Road Trip Day 2: Ohiopyle State Park, PA, Friendship Hill NHS, PA, Hocking Hills State Park, OH

After breaking down camp we checked out the natural water slides in Ohiopyle but the water was really high so it would have been unsafe, also cold, to try them.  We've been on them before an they were super fun but can be crowded on a hot day.  We found the evening was less busy and they are just at the bottom of the hill before you go to the campground so quite convenient if you're camping.

Natural water slides in Ohiopyle State Park

Next up we drove to Friendship Hill NHS which was country home to Albert Gallatin who was Secretary of the Treasury with Jefferson and Madison.  He was involved in the Louisiana Purchase.  The park staff seems humored that Alexander Hamilton who held the same position previous to Gallatin has a musical (I think secretly they think Gallatin deserved one too, for all he accomplished) Anyway, his house is self guided and basically a complete reconstruction except for what had been the second kitchen.  The property itself is amazing.  It is on a bluff overlooking the Monongahela River.  There are several walking and hiking trails as well.  

Friendship Hill NHS

Our next plan was to try a couple state parks in Ohio for the nights camping accommodations.  However, we spent more time at Mr Gallatin's house then we meant to so we only had time to try one park, Hocking Hills State Park.  This park ended up being different than I was expecting.  It had some neat spots but was super touristy.  The campground was basically a bunch of rv sized driveways with little patches of grass jammed tightly together with no privacy between sights.  Also, a raccoon was hanging out on a picnic table in broad daylight next to a family of campers.  I mean maybe he was their pet?  All I could think of was rabies though... Anyway the park has some neat water and cave features that we spent time exploring and did enjoy.

Waterfall near Old Mans Cave

Cedar Falls

Ash Cave

As we couldn't find a great campground we decided to book it to Dayton, our next destination and stay in a hotel.  We decided to make it a race and get into town in time to eat at Spaghetti Warehouse before it closed at 10pm.  We made it!  I regret Spaghetti Warehouse though, Spaghetti Factory is far superior.  Warehouse had good deals going on and our waitress gave us some free stuff as well so it worked out.  It was no Spaghetti Factory.

Next up Dayton Aviation Heritage NHS, Wright Brothers Sites, National Museum of the US Airforce.