Monday, January 30, 2012

Old Man's Cave Gorge, Ohio

On our September 2011 trip east,  one place we visited and thoroughly enjoyed was the Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio.   Since I was in the hospital in October,  I didn't finish sharing pictures from this trip.  In fact,  even though we spent two days at Hocking Hills,  I had only shared one blog post from there so far.   That post was about Conkles Hollow.  If you didn't see that post,  you can see it by clicking HERE.

Besides Conkles Hollow,  other areas we visited in the state park were Ash Cave,  Cedar Falls,  and Old Man's Cave Gorge.   Today I am sharing some pictures from Old Man's Cave Gorge.   This is the most popular area of the park and it is easy to understand why.

You can hike deep into the gorge where the temperatures are cooler and the trails are fabulous...  There is lush greenery, ferns and moss everywhere.  IF you love hiking (and seeing waterfalls), we highly recommend Hocking Hills State Park.  There are MANY great hiking trails throughout the park. We hope to go back sometime.

Today I will share some pictures of that gorgeous area ---and you can take the loop hike with us in the gorge...   There are several cascades along the way --and I will show you the two major waterfalls.   Sit back and enjoy the hike!!!  (Please enlarge the photos so that you can enjoy the details.)











Lower Falls






Upper Falls


Did you enjoy that hike????  You did get some exercise---so that is good...  The loop trail is only about a mile --so it's really not a hard hike at all.   But---it is a gorgeous hike with so much beauty all around!!!!   I hope you took time to enlarge the photos.  As I said,  we recommend this state park!!!

Hope you have a great Monday.

Hugs,
Betsy
at

66 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    I love these pics, Betsy. It is wonderful to see the bright pops of greenery! Hope you have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BethJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:19 AM

    This brought back great memories. Beautiful photos, Betsy, and I enjoyed how you took us on 'a hike'! I'd love to go back there this spring when the falls will be much bigger.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ms. AJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:28 AM

    Betsy, these are insanely gorgeous, like something from a fairy tale book. It wouldn't have surprised to see a fairy show up in at least one of the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A Brit in TennesseeJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:11 AM

    What a serene and beautiful place.
    Reminds me of places I've been in England, a thousand years old....
    So magical !
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ruth HiebertJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:40 AM

    Spectacular scenery. I very much enjoyed the hike.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SharonJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    From what we've learned about each other so far, it will come as no surprise that this is on our list of places to visit. There is a 19-mile rail-trail in the Hocking Hills area that we want to ride in addition to the many hiking opportunities. We actually had the trip planned a couple of years ago, but my FIL became ill and we had to cancel. You've spurred me on to get it back on the agenda. What gorgeous pictures! Happy Monday from East TN to Middle TN!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. CatherineJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:34 AM

    Those greens are beautiful Betsy!! Lush!
    Wishing you a wonderful week!
    xo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    What a lovely spot. All that green makes me miss spring!

    ReplyDelete
  9. JoJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    What a lush, green hike with those mysterious little paths and beautiful waterfalls. Great post Betsy. Hugs Jo

    ReplyDelete
  10. From the KitchenJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    The greens, the layering of the rock formations, the wonderful waterfall--BEAUTIFUL! It took me awhile to take my eyes off your header photo.

    Best,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  11. MadSnapperJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:22 AM

    trees trees i love the trees, love the bright green trees in the second down. so many beautiful paths throught those trees. a place i would love. yes i did enjoy the trip

    ReplyDelete
  12. Chatty CroneJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    I like the 2nd picture - the shrubs look almost like a lime green - such a pretty color.

    And I liked the lover falls - so nice.

    Another great trip.

    sandie

    ReplyDelete
  13. linda mJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    Incredibly beautiful photos!. I am going to put this Park on my list of "must see". Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. TaborJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Another fabulous place I have to visit before I die...sigh!

    ReplyDelete
  15. CubyJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:55 AM

    This looks such a nice place for a small walk and so beautiful too.

    ReplyDelete
  16. imacJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    Super walk, here Betsy, real great shots too.

    Also love your new Header.

    ReplyDelete
  17. KarinJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    No wonder you recommend it - it is truly gorgeous! Lovely hike - thank you! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  18. ameliaJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    That is a beautiful place Betsy. It looks a lot like English landscape..

    ReplyDelete
  19. PedalingJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    I've never heard of that park...thanks for sharing such a beautiful place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Arkansas PattiJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    Wow, one could almost find the answer to world peace in such a setting.
    The greens are so brilliant and that is the proper distance for a walk. Next time I am in Ohio I may look it up. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Big DudeJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    That's a beautiful place but all those stairs wore me out.

    ReplyDelete
  22. TexWisGirlJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    the rocks, the falls, the greenery. just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    This is indeed a beautiful area, and you've captured it well. We need to get back over there one of these days. There's a great canoeing river there, as well.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Fred AltonJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Beautiful hike, Betsy! Love the pictures of this park.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sylvia KJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    What a beautiful place! And I do LOVE the waterfalls! Absolutely breathtaking! Your captures are wonderful -- the next best thing to being there! Thanks for a wonderful walk, Betsy! Hope you have a great week!

    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  26. Out on the prairieJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    Lovely area, I like to explore places where I can do a bit of climbing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. JaneJanuary 30, 2012 at 10:29 AM

    I loved the hike,and the colors were perfect! God sure made some beautiful scenery for us to enjoy! Going to look at your link

    Blessings Jane

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ginny HartzlerJanuary 30, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    I DID enjoy the hike!!! And my knees don't even feel the worse for it!! I'm loving the greens here. And the green on the rocks...and these two adorable double falls, they are like little grottoes of paradise during the walk.

    ReplyDelete
  29. DorothyJanuary 30, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    Wonderful pictures, Betsy! Yes I did enjoy the hike! I'm eager for Spring so we can get out a go somewhere like that!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I Am WoodyJanuary 30, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    What a magical place!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Regina January 30, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Great place Betsy!

    Have a wonderful week.
    Regards.
    Regina

    ReplyDelete
  32. HappyKJanuary 30, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Yes, I did enjoy the hike. I'd love to walk really walk there. Looks great.
    Like your new header page too.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Busy Bee SuzJanuary 30, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    What a magical looking haven....I loved my hike!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. mamahasspokenJanuary 30, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    OH those pictures are making me wish for late spring. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  35. JeanneJanuary 30, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    OK - another place to add to my "must camp here" list. I hope we will be able to head out in that direction soon. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  36. LarryJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    What a beautiful spot... reminds me of a few places near where I grew up in the Green Mountains! Larry

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kim@stuffcould....January 30, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    I Like the bright green trees...love to see moss growing on the rocks too

    ReplyDelete
  38. CottonLadyJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    How peaceful and beautiful. Thanks for the hike...I know I feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnnJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    wow, it's gorgeous there. I'll have to look that up to see how far away form me it is.

    ReplyDelete
  40. GlendaJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Looks like the perfect place to be refreshed!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    Yes I did enjoy that hike!!! Such a beautiful trip and that last photo is gorgeous!!! Have a beautiful week!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Photo CacheJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    gorgeous spot. here's praying you continue to have your strength to hike and enjoy nature's best like this one.

    ReplyDelete
  43. NealJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    That sure is a beautiful area and you got some great pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  44. TracyJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Ahhh, a pleace near and dear to my heart. Betsy, you have some beautiful photos and they certainly capture the essence of a very special place!

    ReplyDelete
  45. DianeJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Very primeval and beautiful place Betsy. Diane

    ReplyDelete
  46. AndreaJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Wow Betsy, another lovely header. Of course i enjoyed the hike, most especially the falls. I am sure you and George now know that just like you i enjoy all waterfalls. The only hindrance which limit me to personally see every falls in the world is finances, LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  47. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    That's the kind of hiking I can handle! Thanks for the exercise!
    Gorgeous pictures. Very peaceful and quiet--something I don't get much of around here. :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. CarlettaJanuary 30, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    Oh my - gorgeous scenery!
    It looks like 'when time began'. :)
    It also looks like no one else was around.
    I thought this might be close to me so I googled it and it's only about an hour and a half away - a day trip come summer!!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. SquirrelQueenJanuary 30, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Ooh, I love all that lush green with the moss on the trees and rocks. Both the upper and lower falls are beautiful. Thanks for taking us along Betsy.

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    great photos! I enjoyed them all.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Cheryl @ TFDJanuary 31, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    I love hiking with you, Betsy! I get to see the gorgeous scenery but I don't have to get out of my chair. These are really beautiful scenes, the water falls are awesome. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  52. diane bJanuary 31, 2012 at 6:42 AM

    That was a great hike. The scenery and waterfalls were beautiful. It looks all soft and quiet in the forest.

    ReplyDelete
  53. ConnieJanuary 31, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    It is a beautiful place to visit and hike. You got some great pictures from your trip there, Betsy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. DeniseinVAJanuary 31, 2012 at 11:08 AM

    Oh my, how very beautiful. What an incredible hike and I didn't even have to leave my chair ;) Thanks Betsy!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Brenda Kay LedfordJanuary 31, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    I love these photos, Betsy. What a beautiful state park. I sure wish I could go there, but thanks for taking us on a tour. I loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  56. OLDLADYWITH FLAREJanuary 31, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    SO BEAUTIFUL

    GRANNY FROM OTHER BLOG N.C.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Together We SaveJanuary 31, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    Your pics are amazing, as always, I get to travel right here at my desk. Thanks for stopping by, we are good the oldest is loving UT and the middle daughter will graduate this year and she will play softball at Columbia State next year. The youngest is enjoying her 8th grade year. Hard to believe she starts high school next year. Thanks for the visit!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Small City ScenesJanuary 31, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Ahhh, what a wonderful hike. I truly feel refreshed now. Thank you. I enjoys the splash from Lower Falls too. Thanks for sharing. MB

    ReplyDelete
  59. MaryJanuary 31, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Lovely! I think we have been there but only hiked one direction. That was before my knee surgery and my knees weren't crazy about the hike :-) Great shots of the scenery and falls.

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    Hi Betsy, I am so glad to see pictures of Ohio. I have never been there but my ancestors lived there. Someday I hope to visit and will put this area on the must do list. Have a joyous day tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  61. BlueShellFebruary 1, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    Yess...of course I Enjoyed!
    So peaceful, so lovely...I wish I could be there!

    And yes...I comment is your husband's blog- George! I just didn't know he was your husband: I'm glad: now I can visit and comment in both your blogs!
    Have a kiss...
    BShell

    ReplyDelete
  62. KellyFebruary 1, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    ...looks familiar! :-) I hiked there a few summers ago and loved it. The birding was fantastic. I want to go back. Maybe this summer...

    ReplyDelete
  63. DonnaFebruary 1, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    That sure does look like a spectacular place!

    ReplyDelete
  64. BethFebruary 2, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    Hi, Betsy. I just had to comment on this post about Hocking Hills State Park. What an utterly gorgeous place---so lush, magical, and serene. I've never been to Ohio, but this place is absolutely going on my List of Places I Must See Some Day. I love the way they built the path walls and bridges following the natural curves in the landscape--it makes them look like a natural part of the forest. Thank you, Betsy, for this virtual hike into a temperate Garden of Eden!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Twilight ManFebruary 3, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    The photos are lovely with neat green trees! They look like Japanese gardens to me with the trails and waterfall. You have such a relaxed lifestyle that you do not need to rejuvenate in spas! Ha ha!

    ReplyDelete
  66. JDSMarch 1, 2012 at 5:12 AM

    Wow, that spot is gorgeous. For some reason I never thought of Ohio as having places like that.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog... Your comments mean so much to me... I have had to put on 'comment moderation' (due to spam comments)... Sorry about that --but I do read your comments and LOVE them.