Hiking in Hocking Hills State Park

Hiking in Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio is a nature lover’s paradise with its rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The park offers an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the top things to do in Hocking Hills State Park when it comes to hiking:

Explore the Old Man’s Cave Trail

The Old Man’s Cave Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hocking Hills State Park. The trail features stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and caves, including the park’s namesake Old Man’s Cave. The trail is around 6 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It’s a moderately difficult hike with some steep climbs and uneven terrain.

Discover Ash Cave Trail

The Ash Cave Trail is another popular hiking trail in Hocking Hills State Park. The trail is around 0.5 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail leads to a large recess cave with a stunning 90-foot waterfall. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

Take on the Rock House Trail

The Rock House Trail is a challenging hike that takes visitors through narrow passageways and rocky terrain. The trail features a unique rock formation called the Rock House, which is a natural shelter that served as a hideout for early settlers. The trail is around 1 mile long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. It’s a moderately difficult hike that requires some scrambling and climbing.

Walk the Cedar Falls Trail

The Cedar Falls Trail is a scenic hike that takes visitors to a picturesque waterfall surrounded by hemlock trees. The trail is around 0.5 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The hike is relatively easy, with some stairs and steep inclines.

Hike the Conkle’s Hollow Trail

The Conkle’s Hollow Trail is one of the most challenging hikes in Hocking Hills State Park, but it also offers some of the most stunning views. The trail leads visitors to a deep gorge with 200-foot high cliffs and a cascading waterfall. The trail is around 2.5 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It’s a strenuous hike with steep inclines and rocky terrain.

Trek the Hemlock Bridge Trail

The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a short, easy hike that takes visitors through a beautiful hemlock forest. The trail leads to a picturesque covered bridge that spans a tranquil stream. The trail is around 0.5 miles long and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

In conclusion, hiking is one of the top things to do in Hocking Hills State Park. With its extensive network of trails, the park offers something for hikers of all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging treks. Visitors can explore stunning rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, and take in the beauty of Ohio’s natural landscape. So if you’re planning a trip to Hocking Hills State Park, be sure to bring your hiking boots and experience the park’s beautiful trails for yourself.