OOO #92: Out of Office - Hocking Hills
Ohio really is beautiful
A little while back, I spent the weekend in Hocking Hills with my family. It had just unexpectedly snowed, and the entire forest was white and icy.
Ash Cave
Considering how icy the trails would be, I decided that the walk to Ash Cave—which is wheelchair accessible—would probably be the safest spot for a (short) hike in Hocking Hills. Ash Cave did not disappoint. The waterfall’s volume was greater than I had ever seen, and the snow contrasted beautifully against the cave’s yellow soil. I enjoyed the walk through the trees to get to the falls immensely, but I delighted most in listening to the echoes of the falls from the cave while looking at the white forest.
I decided that the stairs to the top of the falls (and the sloping trail down) were a little too risky with the baby, so we didn’t get to do a full hike, but it was a beautiful stop in the afternoon.
Overnight
Our Airbnb has some issues, so I’m not going to recommend it, but I had fun getting to be cozy in a cabin with my husband and son. We indulged in TV dinners (Amy’s Broccoli and Cheddar bake is my go-to) since the thought of cooking after a day of hiking is always a chore.
That being said, the property had some beautiful views!
Old Man’s Cave - Gorge Overlook Trail
I wanted to do a longer hike the next morning, and the only other flat hike I could think of was the Gorge Overlook Trail at Old Man’s Cave. You can enter the trail via the A frame bridge rather than via the stairs near the Upper Falls, making it snow-friendly. I have only done the trail once before—when I was super pregnant in late March—and I enjoyed the trail so much more that I wasn’t carrying 50 additional pounds that were kicking, if not sitting on, my organs.
We arrived at 10am, and despite the freezing temperature and the additional snow overnight, there were TONS of tracks along the trail. It made me happy to see the dedication that people have to their parks and their health! The trail was beautiful in the snow, and I’m glad we took the time for one more hike before heading home.
A note about parks: I love parks, nature, and America. The firing of employees of the US Forest Service and National Parks Service is short-sighted, undeserved, and frankly, anti-America. The measly financial benefits of firing these workers does not outweigh the cost to the preservation of our parks and forests. Members of NPS and the Forest Service people have dedicated their lives to preserving what’s left of America’s natural beauty. They typically live noble, humble, nerdy lives as stewards of nature and servants of the public. More than anything, taxpayer dollars SHOULD go to people keeping our country beautiful and clean. The upside-down flag in Yosemite was warranted. There’s a reason the song is called “America, the Beautiful” and not “America, the Fracked” or “America, the Strip Mall.” PS If you think saying “drill, baby, drill” in the Year of our Lord 2025 is awesome, you have not owned the libs as you may think, you have simply become corny and embarrassing and you should be ashamed of yourself.
Most importantly, by stopping at Old Man’s Cave, I got to visit the world’s greatest vending machine selection:
Afterward, we drove home, stopping on McDonald’s along the way. Personally, I prefer Burger King, as they carry the Impossible Whopper, while McDonalds is not outwardly vegetarian-friendly. The McDonald’s associate did tell us they can make any sandwich vegetarian but just removing the patty, and now I’m curious as to what I get next time: a quarter pounder with cheese without the quarter pound, perhaps? Suggestions welcome.
The MVPs of the Trip
My LL Bean coat, obviously. I will never shut up about this coat.
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib. The baby finally slept in it during a trip (we usually use it as a safe place to put him in the living room).
The Hocking Hills Diner: I’m still on the hunt for restaurants in the Hocking Hills area, but the diner was a great find. Our food was fresh and not overly greasy (yes, there is a thing as too greasy at a diner. It’s gross. I am right.), and the staff was very friendly. The location was a bit surprising (it’s attached to a factory?), but I’d go back.
My son’s starfish coat. We got it on super sale and have never once regretted it. My husband wanted our son to look like Maggie Simpson.
Ikea bags. They remain unmatched for toting stuff, especially during car travel. I don’t blame that person for stealing a few out of my shopping cart in Target that one time. They are top tier.
Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars from Costco. They are all I want for my birthday.
The snow! I feel very lucky to have spent a weekend in Hocking Hills regardless of the weather, but the snow made our time there all the more special.
That’s it! Have a great rest of your week!
Wonderful salute to National Parks workers.