The first area we went to is probably one of the most popular, and from the number of people there would seem like the most visited - Old Man's Cave. Several people apparently lived in it starting in the late 1700s. It was amazing how big it is even though it's not really a cave but more of a huge rock overhang. There are trails that follow along the gorge, although the river that created it was a bit low this time of year. We got to see the Sphinx Rock and the Devil's Bathtub at the same park. Just amazing scenery there. We took a lot of photos, but I won't subject you to all of them!
The next park we went to was Conkle's Hollow which has some cliffs that tower about 200 feet above the floor of the gorge. It was pretty amazing to see something like this in Ohio - where we are from in NE Ohio everything is pretty flat with some rolling hills thrown in for variety. The path was interesting to start because a good portion of it was paved and accessible for those with disabilities. It also made it a nice relief after the crazy paths around Old Man's Cave. At one point I was looking at the cliffs when I heard a family walking by talking about the shape of some of the cliffs. I clearly overheard, "Do you see the butt crack?" The woman leaned over to the other then whispered in her ear something apparently more salacious and they broke out in laughter. At the end of the path there was what I think would be a waterfall under more wet conditions. As I saw it there was a steady dripping...
The last park we went to was like saving the best for last - at least for the day. Ash Cave took us almost full circle for the day, but it was very worth it. We walked along the relatively short path until we came across two amazing things. One was Ash Cave itself which again isn't really a cave but more of a massive stone overhang. It is about 700 feet from end to end and almost 100 feet high. It was really breathtaking.
The other cool thing was that a wedding was going on as we walked up to the cave. I think they had just said "I Do" and kissed shortly thereafter as we were walking nearby. A pretty cool place to get married I think. Although our hike out was a bit strenuous so I hope the bride and groom took the lower pathout.
We just scratched the surface of the Hocking Hills today - there are so many parts of the park to visit! And of course the night ended with a campfire, some cider, and some cool views of the campground at night from our hillside balcony. All in all a pretty amazing day!
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