Cantwell Cliffs Hike: Red Trail

For our five-year anniversary we got away for the weekend to the beautiful Hocking Hills region. Since I grew up in Southern Ohio, I had already been to Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Conkle's Hollow. My highest recommendations go to Ash Cave and the Rock House, though Cedar Falls is nice when the waterfall is flowing. I'm just not very impressed with Old Man's Cave or Conkle's Hollow, though of course they are filled with vibrant foliage and neat rock formations. The only major area I hadn't visited was Cantwell Cliffs, which I want to write about today.

We got out the baby carrier and our hiking shoes, and took the red trail around the rim of Cantwell Cliffs. If you are planning to hike, head down the trail from the parking lot and turn right at the first opportunity past the shelter. (If you go left, you will go right down into Fat Woman's Squeeze, and it's better to save the best for last). Continuing on, you will get a good view of the cliff from the top as you come to a small foot bridge. This is probably the best view of the cliffs that you will see. (Compared to the view from the top of Ash Cave, not as impressive). It would be good to come after a rain so there is more flow in the waterfall, because there was barely a trickle when we went today. Then it's another half mile or so and you will start to head down some steps; follow the red marks on the trees to head back towards Fat Woman's Squeeze.

Cliff view from top:                                     Cliff view from bottom:

Now you are in the valley and will notice the red in the rock and cool erosion mostly to your left. I know it has a technical name but I'm not science-y enough for that. Pretty soon you will come to the view from the bottom of the cliff that I mentioned earlier. You can climb up under it pretty close and there are a few side trails, but since I had our five-week old in the carrier, we avoided anything too slippery. In fact, if you are taking small children, keep a very close eye on them! Another quarter mile from this cliff view you will see another cliff, and then head up Fat Woman's Squeeze (a two foot wide crack in the rock) to the place you started. All in all, less than two  miles, though the climbing and stairs will make you winded.

We didn't hike the yellow trail, so I can't comment on that part. It was a pretty hike, but I still like Ash Cave for a similar but more impressive hike. For truly unique rock formations though, go to the Rock House. For more water and shorter hike, go to Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, or Old Man's Cave. Cedar

Don't forget to pack the bug spray. Lots and lots of bugs!!