It was a beautiful weekend of hiking throughout Hocking Hills State Park and I wanted to find a short, moderate hike that would be a little challenging as well as scenic.  Cantwell Cliffs Loop was the perfect trail measuring less than 2 miles featuring gorges and a gorgeous waterfall.  Located 17 miles from Old Man’s Cave, this would also be a convenient stop on my way back home to Columbus.

The fall leaves had collected along the edges of the trail .  As I reached the top of the stairs, I caught a glimpse of a bushy tail rushing up beech a tree.

Created by the erosion of the rock caused by the Buck Run tributary, the Cantwell trail runs through both the gorge and the rim of the cliffs.  The stairways leading up to the rim were steep and made for a great work out, a section of the trail known as Fat Woman’s Squeeze.

A closer look at the Blackstone rock showed striations as well as small caverns.  Thin layers of moss covered the boulders and streaming lines of ants were leaving from their little cave homes in search of food.

The scenery throughout this hike was unique with twisted trees and tight spaces between the rocks.  Quietly enjoying my surroundings, I could hear the crunching of leaves beneath my boots and the occasion tweet from a bird.

Ascending the trail, I looked back to see the thick woods of white poplar trees.  The wind was beginning to pick up with the light flutter of branches and leaves and soon I had approached the waterfall.

While I was excited to see the waterfall, it was only a trickle  of water.  The sound coming from the small stream and droplets echoed off of the rocks as the water slowly reached the ground.  I as a little disappointed that there was not much of a fall, so I will ahve to return again to see it this summer.   I always love an excuse to hike.

Have you hiked Cantwell Cliffs?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my spring hike of Cantwell Cliffs and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:   

Cantwell Cliffs at Hocking Hills State Park
13540 OH-374
Rockbridge, OH  43143
Telephone:  740 385 6842

• Admission Fee: Free
• Hours:  Open daily from dusk to dawn
• Tips for Your Visit:  Where sturdy shoes or hiking boots and during the rainy seasons, you may want a walking stick to keep from falling.  Early morning hikes are best in season as the trails can fill up.  Try hiking the trail during each of the seasons for a different perspective.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium
13984 OH-664 Scenic
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:   740 270 2697

Where to Eat:

Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ
12790 Grey Street
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:  740 385 5341

What to Read: 

• Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
• Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.