Hocking Hills Region Parks and Lakes

A Hocking Hills getaway is a treat no matter what season you decide to embark on a journey to southern Ohio. The Hocking Hills State Park is centrally located near a multitude of public forests, state and national hiking trails and pristine lakes. If you love spending time in the great outdoors, then a weekend in the Hocking Hills is a destination you must experience. Devour the beauty of the waterfalls, winding caves and massive cliffs which dot the landscape of the southern region of Ohio.

Old Man's Cave is the golden gem of the Hocking Hills region, and one of the top five outdoor destinations in Ohio. While you can picnic anywhere along the cave trails, you will have to pack all of your trash with you, as there are not any trash cans inside the park proper. Leash up "Fido" and take him with you as your tour the trails and shelter areas of the Hocking Hills State Park. The Upper Falls and Grandma Gatewood Trail are rugged hiking pathways which encompass a six mile area. The Hocking Hills State Park trails at Old Man's Cave inter-connect with the areas of Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. The Ohio Buckeye Trail connects to designated trails inside this southern Ohio state park. America's Discoery Trail and the North Country Scenic Trails, which are a part of the United State's national trail system also run through the Old Man's Cave area. Plan on spending the entire day at Old Man's Cave if you want to hike all of the trails and view the entire set of waterfalls which encompass this section of the Hocking Hills.

Ash Cave is the home of the largest recessed cave in Ohio. In addition to the natural beauty which you can not experience anywhere else in the state, this section of the Hocking Hills State Park is also handicap accessible. Individuals with mobility issues can easy maneuver along the wide and level paved pathway which leads back to the overhanging rocks. While the pathway ends at the mouth of the cave and is replaced by sand, the amazing views do not. Kick off your shoes and explore the crevices in the rock formations and dip your toes in the waterfall overflow and cool off after your day of hiking in the Hocking Hills. The rim of Ash Cave is geared to only experienced and able bodies hikers. The parking lot adjacent to the entrance of Ash Cave offers a shelter house free parking.

Cedar Falls boasts both the best and largest array of waterfall viewing opportunities in the Hocking Hills region. Travel carefully down the "Democracy Steps" which lead you to the Cedar Falls trails. The Queer Creek Waterfall runs fast and furious from winter through the early days of summer. Pack your rappelling gear and ease yourself down to the forest floor while skirting the powerful force of the waterfall. Pay close attention to the designated trail markings while you maneuver through this primitive stretch of Ohio forestation. You do not have to resist the urge to lose yourself in the secluded serenity of the forest, but do keep an eye on the sun and the trail so you do not have to wait for hours for a search party does not have to come to your aid.

Conkles Hollow is a wilderness area flocked in the greenery of wild hemlock and native Ohio ferns. Feel as if you have stepped back in time and are channeling the spirit of "Grizzly Adams" as you make your way past the towering hardwood trees to a soft glen of wildflowers for a picnic lunch.
Cantwell Cliffs is located approximately 20 minutes from the Old Man's Cave area, but well worth the extra time and gas money. Choose to hike either the rugged rim around the cliffs, or the easier valley tail '" or both if you think your muscles are up to the task. Squeeze through rock openings and glimpse the startling majestic views awaiting you as explore the Cantwell Cliffs.

Clear Creek Metro Park features over 1,00 plant varieties and persimmon trees. Strap on a pair of hiking boots and traverse the dam and gorge areas.

Rock House is a continuous section of rock formation created out of Blackhand sandstone. Hike carefully around the gorge, which features a steep 45 foot drop. Don't forget to pack a camera to capture the beauty of the foliage and rock formations and mini-caves.

Lake Hope, located in Vinton County adjoins the Zaleski State Forest and features fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Uncle Buck's Riding Stable and Saloon are located near the state park. You can rent a cabin or campsite at the Lake Hope State Park office. Experience the beauty of a seemingly endless grouping of lily pads during the late spring and summer months. A playground is located along the sands of the swimming beach.

Lake Alama, located in the southern section of Vinton County offers moderate level hiking trails, an island situated in the middle of the lake, a campground and multiple beach swimming areas. A gazebo and playground offer increased opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in the Hocking Hills region. A dog beach offers a chance for you and your dog to play off leash and have picnic. Well behaved dogs can enter the semi-fenced swimming area and play among the lily pads and bark and families of ducks swimming past.

Lake Logan is an angler's delight and filled with large mouth bass and Saugeye. You can hike the trails of the 400 acres which encompass the lake area. A spacious swimming beach offers ample elbow room for family fun. You can explore the waterway on a kayak or canoe during warm weather months.

Tar Hollow State Park encompasses 15 acres along Pine Lake. The park also offers a swimming beach and paddle boat rentals. Pack a snack and enjoy a picnic in the shade of a shelter house or along lake.
Hocking State Forest features gorges and sloping coves. When touring the forested areas you will experience the splendor of both Pitch and Virginia Pine Trees, Sugar and Red Maple Trees, Red Oaks, sassafras, Hickory and White Ash Trees.

Zaleski State Forest is located in the southern are of the Hocking Hills region in Vinton County. You can hike, horseback ride and mountain bike through the dense forest pathways. Wade through Raccoon Creek and cool off while on a hike during warm weather months.

Wayne National Forest spreads across multiple counties in the southern Ohio region. Wayne National Forest is the only designated national forest in the state. Over 2,000 distinct varieties of trees and plants call the national forest home. While hiking the trails of Wayne National Forest you may encounter eagles, coyotes, deer, wild turkeys, osprey and hawks.