Hocking Hills, Ohio Parks and Attractions

Hocking Hills, Ohio: THE LAND OF AHHS...

You’ll find that the countless outdoor treasures hidden in Ohio’s Hocking Hills will take your breath away. Here are some natural highlights:

Hocking Hills State Park

Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and deep gorges are all found in Hocking Hills State Park. Actually encompassing six distinctly different natural areas, Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio offers such great diversity and such incredible outdoor options, that the Hocking Hills State Park area will call you back again and again. With each visit you will enjoy a new experience at this magnificent Ohio State Park, including:

Ash Cave
Cantwell
Cedar Falls
Lake Logan
Old Man’s
Rock House

The park also features a seasonal dining lodge, public swimming pool, camp grounds, rental cottages, picnic areas and shelter houses, a visitors center and naturalists’ cabin.

For more information call 740-385-6841 or visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources web site or the Hocking Hills State Park web site which includes trail maps of the area.

Hocking Hills State Park and nearby natural areas include:: Old Man's Cave; Cedar Falls; Ash Cave; Rock House; Cantwell Cliffs; Lake Logan State Park; Clear Creek Metro Park; Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve; Rockbridge State Nature Preserve; Hocking State Forest; Tar Hollow State Park and Forest; Lake Hope State Park; Wayne National Forest; Kessler Swamp State Nature Preserve

Old Man’s Cave

Named after a Civil War-era hermit, Old Man’s Cave features waterfalls, swirling pools, deep gorges and massive rock formations. Picturesque sites include the Devil’s Bathtub, Old Man’s Cave, Sphinx Head, Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Broken Rock Falls. Entrance to hiking trails is located on St. Rt. 664 at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. [more]

Cedar Falls

Some of the most magnificent terrain in the area can be seen as you hike through a succession of beautiful valleys and a steep-walled gorge to stand beside this waterfall, which flows magnificently over 50 feet of cliff face. Deep grooves and craggy potholes were created by cascading water over the face of breathtaking Black Hand sandstone. Enter from St. Rt. 374 between St. Rts. 664 and 56. [more]

Ash Cave

Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in Ohio. Its rim of the cave spans more than 700 feet around a sandstone horseshoe. A misty waterfall plunges 90 feet from the rim to the valley floor below. The roof of Ash Cave measures 100 feet from the edge of the rim to the cave’s deepest part. Ash Cave features an easy, scenic walk to the cave and waterfall. This path is fully wheelchair accessible. Ash Cave entrance is located on St. Rt. 56. [more]

Rock House

Rock House is particularly unique in the Hocking Hills region, as it is the only true cave in the park. This grand tunnel-like corridor is situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Black Hand sandstone. Throughout the region’s rich history, Rock House was used as shelter by many, including Native Americans and early settlers who often hid in the cave after committing robberies. Its entrance located on St. Rt. 374 and Thompson Road, north of Conkle’s Hollow.

Cantwell Cliffs

Located furthest north of the six Hocking Hills State Park areas, Cantwell Cliffs is a massive overhanging horseshoe-shaped cliff. Its sheer drop-off plummets more than 150 into a gorge. A rock shelter, recess cave and large slump rocks make Cantwell Cliffs a favorite among visitors. One particularly narrow point on the trail, known as "Fat Woman’s Squeeze," gives larger hikers an unexpected challenge. Located on St. Rt. 374 near the village of Rockbridge. [more]

Lake Logan State Park

Lake Logan was developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1955 for recreational purposes. It’s now one of the finest fishing lakes in Ohio. Lake Logan sports northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye. This day-use park provides scenic picnic and swimming areas, as well as secluded walking paths where visitors enjoy the wooded beauty of Ohio’s hill country. Located just south of U.S. 33 on St. Rt. 664, turn on Lake Logan Road.

For more information call 740-385-6841 or visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources web site which includes a map of the Lake Logan area.

Clear Creek Metro Park

The largest park in the Metro Parks’ system presents an array of ecosystems that are the result of the past geologic events and climatic patterns. Wildlife abounds. More than 800 flowering plants have been identified in the area. Fishing is permitted on five miles of Clear Creek. A naturalist is available to present programs or lead cultural history walks for organized groups at prescheduled times. The park is located at U.S. 33 and Hocking County Road 114 (Clear Creek Road).

For more information call 740-385-1834 or visit the Metro Parks web site.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve

This gorge offers hikers the natural beauty of the precipitous sandstone cliffs and the serenity of a shaded, cool valley floor. The narrowness of the gorge, the height of the sandstone walls and the countless hemlocks that grow in the hollow, screen the sunlight, preventing much of it from touching the floor of the gorge. The rim trail is also available for more experienced, cautious hikers. It offers a thrilling view of Conkle’s Hollow and the surrounding hills. St. Rt. 374 and Big Pine Road.

For more information call 614-265-6453 or visit the Conkle's Hollow web site .

Click here to download brochure (in pdf format).

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

The natural arch or bridge known as Rockbridge is more than 100 feet long and 10 to 20 feet wide. It gracefully arches 50 feet spanning a beautiful ravine. Considered to be the largest natural bridge in the state, it’s the highlight of an known for a diverse selection of wildflowers. The natural Rockbridge is accessible by hiking trail or canoe.

For more information call 614-265-6453 or visit the Rockbridge web site.

Hocking State Forest

Hocking State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept with special emphasis on maintaining or creating a forest cover that will enhance woodland recreation. Natural vegetation provides an unusual variety of native plant and associated wildlife. Activities include bridal trails, rock climbing and rappelling, hunting and fishing and hiking. Forest offices are located at 19275 St. Rt. 374. Rock Climbing and Repelling area is on Big Pine Road past Conkle’s Hollow.

For more information call 740-385-4402 or visit the Hocking State Forest web site which includes special bridle trail info and map of Hocking State Forest.

Tar Hollow State Park and Forest

Twisting park and forest roads pass through deep ravines and dense woodlands. Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines growing on the ridges were once a source of pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow. Dogwoods, redbuds and a variety of wildflowers color the hillsides in the springtime. Fall’s pageant of color is spectacular. The state park offers 21 miles of hiking trails and 33 miles of bridle trails. 16396 Tar Hollow Road near Laurelville.

For more information call 740-887-4818 or visit the Tar Hollow web site.

Lake Hope State Park

Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 24,000-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. Abandoned mines, ancient mounds and beautiful scenery provide interest and pleasure for hikers, photographers, nature lovers and historians alike. Includes a campground, cottages, a restaurant, hiking and bridle trails. Located near Nelsonville at 27331 State Route 278 in McArthur.

For more information call 740-596-5253 or visit the Lake Hope web site

Wayne National Forest

The Wayne National Forest is a slice of classic Americana. The countryside is a blend of forested hillsides and pastureland. The history of the area is interwoven with the present -- from ancient Adena Indian mounds in the center of small communities, to covered bridges along rural roads, or the skeletal remains of the great rock iron furnaces. The Wayne lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Much of the Wayne National Forest was strip mined at the turn of the century, so part of the Forest is in various stages of reclamation and revegetation. The Wayne is popular for its ORV, mountain bike, horse and hiking trails. These trails travel through some of the most striking landscapes that Ohio has to offer with a variety of vegetation, rock outcrops, and many species of wildlife.

For more information call the Nelsonville office at 740-753-0101 or visit the Wayne National Forest web site

Kessler Swamp State Nature Preserve

A recent gift to ODNR, the Kessler Swamp Nature Preserve is located on Hide-Away Hills road, adjacent to the Hide-Away Hills community. A variety of wetland-dwelling plants thrive in the swamp, including button-bush and bur-marigold. During the spring and fall migration period, the preserve offers excellent waterfowl viewing. The interior is not accessible to foot traffic; however, there is a small vehicle pull-off area and an observation deck where visitors can observe wildlife in an undisturbed setting.

For more information call 614-265-6453 or visit the Kessler Swamp web site

Hocking County also offers natural areas that are accessible by permit only. Call 614-265-6453 for more details. They include:

Crane Hollow State Nature Preserve
Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve
Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve
Sheick Hollow State Nature Preserve
Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area