Just Hike it!  The Hocking Hills are quite possibly one of the most preferred weekend destinations in the Midwest. With its grand display of wilderness matched with the ability to nearly effortlessly find the comforts of civilization in hundreds of  cabins, cottages, inn rooms and restaurants, this untamed region of Ohio cannot be matched. It is a wonderful demonstration of elegance meets nature.

Best Hikes begin right here-

Ash Cave     Cedar Falls

Old Man's Cave  

 Conkle's Hollow

 

Rock House    Cantwell Cliffs

3 Fun Things to do in the rain at Hocking Hills State Park

They say April showers bring May flowers. And it's supposed to make us feel better about sitting inside and watching it pour after a long, cold winter. But it doesn't seem to help when your only day off is calling for  100% rain showers. Don't threaten the weatherman! You can still have lots of fun in the Hocking Hills. And here's just a few ways to get the most out of  the day:

 1) Grab an umbrella and your kids  and hike to Ash Cave. It's only about a 1/2 mile hike back to the recess cave and you can sit in the huge cave shelter while the kids play in the sand.

2) Shop the Shops-Make your first stop the Hocking Hills Flea Market on State Route 33 between Lancaster and Logan. Then you can find loads of little shops tucked into the hills- Weavers Gifts and more!

3) Stop in at the Hocking Hills Visitor Center at the state park.

4) Just GET WET! If thundershowers aren't in the forecast, put on some old clothes and take a canoe ride down the Hocking River at the Hocking Hills canoe liveries.

Around the Hocking Hills

 hocking hills park and cabin info 

Bird Watching is the fastest growing outdoor pursuit! Winter bird watching in the Hocking Hills is some of the best in the country. Many unique woodland species call this area home such as the huge Pileated Woodpecker, elusive Ruffed Grouse and the many forest songbirds. Visit www.birdhocking.com

A cool spot to see Black Vultures by the dozens:  Take a drive to the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge and look to the roof. You can't miss these living gargoyles catching a little bit of heat from the roof or soaring overhead.

Ghost Hunting: Want a  little more adventure than the ordinary? Try looking for ghosts in the Hocking Hills. There are plenty of scary places to visit like Moonville Tunnel and Ash Cave. Check out Hauntedhocking.com for more!

       
 Explore Ohio and the Hocking Hills through its unique 

 

Hocking Hills State Park

Naturalist Special Events

2015

 

 

Southeast District State Parks  Special Events   2015

 

Hocking Hills State Park - 50th Annual Winter Hike

January 17, 2015                Continuous starts from 9-11 AM

Enjoy winters splendor on this 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave.  Layered clothing and good footwear recommended.  Refreshments are available at Cedar Falls for a donation.  A shuttle bus returns hikers to Old Man’s Cave.

 

Hocking Hills State Park - Sweethearts Hike

February 14, 2015                              5-7 PM

Meet at the Ash Cave parking lot.  Take your sweetheart for a romantic stroll to Ash Cave in the soft light of dusk.  Afterwards, enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments.        

 

 

   

Hocking Hills State Park - Maple Sugaring in the Hills

March 7 and 8, 2015                         12-4 PM

Join us at the Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.  Savor the taste of the season as we boil down our local maple sap.  Discover the many methods used throughout history to make this tasty treat. 

 

Lake Hope State Park - Annual Easter Egg Hunt

March 28th, 2015                  1-3 PM

Meet at the Lake Hope Nature Center for the Annual Lake Hope Easter Egg Hunt. (740)596-3030

 

Salt Fork State Park Easter/Spring Celebration

April 4                                2:00-4:00PM       

Come to the Salt Fork Campground check-in to help celebrate the coming of spring.  We will be having an egg hunt for children of various ages, games & activities, and a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny!         

 

 

 

Hocking Hills State Park - Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike

April 18, 2015                                     10 AM

Observe nature’s carpet of wildflowers and sparkling waterfalls in beautiful Hocking Hills.  Meet at the parking lot at Ash Cave.

 

 

Lake Hope State Park - Wildflower Walk

April 25, 2015                       11 AM  

Meet at the Lake Hope Nature Center and caravan to a variety of wildflower hotspots throughout the park. (740)596-3030

 

Salt Fork State Park- Wildflower Walk

April 25, 2015                    2:00PM

Meet at the Stone House Parking Lot to hike the Stone House Trail in search of the spring wildflowers.

 

Lake Hope State Park - Youth Fishing Tournament

May 2, 2015                          9-11 AM

Bring your youngsters for this free youth fishing tournament at the Lake Hope State Park Dam. Cookout at the Lake Hope Shelter House afterwards. (740)596-3030

 

 

Lake Hope State Park - - Migration Bird Walk

May 9, 2015              9-12 PM

Meet at the Hope Furnace parking lot in search of spring migrants and to celebrate international migratory bird day along the Hocking Valley Birding trail. (740)596-3030

 

 

 

Buckeye Lake - Blasst

July 3, 2015                 

Come celebrate our nations birth with a spectacular display of Fireworks over the lake

Lake Hope State Park – 10th Annual Hummingbird Banding

 July 11, 2015                       9am-1pm

Join Hummingbird expert and researcher Allen Chartier and learn about hummingbirds and hummingbird research. Meet at the Lake Hope Nature Center. (740)596-3030

 

 

 

Blue Rock State Park - Mark Twain Days

August 1, 2015                                10-5 PM

 

 

Burr Oak State Park  - Annual Hawaii Luau

August 8, 2015                                1-5 PM

Meet at the main beach for beach games, boat rides, entertainment and food.

 

 

Salt Fork State Park - Heritage Days

August 21-22, 2015                      10- 4 PM

Come on out to Salt Fork State Park to learn about the history of the area including Salt Fork State Park. We will have various demonstrations from local vendors who will be selling their wares. 

 

 

Hocking Hills State Park - Indian Run Marathon

September 19, 2015

Join us for a challenging 5,10,20, 40 & 60 KM course.  For more info contact the Hocking County Tourism association at (740) 385-9706

 

 

Tar Hollow State Park - Mountain Heritage

September 18-20, 2015                

 

 

Scioto Trail State Park - Harvest Days

September 25-27, 2015                

 

 

 

Blue Rock State Park - Fall Campout

October 2-4, 2015                          

 

 

Scioto Trail State Park - Halloween

October 9-11, 2015                        

 

Tar Hollow State Park - Halloween

October 16-18, 2015                      

 

Hocking Hills State Park - Grandma Gatewood's Fall Colors Hike

October 17, 2015

                            

Bring along a cool drink and celebrate the season’s colors.  Meet with the naturalist at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center for a strenuous hike that spans roughly 6 miles of the Grandma Gatewood trail.   We will be traversing the section that runs from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back while enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural personality.  This hike does include several hills and steps and is not recommended for the easily winded individual. 

(Approx. 3 to 4 hrs)

 

 

 

 

Lake Hope State Park - 36th Annual Fall Hike

October 17, 2015                            10 AM

Three mile guided hikes begin at the Shelter house and ends at the Hope Furnace with bean soup and cornbread. Shuttles return you to your car. (740)596-3030

 

 

 

Dillon State Park - Halloween Campout

October 30-31 2015

Join us for this frightfully good time!  Event includes costume contest, site decorating contest, pumpkin decorating, trick or treat, and more.

 

 

Hocking Hills State Park - Hocking Halloween Campout

October 30-November 1, 2015

Join with the Haunted Hocking “HHIT” team as they search for the unexplained at Ash Cave or try your hand at Pumpkin decorating.  Registered campers and cabin guest can enjoy a hayride, a family fun spooky movie, site judging, and trick or treat at Old Man’s Cave campground.  Regular camping & cabin fees apply.

 

 

Lake Hope State Park - R.O.A.R. Days

October 31, 2015                            10-4 PM        

Celebrate Appalachian Culture Through Crafts, Music, and Food. Regional artists will demonstrate their skills and sell their wares. (740)596-3030

 

 

 

Salt Fork State Park - Halloween Campout

October 31, 2015

 

Join us for a spooktacular good time!  We will be offering costume contest, site decorating contest, pumpkin decorating, trick or treat,bonfire with s’mores and hot dogs and much, much more..

 

 

 

Lake Hope State Park - Fall Craft Show

November 21, 2015                        10-4 PM

 

Hocking Hills State Park - Christmas in Ash Cave

December 12, 2015                        5 – 7 PM

Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave.  Once you arrive at the cave warm with refreshments by an open fire.  Listen to or join with our carolers, have the kids visit with an old fashion Santa or help to decorate our Christmas tree for wildlife.

 

 

 

Lake Hope State Park - Santa and Wagon Rides

December 19, 2015