When it comes to natural beauty, Ohio seems to have it all. From the picturesque shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of Ohio Amish Country, there’s always a beautiful scene to behold (and photograph.) However, one of the most beautiful parts of Ohio is tucked away in the southeast portion of the state.
The Hocking Hills region features a stunning state park, several nature preserves and hiking trails that will take your breath away. See for yourself:
Hocking State Forest surrounds the state park and nature preserves. Its large boulders, giant tree roots and abundance of greenery make you feel like you’re traveling to Middle Earth.
Jason Reibold
The forest features several creeks, gorges and waterfalls just waiting to be explored.
jinjian liang/Flickr
Old Man’s Cave (pictured) is the most popular hiking spot within Hocking Hills State Park. Hiking the 1-mile loop trail is a must-do.
Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr
Along the way, you’ll encounter several stone staircases, bridges and even tunnels.
April Dray/Only In Your State
Don’t let all the tunnels and narrow passageways frighten you, though. Instead, let them bring out your sense of adventure.
Jeremy Stump/Flickr
Cedar Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. After heavy rainfall, its flow is fairly powerful.
Mark Moschell/Flickr
All kinds of natural wonders are hidden in the park, such as Devil’s Bathtub (pictured) which leads to the depths of Hades, legend has it.
macwagen/Flickr
The Rock House trail leads to an amazing aboveground cave with window-like openings and high ceilings. It’s truly spectacular and a must-see.
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1 /Flickr
Ash Cave is another popular hiking area within the state park. Tall, gentle falls stream down the side of the open, aboveground cave.
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
If you’re ever in the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, you’ve got to hike the Rim Trail. The views from this trail will take your breath away.
Robert Aberegg/Flickr
In the northern part of the Hocking Hills region, Cantwell Cliffs is a remote, yet stunning hiking destination. It features a fairly strenuous 1-mile loop trail.
Robert Aberegg/Flickr
Natural Bridge is another geological wonder you have to see to believe. You’ll find it at the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge.
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr
Even in the wintertime, the Hocking Hills are breathtaking. (Pictured is a frozen Upper Falls.)
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr
In fact, it can be a jaw-dropping winter wonderland that you temporarily mistake for Narnia. <3
Jim Crotty/Flickr
Have you ever been to the Hocking Hills region before? What’s your favorite park or nature preserve to explore in the area? Share your photos and experiences with us!
Jason Reibold
jinjian liang/Flickr
Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr
April Dray/Only In Your State
Jeremy Stump/Flickr
Mark Moschell/Flickr
macwagen/Flickr
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1 /Flickr
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
Robert Aberegg/Flickr
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr
Jim Crotty/Flickr
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