A hike at one of Ohio’s most dramatic landscapes turned deadly Wednesday afternoon when a 63-year-old woman from Davenport, Iowa, fell at Cantwell Cliffs in Hocking Hills State Park and died, according to local authorities. Emergency crews were called out around 2:45 p.m., and the Hocking County Coroner later identified the victim as Nancy Baker. Her death has prompted another sobering reminder for visitors to stay well back from cliff edges and stick to marked trails.
As reported by WSYX, emergency crews responded to Cantwell Cliffs around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, and the Hocking County Coroner identified the woman as 63-year-old Nancy Baker of Davenport, Iowa. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, cited in that report, used the incident to again urge visitors to remain on designated trails and paths while exploring the park. Those warning signs are meant to be taken literally, not as trail decor.
Rugged Terrain at Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs sits in a remote corner of the Hocking Hills region, known for rugged gorges, steep drop-offs, and tight passageways that can quickly turn hazardous for anyone who wanders off the marked routes. The preserve is described as having deep gorges and high cliff walls, and Cantwell Cliffs is listed among the park’s more strenuous hikes, according to Wikipedia. Hikers are urged to wear sturdy footwear and use extra caution near any overlooks.
Past Fatalities and Safety Warnings
Hocking Hills has seen its share of tragedy in recent years. In 2019, photographer Victoria Schafer was killed when a log was pushed off a cliff at Old Man’s Cave, an incident that led to charges against two teenagers, as reported by The Washington Post. In that case, along with other serious falls in the area, has fueled repeated warnings from park officials about risky behavior at overlooks and along cliff edges.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of Baker’s fall beyond the coroner’s identification. Anyone with additional information has been asked to contact local law enforcement. In the meantime, visitors to Hocking Hills are being urged once again to read the trail signs, respect the barriers, and treat the cliffs with the kind of caution they clearly demand.
