Hocking Hills State Park
4.8(18K)google
4.7(196)yelp
CampingHikingNatureOutdoorPhoto Spot
Overview
Hocking Hills State Park is a state park in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County, Ohio, United States. In some areas the park adjoins the Hocking State Forest. Within the park are over 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration4-8 hours
Best TimeOhio's premier natural canyon wonderland, it peaks flawlessly from April to May for thunderous waterfalls fed by snowmelt, or mid-October for fiery autumn canopy color. Arriving at the Old Man's Cave trailhead by 7:30 AM on a weekday morning is strictly mandatory; this allows you to hike the sheer hemlock gorges enveloped in peaceful morning mist completely crowd-free.
Getting ThereNestled deeply within rural Hocking State Forest at 19852 State Route 664 near Logan, OHI. No cell service or bus links exist; offline GPS mapping and driving are strictly mandatory. From Columbus, take US-33 S south for 50 minutes, exit onto OH-644 S, and cruise for 12 winding miles to reach the massive free parking rings. Lots fill by 10 AM on weekends.
Travel Tips
- Deep gorge trail networks suffer total cellular service dropouts. Cache comprehensive offline navigation profiles and GPS mapping routes before exiting major state highways.
- Major tracks utilize ironclad one-way loop systems. Turning backward mid-trail is illegal and causes trail congestion, carrying stiff municipal code penalties.
- Winter freezes trap deceptive black ice layers along stone steps and cliff walkways. Crampons or microspikes are mandatory gear to safely negotiate structural inclines.
Reviews
Positive
- The natural scenery is unmatched in the Midwest! The canyon cliffs, stone bridges, and cascading waterfalls at Old Man's Cave feel like a real-life fantasy world.
- The state park is entirely free to enter with zero admission fees, and the main trail systems carry robust boardwalks and steps for hikers.
- The newly built visitor center is outstanding, packing modern interactive ecological displays and handing out clear, detailed physical maps.
- The surrounding wilderness coordinates hide numerous luxury cabins with hot tubs and fire pits, offering an exceptional post-hike resort escape.
Heads up
- As Ohio's top natural magnet, peak autumn foliage weekends hit suffocating crowds; hikers move at a literal shuffle along tight one-way trail loops.
- Cellular signals go completely dead inside deep ravines and forested trails; without pre-downloading offline maps, you will lose navigation.
- Dedicated lots at premier trailheads have very low capacities; arriving past 10 AM is a nightmare, forcing dangerous walks along rural highway shoulders.
- Away from the main visitor hub, trails carry zero trash bins, and you must rely on occasional rustic vault toilets with basic sanitary standards.