Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve — Attraction in Hocking Township

TL;DR this place has a great view and you should definitely check it out if you're prepared for a somewhat challenging hike.

Long version: Before you go here, make a couple preparations so you'll have a good experience. Know this isn't an optimal hike for small kids due to steep grades and sheer cliffs with no guardrail. You may want to wear long pants or tall socks as there is a bit of poison ivy in spots along the trail. I highly recommend bringing the following:

*Sturdy shoes or hiking boots *Bug repellant (during warmer months) *Trekking pole *A hat *A liter of water

The parking area is located at a covered bridge, about a half mile from the official trailhead. You'll follow a well maintained gravel road (Oil Mill Road) until it splits, then go right. Then it becomes an abandoned road grade that is fairly wide but rocky and rutted. After another half mile, you'll get to where the orange trail splits. If you don't mind a very steep climb (30% grade), go left and it will take you directly to the overlook at Jacob's Ladder.

However, I would recommend going straight and looking for the stairs to catch the other side of the orange trail. While this is a longer walk, it's not nearly as steep and will still take you to the fantastic overlook at Jacob's Ladder.

The overlook area actually has three outcroppings so make sure you check each one out. As mentioned, there's no fall protection so use caution in the area, especially if it's wet.

There is also a blue trail further beyond where the orange trail splits off, but I didn't take it this time.

Other things to know: there's no restroom or drinking water here. Cell service is decent though. Sunset pictures will probably be best in the fall. During summer, a morning visit will be optimal because you'll want to spend some time at Jacob's Ladder taking in the view, and the afternoon sun will make it less comfortable. When you're not going up or down a steep hill, you'll probably be holding your trekking pole in front of you to catch the unbelievable number of spider webs that go across the trail. You should also apply bug repellant to your ears as the insects here really seem to go for them.

Even with the things to be aware of, I loved going to this place and will...

Fantastic Preserve! The parking area is separated from the trail head by about 30 feet, but there is adequate signage all around, so no worries about getting lost. You just have to walk across the street from the parking lot, and then you'll find the trailhead. The first part of the trail cuts through some local domicile areas before the "real hike" starts. Amazing array of terrain & microbiome changes. If you're really into hiking for that reason, then this preserve is a treasure trove! I particularly loved the variety of mosses, ferns, and pine forest area. Hike is not easy with steep elevation changes as well as rocks and roots jutting into and through several portions of the trail, but if you're in decent shape and bring good hiking shoes and water it's not...

A coworker told me about this place, and I'm very glad I went! There's a trail out with two consecutive loops as you get further into the preserve, like a double lollipop. The trail is indeed steep in some sections, a definite surprise for Ohio, and central Ohio in particular. I have been to nearly all the metro parks in Columbus, several in Cleveland, and of course places like Hocking Hills, and this might be my favorite hike of the bunch. It's quiet, peaceful, well maintained and marked, and even on a hot summer day it was cooler in the forest than around it. I would recommend bug spray if you go in the summer.

Also, parking is along meister Rd near a city park, not in the area the...