Good morning, Hocking County. Autumn in Ohio isn't just about colorful foliage—it's also prime season for ghost stories. The 1.5-mile Old Man's Cave Trail at Hocking Hills State Park has earned a spine-tingling distinction, landing on Outside magazine's list of America's most haunted hikes. Named for 19th-century settler Richard Rowe, whose spirit reportedly wanders the path alongside his spectral hounds, it's a reminder that our natural landmarks carry centuries of lore alongside their beauty.
From ghostly tales to environmental heroes, local children recently gathered at Hocking College Nature Center to meet author Jess Leibson and her beaver protagonist in "Kit the Keystone." The event celebrates the crucial role these buck-toothed engineers play in our ecosystem. Meanwhile, the arts continue flourishing with Devin Sudman's appointment as executive director at Stuart's Opera House, where his "infectious energy" promises to strengthen southeastern Ohio's cultural landscape through community partnerships.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🦫 Children's book celebrates beavers as environmental heroes at wildlife event. Author Jess Leibson read from her new book "Kit the Keystone" at Hocking College Nature Center, teaching kids about keystone species that maintain ecosystems. The story follows a baby beaver seeking a new home after invasive plants damage his pond. Leibson, who transitioned from journalism to follow her childhood passion for nature, aims to explain environmental challenges in an uplifting way. The free event included interactions with live animal ambassadors, encouraging children to help protect local environments.
👻 Ohio's Old Man's Cave Trail ranks among America's most haunted hikes. The 1.5-mile trail at Hocking Hills State Park made Outside magazine's list of the 13 Most Haunted Hikes in the U.S. Named after Richard Rowe, a 19th-century settler who died in a gun accident near the cave, visitors report seeing his ghost and his hound dogs on the trail. Nearby Moonville Tunnel, believed to harbor spirits of railroad workers killed in 1859, offers additional spooky exploration opportunities. Though considered a must-visit path, park officials warn the trail may be strenuous for inexperienced hikers or those with health issues.
🎭 A decade-long journey leads to top role at historic opera house. Devin Sudman has been appointed executive director of Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio, after serving as education director since 2021. With experience teaching music at local colleges and serving on arts boards, Sudman aims to strengthen Southeastern Ohio's arts ecosystem through community partnerships. His leadership approach emphasizes listening to community needs before taking action, with development director Kelee Riesbeck praising his "infectious energy and positivity." Under his guidance, Stuart's Opera House continues to provide impactful arts education to over 60 students in its Afterschool Music Program.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Vast woodland retreat with cabin: This rustic Hocking Hills gem offers 77 acres of rolling land with a secluded off-grid log cabin for $599,999. The property features mature hardwoods, township road access, and development potential for family getaways or vacation rentals.
Vast woodland retreat near attractions: Priced at $279,900, this 21-acre Hocking Hideout offers a blend of woods, pastures, and a year-round creek, with potential as a cabin site or recreational retreat near Wayne National Forest and Hocking Hills attractions.
Woodland chalet with secret doors: A charming $700,000 Hocking Hills chalet offers two bedrooms, spa amenities and 8.25 wooded acres, with hidden bookcase doors and outdoor lounging spaces making it ideal for both residential living and rental investment.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
-Proverbs 3:5-6
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