Cedar Falls and Ash Cave

I visited two areas of Hocking Hills on this day. The first was Cedar Falls.

The trail to Cedar Falls.

In January 1998 a massive flood washed out all the man-made structures in the gorge, including this bridge. When they rebuilt the bridge, they decided to re-use the main "bent" steel girders as a reminder of what happened and will likely happen again. That's why the bridge has a curve.

Hundreds of people have left stone cairns to mark their passing through here.

Cedar Falls was named by early settlers who mistook the Eastern Hemlocks that thrive here for Cedar trees. No Cedar trees grow near the waterfall.

Here are some views of part of Grandma Gatewood's trail that leads from Cedar Falls to Ash Cave.

This section of trail is about 2 1/2 miles one-way.

I did not hike the whole distance due to time constraints in having to hike back the same way. 

I went about half way on the trail, turned back and then drove to Ash Cave.

I was very impressed to find an accessible trail to Ash Cave.

The Rim Trail is not accessible, so I took the accessible trail in and the Rim trail back, making a loop.

Accessible trail to Ash Cave.

History of Ash Cave:

One of the views of the gorge cliffs from the trail.

Approaching Ash Cave…a huge rock shelter.

This boy wanted someone to notice him and take his picture, so I did.

The foggy looking area in the center is mist from the waterfall.

Not much water falling right now.

Ash Cave

The trail continues behind the falls.

Pool below the waterfall.

You can see the groove that rushing water has cut through the rock.

Climbing the stairs that lead up to the Rim trail and looking down at the scene below.

Last look at Ash Cave.

Stairs to the rim.

The Rim trail back to the parking area.

I have one more area of this park to write about, then on to other adventures.