Exploring Three of Ohio’s Surviving National Road S Bridges
The National Road brought a more deliberate form of overland travel across eastern Ohio, carrying stagecoaches, wagons, livestock, and westbound settlers along the first highway built entirely with federal funds. As the road crossed the rolling streams of Muskingum and Guernsey counties, its builders used stone arch bridges that were practical, durable, and suited to the terrain. Among the most distinctive survivors are Ohio’s S bridges, whose curved approaches gave each crossing its name.
New Year’s in Hocking Hills: Winter Hiking at Cantwell Cliffs, Rock House, and Whispering Cave
A New Year’s winter visit to Hocking Hills State Park in southeast Ohio unfolded under an overnight snowfall that left roughly a half inch of fresh powder across the landscape. Cold temperatures and slick conditions thinned the crowds, lending the park a quieter, more deliberate character. We spent several days moving through the hills with my partner and Theo, our cattle dog, following a loose arc between some of the park’s most distinct sandstone formations.
Preserving History: The Story of the Jackson County Bicentennial Barn
On an early autumn morning, the Jackson County Bicentennial Barn on the Pleasant View Farm stood bright against a clear blue sky, its red linseed-oil siding still carrying traces of the sun-faded Ohio Bicentennial logo. The bold blue script and white banner painted across its broad gable face recalled a time when these barns, one for each of Ohio’s eighty-eight counties, were symbols of statewide pride.
A New Year’s Retreat at Hocking Hills
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.
Big Spring Hollow Hike: A Seasonal Waterfall and Wildflower Wonder
Nestled within the vast Hocking State Forest lies the tranquil Big Spring Hollow area, a nature lover's delight waiting to be explored. While the main draw is the towering 120-foot Big Spring Hollow Falls, reportedly one of the tallest in the state, this hidden gem offers much more than just a breathtaking cascade.
Awash in Color: Exploring Bison Hollow’s Springtime Splendor
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the serene beauty of Bison Hollow Preserve beckons. Tucked away spanning Hocking and Vinton counties, this 1,000-acre refuge envelops visitors in the quintessential Hocking Hills landscape.
Revisiting a Snowy Day in Ashland
On the hottest day of 2024, I thought it would be timely to revisit one of the coldest days of the preceding winter when the Ashland, Kentucky, area was blanketed with heavy snowfall.
Rebuilding Hocking Hills: Old Man’s Creek Bridge
In the serene setting of Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park, a remarkable concrete bridge spans Old Man's Creek. Made from a series of cast-in-place concrete platforms and piers, this bridge is a testament to both resilience and design.
Ohio’s Bicentennial Barns
On my recent journey through the scenic Hocking Hills region in southeast Ohio, I paused to photograph a sight that has become a cultural landmark: a Bicentennial Barn, standing proudly along the roadsides across the state. These barns serve as a poignant tribute to Ohio’s history and rich agricultural legacy.
Crisp Air and Crimson Leaves: A Journey Through Hocking Hills
In my recent travels to the scenic southeastern corner of Ohio, I was spellbound by the vibrant tapestry of autumn hues. Despite a summer and early fall largely devoid of rain, the landscape was awash with mesmerizing colors.