Hocking Hills State Park -

Fall Colors Hike

Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike

October 13, 2012                          1:00 PM     

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)

 

 

Winter Hike  |   Valentines Hike   |    Maple Syrup Festival   |   Wildflower Hike  |   Ohio Migratory Bird Festival   |  Frontier Trail Hike   |  Autumn Leaf Hike   |   Haunted Ohio at the Park  |  Christmas in Ash Cave

 

October   1:00 pm

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)

From all over the world, people come to gawk at the colorful spread of leaf color the Hocking Hills has to display.  And it is definitely worth the trip. The Grandma Gatewood Fall Color Hike is one of the park's more strenuous programs-covering 6 miles of Old Man's Cave's celebrated hilly ups and downs the region is known for.  The tour is guided by Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist, Pat Quackenbush, and covers the area from Old Man's Cave Visitor Center to Cedar Falls. The hike has become so popular, there are fewer stops along the way than the shorter guided tours. Hikers walk the trail, awed by the wide display of leaf colors, cliff overlooks, rock formations and waterfalls.  It is imperative that you bring drinks and snacks- 6 miles is a long hike. Although the hike is at a relaxed stride, there are some tough spots (roots, rocks, rough terrain) to pass through. This hike is not well-suited for really  young children (unless you are prepared to carry them part of the 6 miles) or if you have medical problems. And a special treat. . .at the end of the hike, the park generously offers free marshmallows and s'mores hikers can cook over an open fire.