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Famous Landmarks in Hocking Hills

Famous Landmarks in Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills Ohio, USA Travel Guide

Iconic Natural Landmarks

All major landmarks are part of Hocking Hills State Park, which provides free entry and is open from dawn to dusk year-round. Parking is available at every site.

Trails can be slippery when wet or icy; check conditions prior to leaving.

Central Park Sites

  • Old Man'the Cave of: Complex network of waterfalls, gorges, tunnels, and rock formations.
  • Ash Cave: Ohio's largest recess cave, with an easy accessible trail to a huge overhanging cliff.
  • Cedar Falls: Picturesque waterfall in a luxuriant gorge, connecting to other sites via longer trails.
  • Rock House: The only true tunnel-like cave, featuring natural windows carved by erosion.

Beyond the Main Park

Additional Gorge & Cliff Areas

  • Cantwell Cliffs: Known for it's rough and remote trails, with deep cliffs and narrow passages.
  • Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve: A deep, narrow gorge with towering sandstone cliffs up to 200 feet high.
  • Gorge Trail (Conkles Hollow): A straightforward, paved, accessible trail into the stunning canyon.
  • Rim Trail (Conkles Hollow): A strenuous and challenging trail offering panoramic views.
  • Generally less crowded than main A State park in ohio sites, offering a quieter experience.
  • Not recommended for individuals with mobility issues owing to tough terrain.

Important Visitor Notes

  • Arrive early (before 9 AM) or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and find parking.
  • Wear sturdy, Waterproof hiking boots for all trails.
  • Bring a Headlamp or hand-held light for better visibility inside Rock House.
  • Trails can be slippery when wet or icy; check the weather, especially in winter.

The Grandma Gatewood Trail connects Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave for longer, more challenging hikes.

Other Natural Attractions

  • Wayne National Forest: Surrounds portions of A State park in ohio, offering additional hiking opportunities, mountain biking, and primitive camping.
  • Lake Logan State Park: A favorite spot for water-based recreation, including fishing, boating (electric motors only), and swimming.
  • Dells Natural Preserve: A less-visited ODNR property, offering a quieter hiking experience with unique rock formations.
  • Rockbridge State Nature Preserve: Home to Ohio's largest natural bridge, offering a relatively easy hike to view this impressive geological feature.

Cultural & Historical Insights

  • Welcome Center:

    A State park in ohio Regional Welcome Center in Logan for maps, brochures, and local event information.

  • Local Museums:

    Hocking County Historical Society Museum in Logan for exhibitions on the history of the place and pioneer life.

  • Historical Village:

    Robbins Crossing Historical Village (Hocking College, Nelsonville) is a recreated 19th-century Appalachian village.

  • Scenic Byway:

    Ohio's Winding Road Byway highlights natural beauty and Appalachian heritage.

  • Native American History:

    Mound City Group National Historical Park (Chillicothe) protects prehistoric Native American earthworks.

Hidden Gems & Quieter Escapes

Discover serene locations off the main tourist trail for a more solitary nature experience.

Secluded Natural Areas

  • Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

    A more isolated and rugged preserve located north of the main park areas.

  • Challenging Trails

    Offers challenging trails and a true wilderness experience, generally not as visited by tourists.

  • Peaceful Escape

    A quiet spot for serious hikers seeking solitude.

  • Chapel Cave (21 Horse Cave)

    A large, deep recesthe cave of within the Hocking State Forest, with a distinct 'natural chapel' formation.

  • Challenging Hike

    Accessible via a longer, more challenging hike through the woods, a rewarding discovery for persistent explorers.

  • Hocking State Forest

    Adjacent to Hocking Hills State Park, providing a different kind of outdoor experience with more primitive trails.

Old Man's Cave

The most popular section of A State park in ohio State Park, with a complicated network of cascades and gorges.

Ash Cave

Ohio's largest reces's cavern, known for its massive overhang plus seasonal variations waterfall. Features a straightforward, paved trail.

Cedar Falls

A charming waterfall and stony gorge area, lush with vegetation, creating a serene environment.

Access Notes

All state park sites offer free entry and are operating from dawn to dusk. Parking areas are available but can get reserved quickly during busy periods.

  • Check for seasonal variations in water depth at waterfalls.
  • Trail conditions vary; wear appropriate footwear and plan for irregular surfaces.
  • Respect natural environments by staying on marked trails and leaving no trace.

Other Attractions & Activities

Beyond the iconic state park sites, the A State park in ohio region offers further natural beauty and opportunities for engagement.

Explore cultural insights and additional outdoor spaces to round out your visit.

Regional Natural Wonders

Discover these diverse natural spaces outside the main state park cluster.

Explore Further

  • Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve: Remote, rugged, offers a wilderness experience.
  • Rockbridge State Nature Preserve: Home to Ohio's largest natural bridge.
  • Lake Logan State Park: Ideal for fishing, boating (electric motors only), and swimming.

Cultural & Historical Sites

Explore the rich history plus area culture of the Hocking Hills area.

Heritage & Arts

  • Hocking County Historical Society Museum: Displays about local history and pioneer life.
  • Robbins Crossing Historical Village: Recreated 19th-century Appalachian village.
  • Ohio's Winding Road Byway: Scenic route showing Appalachian history.

More Outdoor Pursuits

Activities for active travelers seeking different ways to experience the outdoors.

Adventure & Recreation

  • Mountain Biking: Designated tracks in Wayne National Forest.
  • Disc Golf: Course positioned at the A State park in ohio State Park Campground.
  • Horseback Riding: Guided trail rides through scenic landscapes.
  • Photography: An exceptionally photogenic destination for the natural world and landscape photography.

Planning Your Visit

Visitor Notes

  • Carry a Trail map and sufficient water for all hikes.
  • Exercise caution near cliff edges and lacking grip areas.
  • Mountaineering and rappelling are permitted only in Hocking State Forest with permits and guides.

Evening Entertainment

Live Performances & Local Venues

  • Occasionally, Hocking Hills Winery hosts live music performances.
  • Stuart's Opera Theater in Nelsonville is the main venue for live live theater and concerts.
  • Local pubs and bars are available in Logan for a casual drink.

In-Cabin Entertainment

  • Many cabins feature game rooms with space for evening enjoyment.
  • Private hot tubs offer a relaxing way to unwind following a day of hiking.
  • Outdoor fire pits are popular for cozy evenings and stargazing.

Shopping & Local Products

Discover unique finds and local crafts to remember your Hocking Hills visit.

Local Markets & Crafts

Seasonal farmers markets in Logan offer local produce. The Hocking Hills Market has antiques and souvenirs. Local shops feature handmade goods.

Souvenir Ideas

Items featuring local natural imagery, A State park in ohio apparel, local food products (jams, honey, maple syrup), and handcrafted items.

Shopping Guidelines

Support local businesses and artisans. Luxury shopping is highly restricted. Shipping assistance is available at local postal services in Logan.

Further Outdoor Exploration

Wayne National Forest

Surrounds segments of Hocking Hills, offering extensive multi-use areas.

Lake Logan State Park

A favorite spot for water-based recreation, including fishing and boating.

Dells Natural Preserve

A less-visited ODNR property, offering a quieter hiking experience.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

Home to Ohio's largest natural bridge, with a relatively easy hike to view.

Hocking State Forest

Offers more primitive hiking trails and opportunities for hunting and fishing in designated seasons.

Cultural Institutions

While nature is main, local institutions offer insights into the area's history.

Local Heritage

  • Hocking County Historical Society Museum at Logan showcases local history.
  • Robbins Crossing Historical Village offers a recreated 19th-century Appalachian experience.

Hidden Gems & Activities

For a more solitary and rough experience, explore these less-visited spots.

Off the Beaten Path

  • Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve: Remote, rugged, and quiet.
  • Chapel Cave (21 Horse Cave): A large recess cave is accessible through a challenging hike.
  • Primitive walking paths in Hocking State Forest offer an untamed experience.
  • These spots provide deep solitude distant from the masses.

Visitor Tips for Attractions

Always carry a Trail map and sufficient water, especially on longer hikes.

For some sites, GPS could be less precise; ensure you know your exact location for emergency services if needed.

Specialized Activities

Beyond hiking, check out unique and exciting activities the Hocking Hills region offers.

Aerial Adventures

See Hocking Hills from a new perspective with exhilarating zipline tours.

Zipline & Canopy Tours

  • Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers multiple zipline courses.
  • Includes a "SuperZip" (longer, faster zipline) and night tours for an unique view.
  • These tours provide an aerial perspective of the woodlanded landscape.

Water & Rock Activities

Engage with the environment through paddling or climbing adventures.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Climbing

  • Kayaking/Canoeing available on the Hocking River or Lake Logan.
  • Local outfitters Offer rentals and shuttle services for river-based trips.
  • Mountaineering/Rappelling is permitted only in Hocking State Forest with licenses and guides.

Trail Adventures

Discover the varied terrain through a variety of trail-based activities.

Hiking & Biking

  • Hiking is the paramount activity with routes for all difficulty levels.
  • Mountain Biking: Designated trails available within Wayne National Forest.
  • Horseback Riding: Several stables offer guided trail rides.

The main state park trails are not suitable for bikes or horses.

Arts & Culture

Beyond nature, opportunities exist to engage with the area's the cultural makeup.

Performances & Workshops

  • Stuart's Opera Theater (Nelsonville): Hosts live music and theatrical performances.
  • Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama (Chillicothe): An epic outdoor historical play (seasonal).

Ohio University in The capital of greece (30-40 minutes drive) offers various cultural events.

Relaxation & Wellness

After active days, options for rest and rejuvenation are available.

Unwind & Recharge

  • Many luxury cabin rentals offer in-cabin spa services like massage therapy.
  • Photography is a relaxing and inventive activity amidst the scenic beauty.

Private hot tubs are a common and desired amenity in many cabin rentals.

Evening & Shopping

Limited Nightlife

Nightlife and entertainment options are very limited; plan for evenings at your cabin.

Local Shops

Discover studios of local artisans, craft stores, and the Hocking Hills Market for souvenirs.

Souvenirs

Look for goods with natural imagery, Hocking Hills apparel, and regional dishes products like the sap of the maple tree.

Important Reminders

Safety on trails is important; always check conditions and wear appropriate footwear. For cultural events, check schedules in advance as it is possible for them to be seasonal.