Hocking Hills State Park is an astonishing natural paradise tucked away in the hilly terrain of southeastern Ohio. It is part of the Hocking Hills Region in Hocking County, Ohio. Imagine a place where rugged cliffs meet whispering forests, where waterfalls carve through ancient rock creating natural masterpieces that leave visitors in awe…literally!
Table of Contents
- General Park Information
- Resources:
- What Makes Hocking Hills State Park a Must-Visit Destination?
- Planning Your Adventure to Hocking Hills State Park
- Getting Started: “Visit” the Hocking Hills Visitor Center
Now, you might be asking yourself, “Where is Hocking Hills State Park Located?” Well, it’s nestled amidst the Appalachian foothills, about 50 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio. It lies within the Allegheny Plateau, a large, dissected area of the Appalachian Mountains. The Hocking Hills region is marked with a blue pushpin on the map of Ohio below. Click the image for a larger view. This particular location gifts the park with a remarkable topography that’s not just beautiful to behold, but also richer in history than many realize.
General Park Information
Park Office:
Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center & Park Location:
- Old Man’s Cave and Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center
- 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138
- GPS Coordinates: 39.43459, -82.54181
Hocking Hills State Park Hours:
- Typically Dawn to Dusk for hiking trail locations.
- Nature Center: 10am-5pm Daily
Resources:
Trail Maps:
A visit to Hocking Hills isn’t just a quick getaway; it’s a journey into a world steeped in geological history that spans millions of years. Hocking Hills is synonymous with outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. It’s a place where urban noise is replaced by the serene sounds of nature, providing a perfect background for relaxation or adventure.
Hocking Hills State Park serves as a sanctuary for those looking to unplug and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush forests, deep ravines, and misty waterways, it offers a respite that soothes the soul and invigorates the spirit. And that’s just the beginning.
What Makes Hocking Hills State Park a Must-Visit Destination?
Imagine 2,356 acres of towering cliffs, deep recess caves, cascading waterfalls, serene ponds, flowing creeks, and lush forests teeming with wildlife. The park’s signature attractions like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls are just the beginning. There’s a good reason photography aficionados and nature lovers flock to this place.
There are 6 major attractions & hiking trails that make up the Hocking Hills State Park. Each of them are unique and awe-inspiring in their own right. As you explore each park area, it’s often hard to believe you are still in Ohio because you will feel as if you’ve been transported into a real live Jurassic Park move — with the friendliest of dinosaurs, or course! ??
You might see many other websites listing Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve as being part of the state park. This is an easy mistake to make because of the close proximity of Conkles Hollow to other major park areas such as Old Man’s Cave. But according to Ohio DNR, there are only 6 areas that make up the state park. The state park does own the parking lot at Conkles Hollow, but the nature preserve itself is part of the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves.
The 6 Major Hocking Hills State Park Trails:
Click each link above for detailed information about each park, trail maps, and lots of pictures!
In addition to the above attractions, there are several other surrounding State Parks, Nature Preserves, and Metro Park areas in the Hocking Hills Region, each with beautiful scenery and trail systems of their own. A few of the most notable and spectacular:
- Lake Logan State Park
- Lake Hope State Park
- Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve
- Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
- Wahkeena Nature Preserve
- Rock Stalls Natural Santuary
- Bosh Hollow State Nature Preserve
- Clear Creek Metro Park
- Wayne National Forest
Please check back often, as we will be adding detailed information for each and every one of the above natural wonders of the Hocking Hills region!
Whether you’re up for hiking the well-trodden trails, going on a rock-climbing adventure, zip-lining through the forest canopy, or simply enjoying a leisurely float down the Hocking River, there’s something for everyone. You can always adjust your approach down the road, but I suggest starting with any of the park’s six well-known trails, which are rich with fascinating histories and geological wonders.
The Hocking Hills State Park is a living museum, home to rich biodiversity and is committed to preserving the legacy of Ohio’s indigenous plants and wildlife. The delicate ecosystems here are interwoven with our actions, and the park provides educational resources to inform and inspire every visitor.
If you’re wondering about the best times to visit, realize that every season paints the park in a different light. Spring ushers in wildflowers and gushing waterfalls, summer brings lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, fall is a spectacular mosaic of warm colors, and winter wraps the scene in hauntingly beautiful frosts. The shift across seasons not only changes the landscape but also alters the available activities and the overall atmosphere.
Planning Your Adventure to Hocking Hills State Park
Knowing the best times to visit Hocking Hills State Park isn’t something you need to worry too much about. Almost any time throughout the year is a great time to take in the beautiful scenery and create memories. The Hocking Hills area shows off its beauty very differently throughout the year, from the lush greens in summer to the breathtaking array of fall colors, and even the icy winter landscapes that feel like another world. In fact, I much prefer to go out hiking after a heavy rainfall, or in the winter when everything is covered in ice.
Before heading out on the trails, it’s wise to prepare. You’ll want to pack and dress according to the season, with sturdy shoes for hiking and layers for changing weather. Staying hydrated is also important, so bring a water bottle with added electrolytes. A quality set of trekking poles will help navigate the varying and challenging terrain.
Keep in mind that the Hocking Hills area offers a range of accommodations, from campsites to cozy cabins, and unique lodging such as container homes, treehouses, and tiny homes. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
No matter if you’re an avid hiker, a photographer in search of the perfect shot, or someone looking to “unplug” for a peaceful break, there’s a place for you here. The park caters to all levels of adventure-seekers, and you can always adjust your approach down the road if you’re craving more or less of a challenge.
Each time you visit Hocking Hills, see it through “new eyes” and don’t worry about trying to fit everything into a day or two. My wife and I have been coming to Hocking Hills for 30+ years, and we’ve now lived here for 7+ years. Every excursion is a new and wonderous adventure for us, despite having explored the same parks and trails dozens of times in the past. It never gets old!
Getting Started: “Visit” the Hocking Hills Visitor Center
In the summer of 2019, Hocking Hills opened a beautiful new 8,500 square foot Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center. It’s wisely and conveniently located at the back of the Old Man’s Cave parking lot. There you will find interactive exhibits and educational resources to learn about the park and history of the area, along with trail maps and other information to help plan your visit. There’s also a gift shop where you can grab snacks and drinks for the trail, and some souvenirs to help remember your adventure.
Here’s what I suggest: hop on the Hocking Hills State Park official website for current updates about construction and/or closures in the area, then stop by the new Visitor Center to grab a map and get the latest information on trail conditions and events. If you’re not sure where to start, ask about guided tours that are being offered during your visit. It’s a fantastic way to learn from locals and gain insider knowledge.
I really hope that you enjoy your time at Hocking Hills State Park. Each visit holds the potential for new discoveries, moments of awe, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Take photos, breathe in the fresh air, and treasure the memories you’ll make. Safe travels, and please contact us if you have any questions!
Take Nothing But Pictures, Leave Nothing But Footprints, Kill Nothing But Time
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I have been to this place 2x so far and I can’t get enough of it! Ash Cave was originally the main reason I came here but I’ve also gone through Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkle Hollow, Cantwell Cliffs and more and to be honest, everything in Hocking Hills is amazing. It was always for a day trip though. How many days would you recommend someone spend here to get the full experience?
That’s awesome Vitaliy, and thanks for leaving a comment! Let me know if you ever come again and we’ll have to meet up for a hike (one you’ve never done, of course). My wife and I have been coming to Hocking Hills for over 30 years, and we’ve now lived here for just over 6 years — I still feel like I’m trying to get the full experience! ? But seriously, if you pack your food/drink with you, I think a solid 2-days is enough to hike the 6 major trails of Hocking Hills State Park, in addition to a couple of the nearby Nature Preserves such as Conkles Hollow and Rockbridge. But there are a few off-the-beaten path spots that most people don’t know about. Those would require a 3rd day for sure. I will blogging about all these, and more, over the coming weeks & months.