My girlfriend and I ventured to the picturesque Hocking Hills for a few days of winter relaxation as we welcomed the new year. Surrounded by stunning landscapes of snow-dusted trees and calm trails, we absorbed in the atmosphere and enjoyed quality time together, making unforgettable memories to start the year off right.

We embarked on our journey from Indiana on January 1, 2025, as a wintry mix greeted us on the drive. The journey was uneventful but peaceful, our minds still hazy from the previous night’s festivities at the neighborhood tavern.

We reserved a charming, tiny cabin from Postcard Cabins, perched atop a hill near Nelsonville. The cabin featured a cozy queen bed, a compact kitchen, a bathroom with a hot shower, and an outdoor recreation area. Postcard Cabins aims to provide “experiences that feel, well, picture-perfect,” and despite the gray skies and bare trees upon our arrival, the setting lived up to its promise. After unpacking, we prepared dinner and settled in for a comfortable evening.

The following day, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Ash Cave. The area was tranquil, with only the gentle rumble of a 100-foot waterfall along the East Fork of Queer Creek breaking the silence. Ash Cave, Ohio’s oldest recessed cave, is an impressive sight, measuring 700 feet in length and 100 feet in depth, with traces of history in the form of massive ash piles. These piles likely originated from Native American campfires or early smelting activities, giving the cave its name.

Unlike my previous visits, the waterfall at Ash Cave flowed thanks to recent rains, adding an exciting element to the experience. While the flow wasn’t heavy, it made the visit more dynamic and engaging.

We then embarked on a hike along the Grandma Gatewood Trail/Buckeye Trail from Cedar Falls to Old Man’s Cave. I was eager to try this moderately rugged trail for the first time. It follows Queer Creek and includes areas that require scrambling around boulders and navigating abrupt inclines.

About 15 minutes west of Cedar Falls, we arrived at Whispering Falls, a slender 100-foot plunging waterfall with a narrow four-foot crest. This waterfall only flows after significant rain, and we were fortunate to see it in action as it dropped directly into Queer Creek.

Along the trail, I took a snapshot of Ellie with her Australian Cattle Dog, Theo. The lighting was perfect that day, softly illuminating the forest floor, Blackhand sandstone walls, and the subjects.

We also made a brief detour to see Broken Rock Falls, a 60-foot horsetail waterfall on Hadden Hollow Creek. With its narrow five-foot width, the falls were a hidden gem, enhanced by the tranquil surroundings.

Due to our frequent stops for photographs and breaks, we arrived at Old Man’s Cave later than anticipated. To save time, we exited the gorge at Broken Rock Falls, crossed the A-Frame Bridge, and followed the Gorge Overlook Trail back to Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls, located along Queer Creek, is known as Hocking Hills’ most voluminous waterfall. In the mid-1850s, a mill was built just above this impressive 50-foot horsetail cascade. Interestingly, the area got its name from the tall hemlock trees present there, which were mistakenly identified as cedars.

As the daylight set over the Cedar Falls gorge, we departed and headed to a local ice cream parlor in Logan.

The next morning, we awoke in the cabin to find a fresh covering of snow. After breakfast, we set out toward Hocking Hills State Park, stopping along the way to capture quick snapshots of the snowy landscape, including scenes from Ohio Route 374 near Ash Cave and aerial views of the Ash Cave Fire Lookout Tower.

We then embarked on a rugged loop trail within the park connecting Upper Falls, Old Man’s Cave, and Lower Falls. Although there was less than an inch of snow, it coated the ground and trees, creating a gorgeous winter landscape. The light snowfall also kept the trails relatively clear and the crowds sparse—starkly contrasting with the busier summer months.

Old Man’s Cave is the most popular spot in Hocking Hills, showcasing a variety of attractions, including Devil’s Bathtub, Upper Falls, and Lower Falls, all connected by a half-mile gorge intricately carved from Blackhand sandstone. An intricate trail system crisscrosses the site: some trails run alongside the rims on the northern and southern edges, while another trail weaves through the gorge itself. Old Man’s Cave is named after Richard Rowe, a 19th-century hermit who once inhabited a rock shelter there. Legend has it that Rowe’s final resting place is under a nearby cave ledge.

As our New Year’s trip to Hocking Hills came to an end, we found ourselves reflecting on the serene beauty and quiet moments we shared. From the cascading waterfalls to the snow-covered trails, each experience felt like a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The cozy cabin nestled in the hills served as a perfect retreat, while the park’s scenic hikes and hidden gems reminded us of nature’s ability to inspire and renew. It was the ideal way to start the year—filled with adventure, tranquility, and lasting memories.