🌤 Weather at Hocking Hills State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–74 °F | 57–84 °F | 30–78 °F | 19–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Logan, 10 mi away, elevation 722 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Hocking Hills State Park — Ohio’s most spectacular natural attraction in the southeastern hills — featuring 7 major hiking areas with dramatic sandstone gorges, caves, and waterfalls: Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave (massive recess cave), Cedar Falls, Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. Offers camping (electric + full-hookup sites), family cabins, a 40-cabin lodge, swimming pool (campers), visitor center, and free admission.
Hocking Hills State Park is Ohio’s crown jewel — a geological wonderland of towering sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, cascading waterfalls, and ancient hemlock-lined gorges. Carved over millions of years from Blackhand sandstone, these formations create some of the most dramatic hiking terrain east of the Rockies. Each of the seven areas offers a unique experience, from the cathedral-like Ash Cave to the window-studded Rock House.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern Ohio — Hocking County |
| Admission | Free — no entrance fee |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk — year-round |
| Visitor Center | Old Man’s Cave parking area — maps, exhibits |
| Swimming | ⚠️ NO swimming in waterfalls/creeks — pool for campers only |
| Trail System | One-way trails to manage traffic |
The Seven Hiking Areas
| Area | Trail | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Man’s Cave | Multiple trails | Moderate | Lower Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, tunnels |
| Ash Cave | ¼ mi gorge trail | Easy ♿ | Massive recess cave + seasonal waterfall |
| Cedar Falls | ~1 mi | Moderate | Largest waterfall by volume |
| Rock House | ~1 mi | Moderate | Unique cave with carved windows |
| Conkle’s Hollow | Lower + upper rim | Easy to Difficult | Stunning gorge views — lower trail ♿ |
| Cantwell Cliffs | ~2 mi | Difficult | Deep gorge + dramatic rock formations |
| Whispering Cave | 4.5 mi | Difficult | 2nd largest cave + hemlock bridge |
The legendary Grandma Gatewood Trail connects Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave — a bucket-list Ohio hike.
Accommodations
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Campground | Electric, full-hookup, non-electric + walk-in sites |
| Amenities | Heated showers, flush toilets, camp store |
| Family Cabins | Housekeeping cabins — sleep up to 6 |
| Lodge | 40 cabins — indoor/outdoor pools, dining |
| Reservations | Required — book well in advance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No — admission to Hocking Hills State Park is completely free. There are fees for camping, cabins, and the lodge, but hiking all seven areas costs nothing.
Which trail should I hike first?
Start with Old Man’s Cave — it’s the most iconic and centrally located. If you have limited time, combine it with Ash Cave (easy, wheelchair accessible) for the most dramatic scenery. Cedar Falls is the largest waterfall and worth the moderate hike.
Can I swim in the waterfalls?
No — swimming and wading are strictly prohibited in all waterfalls, creeks, and streams. A swimming pool is available for registered campers. The nearby Lake Logan State Park has a public swimming beach.
More parks nearby: Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is a short drive away, while Lake Logan State Park lies a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Hocking Hills State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Full hook-up, electric (20/30/50-amp), and non-electric sites in main campground; separate primitive Hike-In Campground (no road access, carry gear up to 1/2 mile) |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 Sherman Cabins (1 ADA); sleeps 3-4; A/C, heat, mini-fridge, microwave; no running water/restroom (use campground facilities); no pets |
| Pets | Pets permitted on all campsites and hike-in sites; not allowed in Sherman Cabins |
| Reservations | reserveohio.com or 866-644-6727, up to 6 months ahead for campsites, Sherman Cabins, hike-in sites, and group camp |
| Special sites | Tent-only Group Camping (call for size limit, pit latrines); primitive Hike-In Campground with pit latrines and water spigot at parking lot |
| Season notes | Off-peak (Nov 1-Apr 1): only Shower House 1, dump station, store open; water only at Shower House 1 |
Camping questions about Hocking Hills State Park
Can you camp at Hocking Hills State Park?
Full hook-up, electric (20/30/50-amp), and non-electric sites in main campground; separate primitive Hike-In Campground (no road access, carry gear up to 1/2 mile).
How do you reserve a campsite at Hocking Hills State Park?
reserveohio.com or 866-644-6727, up to 6 months ahead for campsites, Sherman Cabins, hike-in sites, and group camp.
Are there cabins at Hocking Hills State Park?
3 Sherman Cabins (1 ADA); sleeps 3-4; A/C, heat, mini-fridge, microwave; no running water/restroom (use campground facilities); no pets.
Are pets allowed at the Hocking Hills State Park campground?
Pets permitted on all campsites and hike-in sites; not allowed in Sherman Cabins.
Source: ohiodnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hocking Hills State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses
Are dogs allowed at Hocking Hills State Park?
Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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