Christmas in Ohio

“I'll be in and about the Columbus area for 12 days during the Christmas Holiday. Some of the time will be visiting friends and doing the "family" thing, but we have about 6 days of that time as "unscheduled".

Any recommendations for must see day hikes while I'm visiting this great state? Got to stick with day hikes do to the nature of the visit but I plan on bringing a day pack as part of my luggage.

Thanks in advance!

~Freedom”

“Ask the Dubster, I'm sure he can hook you up.”

“you might find something ok in Wayne NF, but OH really lacks in must see hikes (IMO). If you have time to drive, venture further south into WV and do some hiking in Monongahela NF. Lotsa mustsee hiking there. It could be a haul from Columbus though. Not really sure how far. I think Dub is in the Columbus area and he goes down to WV sometimes. It could be like a 4 hour drive eachway though. If you are able to do that kinda driving and don't mind the distance definitely go to WV!
last edited: 11/30/04 9:35:20 PM”

“Plenty of things to do in or around Columbus. I would suggest checking out Hocking Hills (2 hours south) and Clifton Gorge (1 hour west). However, if you want to do some hikes closer to Columbus I can hook you up. If you'd like to do a dayhike together let me know...I also have a trip put together on the 10th of Dec if you're interested...email me with any questions.”

“I can also give you info on other things to see such as COSI, Ohio Theater, Franklin Conservatory, etc.”

“Hi Freedom! Cliffton Gorge is a must see and the Glen Helen Preserve next to it. It'd be great to see you again if you'd like to get together for a day hike. Blackhand Gorge is near Columbus too.”

“If you are going to do day hikes, you should do Hocking hills. It is about an hour from Columbus and it is very pretty. Some great waterfalls and a few nice lakes. You can see everything in a day. It is worth it.”

“I too would suggest Clifton Gorge... not only for the fun hike, which you can loop hike it with John Bryan State Park, but you can stop in at The Clifton Mill and see an incredible lite display (over 1 million). It is like its own little winter wonderland.”

“Oh yeah, the Columbus Zoo has an amazing light display as well this time of year.”

“As an alternative, you can head east to a land called Pennsylvania. Not far from Ohio, the Tracy Ridge area of Allegheny National Forest is spectacular...”

“What BiggPapa said. Spent a weekend day hiking in Hocking Hills. It was great.”

“Not as good as John Bryan/Clifton Gorge but closer is Deer Creek SP. Pretty nice, a little hilly, look for the bird blind for spotting local winter overs. South of Columbus near Mt. Sterling.
South down Rt23 1-2 hrs. takes you to Pike Lake SP-rugged and beautiful.
My fav. Scioto Trail SP hiking on the Bukeye Trail!”

“Deer Creek is an awesome place for camping.”

“Nigal, I tried to camp there this summer-it was packed! You've got to car camp at Cave Lake Campground--rt 41 south of rt 50. It's on the same road as Long's Retreat.”

“Actually all I ever done there is RVing but there is one section where the camps are far apart and there are trees between camp sights. It was very quiet too.”

“Ditto Clifton Gorge. Have to stop in the village of Clifton, though, and eat at the Mill place. Sitting over the waterfall with coffee or tea makes the trip.”

“Wow FolkS! Some great ideas and suggestions. Thanks SO MUCH!!!!

"The Baron" and I reviewed the thread and Clifton Gorge and the Zoo are on the definate list. Blackhand Gorge and Glen Helen sound interesting along with the Hocking Hills area.

Nigal... We would LOVE to get together and catch up. It will be great to see you again. Here's my email:

flyfishgal@prodigy.net

We will be in town Dec 20 through the 29th. I'll send you our info and my cell#. "The Baron" works in the health care field, but at a hospital. He used to live in Columbus for 9 years and his family still lives there.

Dub... depending on schedules maybe we can meet as well. Thanks for all the great info folks!
last edited: 12/04/04 9:21:30 PM”

“I sent ya a mail but my e mail can be funkier than James Brown sometimes. If ya don't egt it in the next day could you try e mailing me at Nigal@Care2.com?

Can't wait to see ya again!”

“Nigal... Your email came through and I sent one back last night.”