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The Hocking Hills is a special place, unlike anywhere else in Ohio. Untouched by Wisconsin glacier ice 10,000 years ago, yet intricately carved by its melt-water, the Hocking Hills is a geological and ecological wonderland.

When most people think of Ohio, they think of flat, never ending farm fields. However, the Hocking Hills region is dominated by steep, narrow gorges; tall sandstone cliffs; quick, sparkling waterfalls; and lush cove forests. Because of this uniqueness, the region was singled out early on for protection.

There is a network of interconnected public parks and state forest that protect a wide swath of Hocking Hills. The keystone of this network is Hocking Hills State Park, and the most widely known part of the park is Old Man's Cave. Here, you will find meandering trails carved in the side of (and at certain points through) solid rock. Quartz sparkles everywhere in the sandstone walls. Large Hemlock trees tower over your heads, or cling to sandstone precipices, their roots wrapping around and in rock in full view.

Geologic curiosities dot the park, including Devil's Bathtub, Sphinx Head, and Lower Falls. A trail network connects these to other smaller, but no less worthwhile sites. These include Ash Cave and its massive 700 foot wide, 90 foot high recess cave; Cantwell Cliff and its narrow passageways between solid rock and sheer cliffs; Cedar Falls and its picturesque stream and cascading waterfall; Conkles Hollow and its horseshoe gorge of tall cliffs (200 feet from top to bottom); and Rock House whose name does not do this wide cave justice.

Surrounding these parks and nature reserves is the Hocking Hills State Forest. At over 9,000 acres, the forest creates a wilderness-like viewshed in the heart of the region. But there is more to the forest than just views. The Buckeye and North Country trails wind through the forest. In addition, the state's only maintained rock climbing and rappelling area is located on 99 acres on the forest's edge.

With so much to do in the Hocking Hills, a day trip just doesn't do it justice. Fortunately, there are a wealth of places to spend the night; from cozy campgrounds to rustic cabins to a castle (truly) in the woods. There are numerous public and private accommodations scattered throughout the region. My favorite is the Inn at Cedar Falls when I feel like having a roof over my head and an old growth hemlock near Cantwell Cliffs when I don't. You can discover your favorite places by starting your research at www.friendofhockinghills.org.

T hat website also offers an extensive calendar of events for the numerous arts, crafts and cultural events that take place in the Hocking Hills region all year long. It truly is a four season destination, both in beauty and activity.

Visit the Hockings Hills, enjoy it, and help protect it so that future generations can enjoy this gem in the heart of Ohio.

For more information on rock climbing trips and instruction, contact Wild Mercantile at 740-594-5198.

For more information on canopy tours, contact Hocking Hills Canopy tours at 740-385-9477 or visit their website at www.hockinghillscanopytours.co m.

Learn more about this author, Joseph Hazelbaker.
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