Fall Fun in the Hocking Hills

Fall Fun in the Hocking Hills
Mother Nature is putting on a show and you're invited! The fall colors are expected to peak this weekend and the weather forecast of abundant sunshine and highs in the mid 60's set the perfect stage for Grandma Gatewood's Fall Colors Hike on Saturday, October 16.

Bring along a cool drink and celebrate the season’s colors. Meet with the naturalist at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center for a strenuous hike that spans roughly 6 miles of the Grandma Gatewood trail. We will be traversing the section that runs from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back while enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural personality. This hike does include several hills and steps and is not recommended for the easily winded individual. (Approx. 3 to 4 hrs)

Not up to the hike? Enjoy the colors by volunteering in the Friends information tent to share with visitors the mission and projects of the Friends of Hocking Hills. Click here to volunteer.

JOHNNY APPLESEED’S APPLES – Join the naturalist and Derek from Hocking Hills Orchard for a closer look out our apple history. Meet at the naturalist cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center right after the hike. Approx.4 PM

Friday 22
10:00 AM *THE WONDERS of OLD MAN’S CAVE Meet the naturalist at the Naturalist Cabin for a short hike and discover some facts about the history of the area and the rock formations that are found throughout the park.

3:00 PM SPOOKY SPIDERS & SCARY SNAKES - Gather at the camp amphitheater to gain a greater understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Saturday 23
9:00 AM TRAIL TROLLS PROJECT DAY
Meet at the Naturalist office parking area. Bring a sack lunch and a drink and dress for the weather. For more information about the Trail Trolls or to sign-up contact the naturalist office at (740) 385-8003 ext. 213.

Haunted Hocking Weekend!
Friday October 29
7:00 pm - *HAUNTED HOCKING: Spirits of Ash Cave
Is Ash Cave really haunted or could it be something else? Join the naturalist and the “HHIT” team from haunted hocking at the Ash Cave parking area to explore the possibilities. (This program does contain ghost stories…parents; you know your children best and should decide if it is appropriate. Please, no pets at Haunted Hocking.)

Saturday October 30
Pick up a Halloween Scavenger Hunt at any of the events and test your skills

11am-12 - Pumpkin decorating at the Old Man's cave shelter house. For children 12 & under. Adult supervision required.

More Fun in November & December
November 6
Frontier Trail Hike 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Explore the history of the Hocking Hills region with a walk back through time dramatized by costumed interpreters along Ash Cave trail. Volunteers are needed to assist with serving lunch for the volunteers who will be participating in the historical reenactment and to provide information to visitors at the Friends tent. Click here to volunteer.

December 11
Christmas in Ash Cave 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave. Once you arrive at the cave warm with refreshments by an open fire. Listen to or join with our carolers, have the kids visit with an old fashion Santa or help to decorate our Christmas tree for wildlife. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors in the Friends tent. Click here to volunteer.

Come out and enjoy fall in the Hocking Hills, celebrate the holidays and help spread the word about the Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park by volunteering during one of the park events.

For information about any of the events or volunteer opportunities contact Jennifer Starkey, Executive Director at (877) 403-4477 or executivedirector@friendsofhockinghills.org.

Mission:
“To foster a partnership between outdoor enthusiasts and Hocking Hills State Park that ensures a better place for nature education, while setting high conservation standards and raising a strong sense of responsibility for future generations.”