From the iconic Grandma Gatewood Trail connecting Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave, to the rugged paths of Cantwell Cliffs or the Old Man's Cave, the sheer scale of Ash Cave (the largest recess cave in Ohio), the picturesque Cedar Falls, and the intriguing Rock House everything about the place is mesmerizing . The one-way trail system is great for the hiking experience and managing visitor flow. Towering Blackhand sandstone cliffs, hemlock-lined gorges, and seasonal waterfalls create a dramatic and ever-changing landscape. Photographers find endless inspiration in the interplay of light formations, the lush design and pleasant weather
Well-maintained picnic areas, informative visitor centers, and opportunities for birdwatching and nature study enhance the visit. Nearby, a variety of privately-operated activities such as ziplining [as of May 2025, closed indefinitely] , canoeing, and horseback riding allow visitors to experience the region's beauty from different vantage points. Camping facilities within the park are also available for those wishing to extend their stay in nature.
I would strongly recommend planning ahead, especially when visiting during peak seasons or weekends, as popular trails can become crowded. Wearing sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the often uneven and sometimes steep terrain. Flow of waterfalls & ground conditions can vary significantly depending on recent rainfall, so checking conditions beforehand can be beneficial for those travelling to see the water and/or while hiking with pets and kids
Overall, Hocking Hills State Park is a beloved destination, offering a potent combination of natural beauty, accessible adventure, where memories are made, and the stunning landscapes leave a lasting impression on all who explore...
Read moreI recently visited Hocking Hills with my three older kids, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. We explored about five miles of trails, starting from Old Man’s Cave and making our way to Whispering Cave, which ended up being our favorite spot of the trip.
The gorges were breathtaking, with natural tunnels carved into the rock that felt like stepping into another world. Towering old-growth trees shaded much of our hike, and the variety of plants and fungi gave the forest an almost enchanted feeling. Everywhere we looked, there were opportunities to pause and take in the beauty.
Part of the fun was making the trails our own—we even ended up walking one trail backwards and took plenty of side excursions to see what we might find. Those detours led to some of the most memorable discoveries. My son found a rock that shimmered in the light, and the kids stumbled upon a hidden carving of a turtle tucked into the stone at Whispering Cave—like a little secret gift from the forest.
The visitor center was also well worth a stop. It was both educational and engaging, offering background on the natural history and geology of the park. I was impressed with how well-maintained the trails were; despite being popular and well-traveled, they still felt natural and peaceful.
Hocking Hills offers the perfect mix of natural wonder and family adventure. Between the dramatic landscapes, our spontaneous detours, and the sense of wonder it sparked in my kids, this trip is one we’ll be talking about for...
Read moreSo everybody in Ohio thinks their state parks are great cuz they're free. I live in Michigan We pay for our state parks with the permit added to our license plate. Our state parks in Michigan are clearly cleaner than the ones in Ohio especially in hocking hills. I realize this is a natural rock gorge. But there is no reason for Aries of erosion and aren't being taken care of or trees across trails that requires you to literally sit on the limb to get over it. I spent 3 days there I was never so happy to get out of a place. Trash water bottles everywhere. I realize this is a problem for the people that come visit here they're slobs and they need to take care of stuff that they pack in They need to pack it out. But that doesn't let the state park off the hook clean it up. You're using people's tax dollars to pay salaries I'm sure the president or head of the state parks is making a bunch of money every year. Maybe he should get a pay cut for not doing his job. I drove 6 hours to see water bottles floating in the devil's bathtub thanks to the head of the department of State Parks in Ohio. Getting paid way too much money not to do your job. Okay I'm done ranting just pisses me off that people don't care and the ones who get paid too much money truly don't care The place is beautiful the trash isn't I carried 17 water bottles out of that place in a plastic bag I...
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