Trail to Balanced Rock
Cold start along the Buckeye Trail in the Hocking Hills State Forest. This section starts at the parking lot to the rappelling area located on Big Pine Road east of Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve. I walked across the road to access the footbridge, took a left at the kiosk and proceeded to follow the light blue blazes east along the Buckeye trail. The trail passes near an old house/cabin (don’t trespass) before entering into Edison Hallow. The trail is washed out in a few sections but is well marked and easy to navigate. Here you cross a small creek bed before climbing up to views of the sandstone rock outcroppings. Continue through two passages in the cliffs. You’ll see Big Pine Pillar also referred to as Balanced Rock down and to your left. Use caution along this section near the cliff edges. Overall a well needed creative hike.
Additional reference for this area of Hocking Hills can be found here -
