| Progress Report |
 | Teams of structural inspectors visited each bridge along the Old Man’s Cave trail system and made a detailed evaluation of the damage. Many bridges were completely washed out by the force of the water and are being replaced. |
 | Those bridges which survived the flood were inspected to ensure safety and structural integrity. Of the 13 bridges along the targeted trails, two, the Bridge above Upper Falls and the Bridge at Devils Bathtub will be repaired. All the other bridges are being replaced. |
| Lots of improvements are in the works for the next two years. Make plans to visit Hocking Hills State Park and enjoy the changing face of this popular destination. |
 | Two bridges--at Old Man’s Cave and Lower Falls--have been replaced by temporary structures which ensure accessibility to these favorite hiking spots. The temporary bridges will be replaced by new structures with similar aesthetic appeal as the old bridges. Pictured is the temporary bridge at Old Man’s Cave. The new bridges will begin construction in late summer 2001. |
| Construction progress of new bridges. |
 | Under construction, this replacement bridge will be completed in May 2001. Current work includes the construction of concrete abutments with stone/concrete protective retaining walls. The new bridge will be a Cor-ten steel structure with a wood deck walking surface. Cor-ten steel is a specialty steel that rusts very quickly, then the rust forms a protective layer that prohibits additional rust. This material requires little maintenance such as painting. |
 | The masons are initiating the stone facing that will become the protective wall to stabilize the concrete abutment supporting the bridge beams. This wall was located to also assist the existing tree from future erosion of its root system. |
 | This is a new bridge location currently under construction. In the background is Route 374. The trail, on the far side, leading off to the right connects to the stairs down to Cedar Falls. The intent of this bridge is to connect the Gorge Overlook Trail, (foreground), with the Meadow above Cedar Falls so that hikers will not have to walk on Route 374. |
 | The proposed bridge will be a suspension bridge constructed of Cor-ten steel. |
 | This location was carefully selected to not damage any trees and to provide an overlook on the near side to view future natural initiatives in the Meadow. In the background is a large medallion of the image that appears in the rock face at Old Man's Cave. |
| Check out Hocking's other scenic hiking areas; Ash Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Rock House, Cedar Falls, and Cantwell Cliffs. |
