Winter Events Planned for Ohio's Hocking Hills' Visitors

    LOGAN, OH, December 21, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Travelers are discovering a new level of winter events in Ohio's Hocking Hills region, with unique ways to experience the great outdoors this winter- and in one of the Midwest's most beautiful natural regions. Various winter events, activities and accommodations are available for visitors this season.

The region's many spectacular waterfalls often freeze in winter, creating dazzling sculptural formations. Visitors can experience this scenic winter wonderland during the 45th Annual Winter Hike, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. This winter hike tradition brings visitors, families and nature lovers together on a six-mile trek past frozen waterfalls, ice-lined caves and snow-sparkled trees. The hike runs from Old Man's Cave, through Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. Starting at 9 a.m., the exhilarating trek takes three to five hours and features a lunch of bean soup, muffins and cocoa amid the beauty of Cedar Falls. Another winter hike, the Feb. 13 Sweetheart Hike in Ash Cave is a leisurely 1/4 mile hike that also ends with refreshments.

The Hocking Hills' beauty can also be enjoyed by participating in the region's extraordinary scenic air tours. Starting at $30 per person for two people, skilled pilot, flight instructor and amateur comedian Harry Sowers gives an incredibly informative and entertaining tour of the region in his Cessna.

"From the air, you can really see the 'bones' of this beautiful land during the winter," Sowers said. "Our flying guests clearly see the caves and the gorges, and viewing them from the air gives visitors a whole new perspective on the unique geological footprint of this area." Sowers added that travelers are highly encouraged to bring their cameras.

Thrill-seekers will love the year-round adventure of Hocking Hills Nature Trails, a one-of-a-kind ATV park with expert ATV instruction, rental and miles of private trails available all winter long. Guests will experience adventures unlike anything else as they cruise through twisting forested nature trails surrounded by Hocking Hills' sparkling winter scenery.

Other winter activities for visitors in the Hocking Hills' parks include ice fishing at Rose Lake and Lake Logan, cross-country skiing and sledding. In addition, tree climbing (offered in temperatures above 40°F) and animal tracking hikes are available. Winter offers the best time to track Hocking Hills' wildlife, with evidence of deer, fox and beaver. For bird lovers, with the normally abundant fall foliage gone from the trees, winter is an ideal time for bird watching in the Hocking Hills. In addition, dramatic black vultures, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls are more visible in winter months.

For more information about Hocking Hills' winter events, visit www.1800hocking.com.

About Hocking Hills
Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, Hocking Hills offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of admission-free activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns. In addition to hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills area offers unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and more. Complete traveler information is available at www.1800Hocking.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).

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