The Hocking Hills region is celebrating America’s 250th birthday this January with a special hike and festival planned.
On Saturday, Jan. 17, the region will hold its 60th-annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike, which will also double as one of the country’s first in a lineup of celebrations throughout the year of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The hike kicks off at 9 a.m. at Old Man’s Cave, with continuous starts through 11 a.m.
The hike will take you past Cedar Falls, where hikers will stop for a midway break with complimentary hot bean soup and cornbread from the local Kiwanis Club. The hike ends at Ash Cave, where the Lions Club will give out hot chocolate and donuts.
Organizers suggest hikers wear layered clothing and footwear with good traction or crampons as the trails can become slippery in the winter. Hikers are also encouraged to take photos and videos of the winter landscape and share them to social media, using the hashtag #MyHockingHills.
“Winter is truly magical in the Hocking Hills, as visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a completely different beauty and while immersing themselves in a spectacular winter wonderland,” Explore Hocking Hills Communications Director James Martin said in a press release. “And they love the chance to be active in the outdoors, which combined with the deep gorges and rock formations, warms hikers up for a fantastic experience.”
Also happening Jan. 17 is the ninth-annual Frozen Festival, featuring more than two dozen large ice sculptures, as well as ice-carving demonstrations, live music, ice cornhole and Skee-Ball. Visitors can also browse local arts and crafts vendors and try local food trucks and restaurants. There will also be a giant ice photo frame and ice throne to snap that perfect, commemorative selfie.
You can learn more about the Hocking Hills Winter Hike here, and the Frozen Festival here.