Hocking Hills State Park has various hiking locations, each with unique views and trails. When planning a trip to Hocking Hills, it’s important to consider the right gear and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Before You Go
- Plan and inform: Always tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be gone.
- Check the weather: Check the forecast before your trip and prepare for unexpected changes. Recent weather can create icy or slippery surfaces, so take precautions.
- Trail conditions: Be cautious of trail conditions, especially in winter, when trails are typically covered in ice.
- Crowds: Find a way to beat the traffic, as Hocking Hills State Park is free to enter and can get congested. Choosing week days and starting early offer a less crowded experience.
What to Bring
- Appropriate clothing: Wear moisture-wicking clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots. Dress in layers to handle changing temperatures. Long underwear, a t-shirt, sweatshirt, and coat will provide good protection in the cold. Lightweight moisture-wicking clothing provides coverage from plants, bugs, and sun during warmer months while also keeping your cool.
- Footwear: Hiking boots that waterproof, well-lined footwear that covers your ankles may be helpful for more strenuous hikes. If sticking with an accessible path, sturdy hiking shoes will do the trick.
- Pack a bag with safety equipment:
- Dry socks
- Hat
- Trail map (consider downloading on phone)
- First aid kit
- Water
- Snacks, such as trail mix or protein bar
- Compass
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Colder months: Gloves, hat, hand warming packets
- Warmer months: Sunscreen, bug spray
- Hiking stick/trekking poles: Use a hiking stick or trekking poles for stabilization, especially on icy surfaces.
During Your Hike
- Stay on marked trails: Visitors must remain on the marked trails at all times. Many trails have been re-routed for one-way hiking to improve safety.
- Trail etiquette: Yield to other hikers and be courteous on the trail. Keep noise levels down to preserve the natural tranquility.
- Supervise children: Closely supervise young children on hiking trails.
- Wildlife safety: Store food securely and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Be aware of local wildlife, such as deer and raccoons.
- Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by taking all trash and food waste with you to dispose of in a trash can.
- Inform someone: Let a friend or family member know your itinerary and expected return time.
- Cell Reception: Be aware that cell phone service can be spotty in Hocking Hills. Download maps and hike only during daylight hours.
Popular Hiking Spots
- Old Man’s Cave: Experience a variety of terrain and viewpoints on trails with dirt paths, stone bridges, tunnels, and carved staircases.
- Ash Cave: Explore a gorgeous location with a one-way trail system that includes a paved path that is wheelchair accessible.
- Conkle’s Hollow: Features a preserved area with multiple trail options. The Lower Trail is wheelchair accessible, while the Upper Trail is more strenuous.
- Cantwell Cliffs: Hike a one-mile trail with steep steps, narrow rock squeezes, and cliffsides. The trail is one-way only due to the narrow paths.
- Rock House: Descend steep steps to a cave system.
- Cedar Falls: Hike a 1/2-mile one-way trail to a seasonal waterfall.
- Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve: Hike the Gorge Trail, an accessible path to a small waterfall, or the 2.5-mile rim trail for stunning views.
Check out the Hocking Hills State Park for more info on trails.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the natural crown jewels of Ohio and have a memorable adventure!