This is Ash Cave at the southern end. It is Ohio's largest stone recess, and the floor of the cave was at one time covered with ashes. It is unknown whether these were ashes from Native American fires, or from the manufacture of gunpowder.
The next famous feature is Cedar Falls. I reallly love this waterfall. Now there are railings and warning signs, etc. When I was first here, we waded and splashed in the pool with no restrictions. Here's a warning to those who don't know botany. The trees here are hemlock, but the settlers who named the falls thought they were cedar!
This water just free-falls from the top of the cliff.
An un-named feature where the trail slips through a narrow opening. I think this whole area is another on my list of places that should be the location of the next epic fantasy series.
How about a root ball? I can picture the "tentacles" starting to unwind and chase people, or growing little eyes and mouths and giving advice.
Old Man's Cave at the northern end of the State Park was the home of a settler in the 1790s. But there is evidence of occupancy even prior to that time.
This is just a beautiful plunge pool at the northern end of the park. Notice the water dropping straight down below my vantage point at the lower left.
North of the State Park is a section of Hocking State Forest. I almost like this part better than the park because it feels more wild and mystical to me. You walk for a long way above the cliff faces. When you reach the end, you find this balancing rock.
One quick turn and descent that seems magically too easy, and you are now walking at the base of the cliffs, some of which have split, leaving narrow corridors.
And then there is the goodbye. Denali and Carl left after the hike today. She and I have been together for 500 miles, and her North Country Trail total is now over 3500. We've had a blast!
Miles today: 11.2 and there are now no gaps to fill in. It was a lot of driving, but we got it done. Total miles so far: 1143.3
 | See Turning the Next Corner |
6 comments:
Thank you. It's almost like being there myself.
This looks like a very interesting place. Love that root ball.
I bet you're going to miss Denali.
Enjoying "hiking" along with you, Joan!!! What wonderful adventures you are experiencing!!!
Neat rock formations! And an amazing rootball!
Lulu: "That's super interesting topography around there! And, yeah, I have to think it's important to know your hemlocks from your ... well, basically anything else, am I right?"
What a beautiful area! Will definitely have to go there. Sad to see that Denali won't be with you in the coming miles. April
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