49th Annual Winter Hike
January 18, 2014
Continuous Starts from 9 am to 11 am only. (you must be at the starting point by 11:00 to get a bus ride back to Old Man’s Cave from Ash Cave.)
Continuous Starts from 9 AM to 11 AM
6 miles of rugged hiking in the coldest days of January
Start times: Between 9 am and 11 am (You must be here at 11:00 and in line to be a part of the hike.)
There are times that Hocking Hills State Park is transformed. It comes in waves. Like when 
Autumn takes our breath away with a bold blanket of rich oranges, piercing reds and deep greens sweeping over the rugged hillsides, covering the last shreds of a summer that had waned to a bland olive green. Or when roadways, mucky and dull brown from a long wet winter, are touched by the gentle warmth of spring and left with a bounty of purple, yellow and pink spring flowers blooming on a grassy green hillside. Transformation. It seems to latch on to the park as a visual display of colors and wonder, like the gentle roll of seasons fastens itself on to the course of a year.
To the eye, Hocking Hills State Park is full of these transformations. They are the revolutions of 
nature spawned seasonally and kicked up to level. And they seem to be richer and more brilliant than in our own back yards because of the already out-of-the-ordinary features found at the park. We celebrate these changes. Toting cameras, kids and binoculars, we hop into our cars and drive out to Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. We take in the transformations as if it has been months, years or decades since we have seen them before. And that is what brings us to Winter Hike-the transformation of winter and the observance of this change. It gives us the ability to celebrate snow and frozen waterfalls, sleet and seeing your breath puff from your lips in a nearly invisible cloud of white. But most of all, it is seeing the park in a whole new light and one of frozen beauty-transformed during another season.
Starting Times: Hikers must be at the starting point between 9 am and 11 am which will be near the Visitor Center Parking Lot at Old Man’s Cave on State Route 664.
Starting Point: Visitor Center Parking Lot at Old Man’s Cave on State Route 664.
Assembled hikers will depart continuously between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Park officials will provide return transportation from Ash Cave to Old Man’s Cave following the event.
Cost: The Event is FREE! Donations are encouraged for refreshments. Winter hike souvenir patches and hiking staff emblems will be available for purchase. If you are staying near the park, there are plenty of pre-hike events on Friday night including games, refreshments and naturalist programs. We highly
suggest attending these! Check www.heartofhocking.com for more details.
What to Wear: Bundle up. Stay Warm. Wear hat, coat, gloves, long underwear and good hiking boots if it is cool. Invest in a pair of ice cleats. (And don’t buy a pair of boots the day before the hike. Wear them in a while or you’ll have more blisters than you can count!) The weather can’t be planned but hikers can get a good idea what to bring by watching the weather closely the day before the hike.
And just in case, it is always good to bring a few extras. Here is what we suggest:
1) snow cleats-worn over the bottom of the shoes to keep from sliding.
2) several pairs of gloves in case your own get wet.
3) layer clothing, especially socks, and bring a change of clothes in case it sleets or rains. Honestly, don’t dress like you are going to a party. Dress warmly! No on cares what you look like on the hike. Don’t forget a hat, good boots and scarf!
4) 5-6 hand warmers-the kind you can easily stuff into your shoes or gloves. You can purchase these at most retail stores for less than a buck.
5) snacks to eat while walking.
6) plenty of water or sport drinks.
7) If you bring the kids, have them wear a good parka and/or snow suit and snow boots. Make sure all socks and gloves are tucked into their suits and be prepared to carry them! The trail is long.