Ohio tourist destination gets new center to host visitors, teach about safety
LOGAN, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — One of Ohio's top tourism destinations got a shot in the arm Monday. A new Hocking Hills Visitor Center opened to host more than four million visitors from across the United States and world each year.
The center, located near Old Man’s Cave, includes 8,500 square feet of indoor space as well as upper and lower covered verandas. It provides space to learn, explore, and plan a visit to Hocking Hills State Park.
Julieann Eckel, part of Friends of the Hocking Hills, said the building represents what Hocking Hills is all about.
“It’s big, bold (and) beautiful,” Eckel said.
Hocking Hills generates some $149 million in tourism annually. Guests can find out about the unique nature and history of the region.
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz opened the center with a ribbon cutting.
“Hocking Hills offers something different and special, every day and season,” DeWine said.
First responders rescued a woman at Conkle’s Hollow over the weekend. The woman was hiking on the east rim and authorities said she fell about 30 feet. Mertz said the center offers information to keep hikers safe.
“An important part of this entire visitors center is to teach people what to expect, go out on the trail and have (a) fun but safe adventure,” she said.
Karen Raymore with Hocking Hills Tourism said the interactive displays at the center are important in educating visitors and area residents.
“It's a way to respect and preserve this phenomenal gift we've been given,” Raymore said.
Lt. Jeremy Davis with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said people need to stay on the marked trails and be prepared for the terrain.
“If you're in an emergency situation, even if you don’t think you have cell service, try 911," Lt. Davis said. "Most of the time, if there's any carrier that works in that area, if you dial 911, it'll connect top that carrier (and) goes immediately to the first responder 911 center.”
Kelly Sorg and her husband were hiking with their four children, who range in age from nine to 11 months.
“You have to be on the trails and focused where you're going and what you're doing," said Sorg. "If you have little people with you, you have to be focused on what they're doing. There lots of signs posted at the beginning of every trail head and even along the trail as you go, reminding people to stay away from the cliffs and edges and on the trail itself.”
Mike and Sally McClain said they check the trails out in advance to find out lengths, difficulty, elevation. The couple watches where they walk and stay away from severe drop offs.
“People might want to get cool pictures and they get too close, especially if it's raining or slippery, it's easy to slip or lose your balance,” Mike cautioned.
Sally said you can’t be too well prepared for hiking Hocking Hills.
“Hike with your packs, first-aid kits, and water, and wear the right shoes," she said. "Talk to people about what works and ask questions.”
The new center costs about $6 million to build. The governor said they're talking about constructing a new lodge that'll help them highlight one of Ohio's most popular tourist destinations.
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