waterfall under a bridge at Hocking Hills State Park

Thick woodlands, rock formations, recess caves, and picturesque waterfalls surround beautiful Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, Ohio. This serene state park is located next to Hocking State Forest just 57 miles southeast of Columbus.

Guests enjoy hiking the park’s 25 miles of trails, exploring the spacious caves, boating, birdwatching, picnicking, camping and staying in the resort style lodge.

Activities

You’ll find plenty to keep you occupied inside Hocking Hills State Park, whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days. Explore the trails, get a closer look at the recess caves and waterfalls, kayak, fish, swim in the pool at the lodge and check out the Visitor Center’s gift shop and exhibits.

Pack a picnic, you’ll find tables and grills scattered throughout this Ohio state park. Then stop into the Visitor Center, located near Old Man’s Cave. It features a gift shop, exhibits, and interactive displays on the area’s flora and fauna.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Hocking Hills State Park:

Boating at Hocking Hills State Park

Kayak, canoe or paddle along Rose Lake during your visit to Hocking Hills State Park. This 17-acre lake is also open to boats with electric motors. Registered campers have direct access to the lake, all others may launch from a half mile hiking trail located on State Road 374.

A view of the lake at Hocking Hills State Park on a cloudy day

Hiking at Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park features 25 miles of trails that wind through the woods, along the lakes, caves and into the adjacent state forest.

Here are a couple of the trails at Hocking Hills State Park:

  • Ash Cave Trail – An easy 0.5 mile trail that leads to the majestic Ash Cave and waterfall. The trail is paved up to the wooden staircase that leads into the cave. Once you are in the massive cave the path is sandy.
  • Buckeye Trail – A moderate 3 mile loop with a few steep sections. Hills, narrow passageways, slippery rock sections and views of Old Man’s Cave and Rose Lake make this trail popular.

Conckles Hollow Trail through the trees at Hocking Hills State Park

Horseback Riding at Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park has 5 miles of equestrian trails for guests traveling with their horses. Another 33 miles are available for riding inside nearby Hocking State Forest.

Fishing at Hocking Hills State Park

Fishing is popular year round inside Hocking Hills State Park, so pack your fishing gear and plan for a quiet day along Rose Lake. You just might catch channel catfish, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, bluegill and crappie. But remember to pick up an Ohio fishing license before heading over to the park.

Archery at Hocking Hills State Park

Interested in archery? Hocking Hills State Park offers a state of the art archery range for guests who bring their own archery equipment. The range, open year round, includes 5 static targets and 22 3D targets.

a view from inside Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park

Hunting at Hocking Hills State Park

Hunting is permitted within designated areas inside both Hocking Hills State Park and Hocking State Forest. Remember to pick up a Ohio Hunting License and check in with the park office for current rules and regulations.

Birding at Hocking Hills State Park

The hardwood forest, hills and along Rose Lake are ideal for bird watching. Bring your binoculars and quietly explore throughout Hocking Hills State Park. You just might see a Bald Eagle, Brown Creeper, Magnolia Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-headed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, or a Red Cardinal.

Woodpeckers, warblers, owls, herons, swans, hawks and many more bird species have been sighted throughout this rustic area.

stone footbridge at Hocking Hills State Park

Nature and Wildlife at Hocking Hills State Park

Seven distinct natural communities exist within Hocking Hills. These stunning natural areas may be seen throughout Hocking Hills State Park. As you explore the trails you may see white-tailed deer, snakes, owls, butterflies, wild turkeys, bobcats, ruffed grouse and black bears.

Grab your camera and take a hike among the wildflowers, shrubs, ferns, moss, maple trees, red oaks, pines, hickories and breathtaking sandstone gorges and cliffs. But be aware – Sumac, Poison Ivy and Poison Oak also thrive here.

Pets at Hocking Hills State Park

Pets are welcome at Hocking Hills State Park as long as they are well-behaved and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are permitted within cabins for an additional fee.

long exposure shot of a waterfall at Hocking Hills State Park

Camping at Hocking Hills State Park

For guests looking for overnight accommodations, Hocking Hills State Park features a modern campground, a primitive hike-in camping area, cabins, and the rustic Hocking Hills Lodge.

The two-story lodge has 81 rooms, a full-service restaurant, ballroom, swimming pool and large vernanda. This comfortable resort is also ideal for special events.

The campground offers full hookup campsites, tent-only sites, and Sherman Cabin camping shelters. This popular campground is close to restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, a camp store, a playground, volleyball court, Old Man’s Cave and the trail system.

Forty fully furnished cabins nestled within the woods are also available for guests to reserve. These cottage style cabins sleep up to 6 and have 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, bath, dining area and living room with a fireplace.

Park Location

Hocking Hills State Park
19852 OH-664
Logan, OH 43138
Phone: 740.385.6842

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Hocking Hills State Park: