A Lodge With Its Own Waterfall Makes A Trip To This Midwest State Park Wildly Luxurious

When Kimball and Christine first discovered an old Boy Scout lodge needing repair in the woods outside of Columbus, Ohio, they both saw a vision of what the building could become. The property is located near Hocking Hills State Park, an area of exceptional beauty known for its hiking trails past tall forests, natural waterfalls, rock cliffs, and caves. The amazing landscape of Hocking Hills is why it was named on the Forbes Advisor list of "Best Places to Travel in 2023." The beautiful elements of this region surrounded the property that Kimball and Christine discovered, so the couple decided to embark on a project to transform the old cabin into something extraordinary.

Kimball and Christine have been renovating homes as a side business since 2011. They are also gifted musicians, and their natural talents as artists inspire them to create designs for the properties they bring back to life. They began working on a new plan for the lodge they had discovered, envisioning a luxurious escape for guests who wished to spend a few days in the peaceful environment of Hocking Hills. The result of their efforts is the creation of The Cliffs at Hocking Hills. It includes a main lodge that can sleep 18 people, along with three smaller bungalows. Set within the forest alongside several swimming holes and waterfalls, It's the spot where you feel immersed in nature within an atmosphere of luxurious amenities.

The Cantwell Lodge at The Cliffs has six bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a sleeping loft, and two living rooms. The fully-equipped kitchen includes a double oven, two dishwashers, and a gas cooktop, a perfect setup for large groups. The den features vaulted ceilings with plenty of windows to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside the home. There's even a spiral staircase hidden under an end table that leads to a game room on the ground floor, enticing guests to explore inside the lodge as well as outside.

Just a few steps from the main lodge is one of the most remarkable features of the property. Set against a steep hillside covered in dense trees, a waterfall cascades down a slope and spills into a natural swimming hole. This amazing scene is complemented by fairy-lighted decks overlooking the water, with an 8-person hot tub and an outdoor sauna nearby. Visitors may choose to jump off the deck into the pool or simply lounge on a chair and enjoy the soothing sounds of the water. Guests should note that the waterfall is seasonal and usually only runs between May and October, which is when the swimming hole is also open. Other outdoor amenities include a fire pit, a Weber grill, and a setup to play cornhole. Hiking trails to Hocking Hills State Park are just a few minutes away.

Not far from the lodge are the three 2-bedroom bungalows. These smaller homes enjoy a separate swimming area called Sandstone Falls, which features small waterfalls feeding into another natural swimming hole formed within the rock. Nearby is The Lookout, a deck area that overlooks the waterfall and the lush forest bordering the property. Each bungalow has two separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and access to the hot tub on the deck.

While visitors are provided with most of everything they need to prepare meals during their stay, Kimball and Christine have thoughtfully provided options for guests who want a break from cooking. An optional Culinary Experience package can be added separately, which includes five meals, a welcome board of seasonal delicacies, and a cocktail kit. For example, a breakfast basket would consist of pastries, yogurt, granola, and seasonal fruit. For lunch, there are fresh ingredients to create a specialty sandwich to take on a hike. 

Dinner may include items from a House Taco Kit, including ingredients for margaritas. Another dinner offering is a Mediterranean feast with items such as chicken, brisket, falafel, and hummus with fresh pita. Accommodations can be made to customize meals for guests who are vegetarians, and some gluten-free options are available as well. Eating well, enjoying a swim under a waterfall, and sleeping in luxury at The Cliffs will give every guest a feeling of good health and refreshment.