Ohio Hikes and Sights

Twin Falls of Hocking Hills ❤️💦🥾

This is an easy, albeit muddy, hike on a bridle trail. It is fairly flat with a couple small creek crossings. The waterfall makes it all worth it! Rain makes this one lovely.

Hocking State Forest Rockclimbing and Rappelling Area. Big Pine Rd, Logan, OH

Found some amazing fungus that looks just like candy corn! I believe it’s actually young Hemlock Varnish. Located this in southeast Ohio.

https://fungiwoman.com/pages/ganoderma-tsugae-hemlock-reishi

Amazing caves to explore at Saltpeter Cave Nature Preserve. For those who enjoy hiking by cliffs, outcroppings and caves, Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve is a tiny preserve in Hocking County with an abundance of such features. Although it is only 14 acres in size, it contains four significant recess caves. Two of the caves have 8-foot tall ceilings, mouths that are more than 100 feet wide, and chambers which extend back more than 120 feet into the bedrock. Another cave actually consists of three, vertically stacked recess caves. And a final cave has a decent-sized chamber with two smaller openings. The preserve is named after a white mineral deposit, saltpetre (potassium nitrate), which can be seen in patches on some of the cave ceilings.

You’ll need to obtain a free permit and then you will receive parking information and access to this amazing property in Hocking Hills.

Link to apply:
https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/special-use-permits/nature-preserve-access

Ohio Hanging Rock hike is five miles long and a bit challenging. Those hills are no joke! 😅 Trail is single file. Lots of ferns, wide variety of plants and flowers, and forest. We even saw a couple small waterfalls. We loved this hike! Here are a few more pictures in addition to what I posted yesterday.

This 750-acre preserve is part of Arc of Appalachiachia system. I posted additional info yesterday. Check that out before you go. ❤️🥾

Address: 2067 Frederick Rd Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694

https://www.arcofappalachia.org/ohio-hanging-rock

Visited May ‘25

Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve hike today! First visit and it was great! The hike was five miles long and takes you through narrow trails lush with ferns, wide variety of plants and flowers, and forest. We even saw a couple small waterfalls.

We saw Mountain Laurels, Jack in the Pulpit, Guyandotte beauty, Blue-eyed grass, Wood Sorrel 🌸🌺🌼 Hike is listed as Moderate with some big hills and 5 miles total. Pets are permitted.

This 750-acre preserve lies in the remote hill country of northeastern Scioto County. The path begins at the valley floor, winding its way across deep ravines to the ridgetops. Here you’ll see immense blocks of rock that are strewn on the upper-elevation hillsides and covered with mosses, ferns, and lichens. These rocks were once the wave-washed shoreline of an ancient glacial lake known as Lake Tight. The Hanging Rock region of Ohio, of which this preserve is a part, was once the nation’s leading producer of iron, charcoal, and clay bricks. All of these activities took place on or near the preserve.

Address: 2067 Frederick Rd Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694

https://www.arcofappalachia.org/ohio-hanging-rock

Photos May 18, 2025

Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills.
This is the small waterfall at the base of what is known as the Old Man’s Cave section of the trail. Did you know it’s actually a recess cave? A recess cave, also known as a rock shelter, is a natural cave-like space formed by the erosion of a rock face, creating an overhanging or sheltered area. These caves are typically open at one end, offering a natural overhang for protection from the elements.

Road Trip?! Have you seen the stunning Great Stone Viaduct? This architectural marvel not only showcases incredible craftsmanship but also holds a rich history dating back to the 1800s.

A walk across this viaduct offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Ohio’s engineering legacy. Don’t miss the chance to appreciate this beautiful blend of history and design!

Have you visited? Share your thoughts below! 👇💬

Great Stone Viaduct
31st Street, Bellaire, OH 43906

Looking for something out of the ordinary for your next walk? Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park has some fun spots, especially in the Darby Dan area!

Make sure to check out the unique round training barn—you can wander around and peek into the horse stalls. It’s a wonderful spot for a family outing, and there’s plenty of intriguing Kentucky Derby history to discover!

Just a short distance from the Nature Center, where you can also see the bison. You can either walk from the Nature Center or park at Kuhlwein Rd & Darby Creek Dr. (Map in the comments). This beautiful park is located in central Ohio, just west of Columbus.

I also stopped off at the Indian Ridge parking area and walked on the bike path for a bit. 

Edit
If you want a longer walk, you can also leave the round barn and walk the old racetrack. There was even a grandstand back there at one time. I didn’t do that this trip though. 

Off to an adventurous start, under Route 50, through an old cattle crossing to start the Kamelands Trail. I saw my first OWL on a hike! 🦉

I absolutely loved this hike! Kamelands Trail leads through rolling meadows to the wooded corridor bordering the high bluffs of Rocky Fork Creek. This trail boasts immense ancient oaks, interesting rock formations, and an optional spur trail down into the ravine. Definitely do the spur to see the creek! Hike is about 3 miles total. Located in Bainbridge (south of Chillicothe), no pets, more info and maps in the link below.

https://arcofappalachia.org/highlands-nature-sanctuary/

Photos May 10th a couple years ago.