Brace yourselves for a thrilling trek because the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has announced the date for the anticipated 59th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike. According to a statement obtained by The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the event is set for January 18, 2025, inviting adventurers to venture the six-mile journey through Hocking Hills State Park's wintry wonder. Mark your calendars so as not to miss out on the sights of frozen waterfalls and snow-kissed trails.
The journey will kick off at Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave, and it promises to showcase the area's winter glory with a route snaking past Lower Falls and Cedar Falls, culminating almighty at Ash Cave. "Hiking through the Hocking Hills in winter is like stepping into a storybook," ODNR Director Mary Mertz told the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. To keep spirits high and bodies warm, participants can look forward to free bean soup and cornbread at Cedar Falls, courtesy of the local Kiwanis Club.
With winter's unpredictability in mind, hikers are encouraged to layer up and cover bare skin to stay warm during their expedition. Sustenance and hydration are key, so bringing water and snacks is essential. Before hitting the trail, informing a friend or family member about your hike plans could be lifesaving. For additional safety advice, ODNR has detailed a robust list of winter trail safety tips on their website for eager participants.
The ever-popular event is expected to draw a crowd. Thus, carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking at the Visitors Center. Suppose you find the lot at full throttle. In that case, overflow parking is available at Hocking Hills Elementary School, with shuttles arranged to ferry hikers back to the starting line after completing their trek. Upon finishing, hikers will be greeted with the comforting embrace of hot chocolate and doughnuts, thanks to the Lions Club. As a bonus, the ODNR is handing out a limited-edition Winter Hike Series decal to each participant as a token of conquest, available only while supplies last.
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore additional winter adventures outside of the hike, further opportunities can be found on the ODNR Events page. The folks over at ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft continue to champion a balance between recreational enjoyment and conservation across Ohio's state parks and waterways as they manage 76 and numerous waterways. To learn more about ODNR and to plan your adventure, visit their website at The Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
