Though winter conditions cover most of the Ohio area, it’s still a great time for fishing! Perhaps even ice fishing in some areas. Rose Lake, also known as Hocking Hills Reservoir, is a popular fishing destination for locals and visitors alike. The lake is located just outside of Old Man’s Cave and has the most spectacular views, perfect for a day spent on the lake, fishing and reconnecting with yourself and with nature.
Nothing says winter adventure like off-roading through the wilderness! Feel yourself soaring across the terrain, the wind whistling past and the roar of an ATV or OHV as they’re often referred to. The R Adventure Park in Logan is a popular off-roading destination for beginners and experts alike. They are also the only ATV rental location in Ohio. Before each ride, visitors go through a complete orientation to learn the correct riding methods and being fitted for a helmet and other proper gear. There are 14 miles to choose from and can either be ridden solo or with a guide.
Before setting out on your next outdoor adventure, it’s recommended to visit the town’s nearest outdoor sporting goods store for supplies. The Rocky Outdoor Gear Store in Nelsonville is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike for all things outdoor gear. The store carries brands including Carhartt, Woolrich, and everything from boots to hiking and hunting supplies, camping equipment and even home décor.
Sometimes the best way to take in the scenery is by exploring the area the old fashion way: on horseback. The Equestrian Ridge Farm provides seasoned equestrian enthusiasts and beginners alike with a delightful trail ride through the wilderness on well trained, gentle horses trained to respond to the rider’s control. All rides include a mini basic lesson for those who have never ridden before, and there are a variety of trails to choose from, including the Four Seasons Trail Ride and the Hilltops & Hollers, which is a great ride for first-timers, taking you riding through meadows, hilltops, and wooded hillsides.
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Going on vacation of course means visiting some of the local shops in the area! With Christmas rapidly approaching, now is the time to start shopping. The Christmas Treasures shop is Christmas all day, every day. They carry a wide variety of wreaths, chimes, cookie stamps, puppets, imported tea, enameled ornaments, sweatshirts, and so much more! Whatever your Christmas decorating need, you’re sure to find it here! And, you may also see Santa himself from time as the Christmas Treasures is a destination favorite of our jolly old fellow.
No matter your destination, it’s always a good idea to take in some of the local history and what better way than to explore some of the museums that the city has to offer? In Logan, there are two unique museums worth checking out: Columbus Washboard Company and the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum. The Columbus Washboard Company has been in business since the late 1800s, specializing in old fashioned washboards (for both washing and playing) and offering high quality home cleaning supplies. The company is the only washboard manufacturing company still operating in the United States, and each product is assembled by hand by locally skilled craftsmen. There’s nothing quite like it! Another unique site to see in Logan is the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum. Yes, an actual museum dedicated solely to those old fashion pencil sharpeners, and not just the ones you used in school or bought at the store! The museum has an impressive collection of over 3,400 pencil sharpeners and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors! From cannons to violins, old fashion cash registers and more!
After a long day filled with fun and adventure, be sure to stop into the Olde Dutch Restaurant, a family friendly restaurant featuring authentic, homemade, delicious, mouthwatering Amish food. The food is buffet style and contains selections of marinated broasted chicken, homestyle meat loaf, roast turkey, and a huge ice cream dessert bar, featuring over a dozen different flavors to choose from! They also have whole pies available to go, including blueberry, blackberry, and Dutch apple!
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