This is my third annual Superbowl Eve Hike. Just happens to be on Groundhogs Day Eve. This time we will hike to Balanced Rock. This is a lesser known area in the Hocking Hills Region but is one of my personal favorite areas. The official hike will begin at the parking cords around 9:13am and take a leisure hike to Balanced Rock. You don't have to come on the official hike if you don't want to but you need to be in view of Balanced rock between 10 n 10:31, yes, I am giving you an extra minute. I will serve HOT cocoa for anyone attending, but please, BYOC (bring you own cup). After the event, you are free to do whatever you like or continue hiking with the group.
If we arrive early enough, you can check out the Earthcache here GC1BBMB, otherwise you need to wait until 10:32 to do it. We can stop at GC2963A Earthcache on the way back to parking if the majority would like to.
Afterwards, we can do another nearby hike. I was thinking Cantwell Cliffs State Park. Parking N39˚32.410' W082˚34.540' Other possibilities include Rockbridge (parking N39˚33.983' W082˚29.958') (unfortunately, I don't believe dogs are welcome here but they may be tired and enjoy a nap in the car) the total hike here is around 2 miles and has one of the nicest Natural Bridges in Ohio. Nearby is a 600 year old White Oak Tree if anyone would like to see it at N39˚32.656' W082˚24.403' (I am not 100% sure on these cords)
Some of us hardy types may be camping at Hocking Hills State Park and do another hike on Sunday morning. Anyone and everyone is invited to our campfire. This is not part of the event but can be a lot of fun. No bugs or snakes to worry about.
Suggested Items to bring with you include, crampons or micro spikes in case of ice (we learned this last year), a CUP for a hot drink, hiking stick, hiking boots, camera, extra batteries, saved geocaches (phone service is very spotty here), water and food