Hocking Hills State Park is the #1 attraction in Hocking Hills, and one of the top attractions in all of Ohio. Here are 10 top reasons to put Hocking Hills State Park on your list of places to visit this year.
1. Hiking, hiking, hiking
Really, we need say no more. Hocking Hills State Park has nine hiking trails ranging from the ¼-mile handicap accessible Ash Cave Gorge trail to a 6-mile portion of the Buckeye Trail. If your idea of a perfect day is lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails, well, get out here!
2. Waterfalls
Over thousands of years, many streams have carved routes through southeast Ohio’s signature Blackhand sandstone, and now Hocking Hills State Park is a top destination for waterfall-lovers. Spring is the best time to see them in action, though winter’s frozen waterfalls are pretty hard to beat. Check out this YouTube video highlighting the park’s most spectacular water features.
3. Recess caves
Hocking Hills State Park is famous for its recess caves, particularly Old Man’s Cave, which is the most popular, and Ash Cave, which is the largest recess cave in the state. Recess caves aren’t caves of the type you may imagine. They are unique natural land formations created by water washing away the undersides of cliff faces. You have to see them to truly understand.
4. History
Hocking Hills State Park has been formed by more than 300 million years of history. Today, the landscape still boasts natural features carved by the waters of an ancient ocean draining from the area. Learn more about the rich history at the park’s Visitor’s Center or on a naturalist-led tour.
5. Vegetation
Spring is wildflower season in Hocking Hills, but the vegetation is spectacular year-round. The park is contiguous with Hocking State Forest, where you can see varieties of pine, oak, hemlock, beech, maple, and poplar trees as well as unique local shrubs and ferns.
6. Wildlife
Hocking Hills State Park is a birder’s paradise, especially in May during International Migratory Bird Weekend. If you’re lucky, you might also spy deer, owls, wild turkeys, and even bobcats.
7. Nature programs
Nature programs, including educational events and naturalist-led hikes, are available year-round. The annual Winter Hike in January is one of the biggest events, attracting more than 5,000 people. Visit the Hocking Hills State Park website for updated information on current events.
8. Archery
How many opportunities do you get these days to unleash your inner Katniss? The park has an archery range open to the public daily from dawn till dusk.
9. Food
Hocking Hills Dining Lodge, located in the park, opened last year under new management and has since been earning quite a reputation among BBQ-loving foodies. Plus, you can hardly find a more gorgeous place to enjoy a meal.
10. Free family fun
Free fun for the whole family is getting harder to come by, but Hocking Hills State Park has it in spades. Entrance to the park is free, as are many of the activities. Pack a picnic and you have an instant frugal trip that everyone in the family will love.
