🌤 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.
🏆 Hocking Hills State Park — Ohio’s most spectacular natural attraction in the southeastern hills — a gateway to the Hocking Hills 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 (a separate state nature preserve), 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. The park’s hiking areas offer distinct experiences, 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 | Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset — daily, 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 |
Choose a Hocking Hills Hike
| 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 (separate state nature preserve) | Gorge + rim trails | Easy to Difficult | Accessible sidewalk to its end; no pets in the preserve |
| Cantwell Cliffs | ~2 mi | Difficult | Deep gorge + dramatic rock formations |
| Whispering Cave | 4.5 mi | Difficult | 2nd largest cave + hemlock bridge |
For a short accessible approach, choose Ash Cave: Ohio DNR marks the path to the cave wheelchair accessible; the rim return has different terrain. For a moderate waterfall walk, start at the Cedar Falls parking area and follow its 0.4-mile trail. If you plan to connect Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave, check the signed one-way routes and your return to the car on the official trail map. Conkle’s Hollow has separate preserve rules and parking; see the ODNR region map. Trail details checked October 2026.
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 |
| Overnight reservations | Book campsites and seasonal cabins through ReserveOhio or (866) 644-6727, generally up to six months ahead; day hiking does not require an overnight reservation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No — admission to Hocking Hills State Park is free. Camping and lodging have separate charges. Conkle’s Hollow is a neighboring state nature preserve with its own rules.
Which trail should I hike first?
Choose Ash Cave for a short accessible approach, Cedar Falls for a moderate waterfall trail, or Old Man’s Cave for a longer gorge visit. Check the official trail map for one-way routes and your return to the parking area.
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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