Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills

I grew up in the Hocking Hills of Ohio. In recent years this place has really taken off. It’s sad to admit, but I definitely took it for granted as a kid, and now it can be really difficult to visit because it is so popular.

This really is a “hidden” gem (though becoming less so) in Ohio that I think surprises a lot of people. You wouldn’t necessarily think of caves and waterfalls in the Buckeye state.

This state park really holds a special place in my heart, not only from growing up there, but it’s also where my husband proposed.

It also has such a lively history. A couple years ago I read about Grandma Gatewood, who was the first solo thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail; in her late 60s! She was from southern Ohio and had a big impact on the Buckeye Trail and helped start the Winter Walk on the trail through the Hocking Hills. You can find more information at the visitor center when you visit the park.

It’s really such a special place and I don’t think a painting or a picture can really do it the justice it deserves, but it’s always fun to take one of my photographs and paint the scene.