Sweet Hearts Hike

Take a hike with someone you like. Find a date and take a stroll through Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park. Enjoy holding hands at the campfire. Take a short hike around the cave and whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears. It is a great icebreaker for your first date. It's something new for those who have been married longer than they can count on fingers and toes.

Ash Cave - Off State Route 56 - About an hour and fifteen minutes from Columbus.

Time: 5 pm to 7 pm

For those who haven't  the faintest idea of what to give their sweetheart on Valentine's day, you just might want to make a stop at Hocking Hills State Park for this special event.  

There's a leisurely stroll led by Ohio State Park Naturalist Pat Quackenbush along the 1/4 mile trail back to the recess cave. The walk is informal with several short stops along the way. 

This takes about a half hour. Once at the recess cave, romantics can mingle around the campfire for a while, help themselves to free cookies and hot chocolate or simply enjoy holding hands. Just so you know. . . The hike isn't limited to spouses and dates! Folks have brought their kids, dogs and grandkids too! All are welcome. Dress warmly, it is chilly in Ohio in February.

Kid Friendly - Ash Cave is a cool place to walk at night, especially for kids. Although there are several stops along  the way, this is a fun hike if your kid is one of your sweeties. However, it is mostly adults so we suggest this for kids who aren't too worn out at the end of the day and who can wait quietly while the naturalist weaves a few tales.

Pet Friendly - We have seen folks who bring their dogs to this hike. However, it is a night hike, it is dark so be careful to walk well behind others!

The Hocking Hills Region is located in the Midwest US settled into the edges of Appalachia's  Southeastern Ohio. It is known for its wilderness areas, unique rock formations, cascading waterfalls, breathtaking cliff edges and the many cabins and cottages tucked into its hillsides to escape the everyday. It encompasses such natural areas as Lake Hope State Park, Wayne National Forest, Zaleski State Forest, Hocking State Forest and a few Columbus Metroparks. One of the largest visited park systems in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park located within this region. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails including those at Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave.