Located just an hour from Columbus in southeastern Ohio, the Hocking Hills area is noted for its natural beauty. Indeed, with nine state parks and more than 9,000 acres of forest land, it’s an ideal off-the-beaten-path destination. And although that often translates to “not wheelchair-accessible,” fortunately that’s not the case here.

Ash Cave
Ash Cave tops the list of accessible natural attractions in the area. Located in Hocking Hills State Park, it’s not a cavern type of a cave (liked Carlsbad Caverns). Rather, it’s a massive horseshoe-shaped recess.

And the good news is, a quarter-mile paved trail winds alongside the river and leads to the cave. The surrounding trees provide nice shade cover and the level trail is well maintained and easily navigable in a wheelchair or a scooter. As an added bonus, there’s a misty waterfall at the end of the trail, right next to the cave. There are also several picnic tables at the trailhead, and it’s a very pleasant spot for a lunch stop.

Conkle’s Hollow
For another great outdoor experience, head over to Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, located approximately 15 miles southwest of Logan, just off State Route 374 on Big Pine Road. Known for its sandstone gorge and spectacular vistas, Conkle’s Hollow had long been inaccessible to anybody with a mobility disability.

All that changed in November 2004 when improvements were made to the Gorge Trail. According to Jeff Johnson, District Preserve Manager for ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, “Once it was decided that an improved trail would be constructed at Conkle’s Hollow, we also decided to make it as accessible as possible.”

Today an accessible boardwalk bridge leads from the parking area to the half-mile long Gorge Trail. The level trail features a 6-foot-wide concrete path for approximately two-thirds of its length as it winds through a narrow sandstone gorge covered with ferns.

There are no railings along the trail, and be forewarned that there are some small drop-offs on the sides. Although it’s not technically billed as “totally ADA compliant,” it’s just as accessible as the trail to Ash Cave. Wheelers and slow walkers are now afforded the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery there.

Inn at Cedar Falls
And for a nicely accessible place to rest your head, check out the Inn at Cedar Falls. Located just minutes from Hocking Hills State Park, the property features cabins, cottages, and inn rooms. Accessible lodging choices include the two-bedroom Redbud Cabin and the one-bedroom Sumac Cottage.

The Redbud Cabin features a full kitchen and an upstairs bedroom for children, while the Sumac Cottage is more appropriate for a couple. Both cabins have ramped access to the front door, wide doorways, and a bathroom featuring a roll-in shower, hand-held showerhead, and a roll-under sink. A portable shower bench is available.

Either cabin makes a very accessible choice. As one former guest puts it, “The wheelchair access here is a rare and appreciated plus.”

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

See Related Articles
Read Explore Wheelchair Accessible Amish Indiana to learn more about visiting Amish country and enjoying all it has to offer.

If you're traveling through the Midwest, be sure to stop by Chicago and take advantage of some free attractions.  For more information, see Six Free Things to do in Chicago—Wheelchair Accessible and Fun.