WHEELING THROUGH AMERICA: 10 BARRIER-FREE TREASURES FROM BIG CITIES TO NATIONAL PARKS TO EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN part 7

HOCKING HILLS

Located in Southeastern Ohio, the Hocking Hills are a pristine collection of caves, trails and foothills of the Appalachians, formed by glacial action millennia ago.

Much here is accessible, even famed Ash Cave, a 90-foot high sandstone recess cave reachable by a paved trail through a woodland wonderland.

Hikers through this part of the Ohio State Parks system glimpse songbirds perched amongst the majestic hardwood trees and in the spring can view a waterfall cascading over the cave’s roof.

Nearby, a paved, wheelchair accessible trail was built in the picturesque valley floor of Conkles Hollow, also a part of Hocking Hills State Park.

The half-mile barrier-free trail gives wheelers a stunning look at the cool hemlock gorge, as well as views of the rock edifice of Blackhand sandstone towering above.

Hocking Hills State Park, Logan Ohio, 740-385-6842, http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/hocking.htm

Tomorrow: EASTERN MARKET IN DETROIT