When you think of deep rocky canyons and gorges, I imagine most would think of the western US. I was one of those people until I began discovering such places much closer to my own home. When I show people FROM Michigan some images of Pictured Rocks in Michigan’s Northern Peninsula, I often get replies of “That’s Michigan??” A while back I thought much the same as Ohio because most of my experience with Ohio was mostly along the I-75 corridor and the shoreline of Lake Erie. Quite flat with little variation – much like Southeast Michigan.
I saw some images many years ago from Hocking Hills in Ohio and guess what I said… “That’s Ohio?!” Well, for a place so close I knew I had to go there. Hocking Hills is certainly one of the hidden gems of Ohio. A bit off the beaten path for “out-of-staters”, but native Ohioans probably know it quite well. It is an area filled with gorges and waterfalls like this, deep canyons, and glacially carved rock formations. This isn’t an area where you have to hike 5 miles in to see some of these things either, it is an area that might actually be considered quite “touristy” by some. Nonetheless, it is a landscape much different from the northern regions of the state.
This image is of Cedar Falls, a popular twin waterfall in the area. When I first visited these falls, the flow was but a small trickle. But fortunately, overnight rain produced a better visual the next day. It is an area where you can work a lot of different compositions.
Ohio used to be mostly just a state that I had to cross just to get somewhere else. But as Hocking Hills proves, venture a little off the normally traveled routes, and you may discover some hidden gems that dramatically change your preconceptions of what a place has to offer.
A nice quiet walk down a well-maintained trail of steps to the gorge. You cross over a bridge and look up at a giant cliff wall. The trail to the falls is easy as you cross another bridge to obtain the ideal point to see Cedar Falls. You must backtrack on the same trail to return to the parking lot. The trail dead ends at the falls.
There are hiking trails that take you to Ash Cave and Old Mans Cave from this trail.
There is a recently opened updated toilet facility with running water. Quite an improvement from the old facility.
Good to know. I’d like to get back there soon.
You’re so much welcome Mark. The image is so wonderful. Looking forward for your new images.
What a wonderful image – I love the golden tones, the composition and beautiful textures… everything is just perfect!
Thanks folks for all the kind words. I have been out of touch without net access for the past week on my dive trip. Looking forward to catching up with what you all have been up to.
litphotography | Thursday, March 3, 2011
“This lovely image and post serve to inspire people to look a little deeper to find interesting landscapes.” Definitely true Mark. The colors and clarity are absolutely gorgeous. I remember the story of Aron Ralson in Blue John Canyon, its quite same like this. The picture stand for quite, peace of mind and purity.
“This lovely image and post serve to inspire people to look a little deeper to find interesting landscapes.” Definitely true Mark. The colors and clarity are absolutely gorgeous. I remember the story of Aron Ralson in Blue John Canyon, its quite same like this. The picture stand for quite and peace of mind.
It certainly does look like a gem of a spot! The golden color of the rocks and pool of water is soooo pretty.
A good day indeed…I’ve learned of a beautiful place, not too far from me, I’d never heard of before. Another one for my bucket list…it seems I’ll have to live to be 200 in order to visit all these places I’m accumulating.
Mark, a really wonderful job framing this shot and I love the warmth of it with the cooling white water.
I can relate Earl. Too many places, too little time. If you learn that secret to living to 200, please let me know. Of course I will need to bring my walker and electric powered wagon to tow my gear.
I agree with Tomas, the golden hue really ties everything together and the shore line leading in gives a great visual cue in its simplicity.
This lovely image and post serve to inspire people to look a little deeper to find interesting landscapes.
lovely image 🙂
It’s so beautiful. I love the light, colrs and compostion ! Perfect !
Jean-Michel
While living out there a friend took me to Hocking Hills for an afternoon venture. I was impressed with the area but never did make it back up there for some more images. And you are so right with your statement, “…venture a little off the normally traveled routes, and you may discover some hidden gems that dramatically change your preconceptions of what a place has to offer.”
Beautiful photo, Mark. I really like the golden hue all over the photo and the composition you chose works verz well for me.
Sometimes we discover some place which was so near to us that we kept it overlooking all the time, don’t we?
Love this image Mark. I particularly like the way the curved shoreline leads you into the image and to the waterfall. Hocking Hills is one of those places that I have read about and wanted to go visit for some time. I think it is about 5 hrs from my home but I haven’t managed to make it there yet as it would be more than a ‘day trip’. But you have certainly whetted my appetite to go!