Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

[Flyin6]

Hocking Hills is an ancient system of gorges, caves, waterfalls, and shear rock walls. It is a truly awe-inspiring place that you would think is more like what you'd expect to find in the western Sierra's or the Rockies.

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park

We hiked there for two days on a multitude of trails to various caves and waterfalls. The walks vary from wheelchair accessible to very difficult scrambling up and over rim rock and steep trails.

[Flyin6]

This was a special trip for us. Nate came home for Chris's graduation. We seldom see both boys (men) together. Nate is an infantryman and Chris will soon become one. Seems as if the "Pre-Rangers" are fulfilling the prophesy. Anyway, we all had a great time hiking all over that park.

A lot of the time you'll find yourself in the bottom of a gorge and then have to ascend to the rim to a point where you descend once again. The magnitude of the place and those rocks is stunning.

[Flyin6]

Being a dad to these two young men has been both challenging and a privilege. Now they are sprinting past me and finding their own place in the world. On this day, it was just a family exploring, and it felt great

[Flyin6]

The scale of the place will take you some time to adjust to. I think it was a bit overwhelming for the little bird too!

[Flyin6]

Most trails were well maintained, although Kat was holding on for dear life on some of the more vertical sections.

[Flyin6]

Just spectacular!

We would pick a cave system such as "Old Man Cave" and then hike its trails. Most were in the 2–3-mile section. There are interconnecting trails up to 5 or more miles between gorges that you can take. Pack plenty of water, and I recommend ankle-high hiking boots to keep the ankles intact.

[Flyin6]

It really was a lot of fun, even though air temps were in the low 90s

[Flyin6]

This is "Ash Cave" which is an easy 1/2 mile walk in.

[Flyin6]

These photos were taken on the trail system around "Old Man Cave." Once you get a mile or so deep into the trails the people evaporate pretty quickly.

[Bob Smith]

What a wonderful way to spend time with family. If more people would spend time doing like this just maybe this great country would be in so much better shape

[TexasRedNeck]

Good times, Don.  Miss camping and hiking with mine.


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[stlaser]

Great pics and scenery, glad you got to have everybody together! Very blessed

[Flyin6]

Thanks, gents.

Bob is correct, this is the way to connect. Beyond that, you share common first-time experiences that can't be undone. All through yours/their lives this will always be a nice experience and will comfort you during difficult times.

I'm going to keep on doing this until I can't, albeit mostly just Kat and I, there will be opportunities to include some family and friends from time to time.