Hocking HillsWhere all the best roads lead . . .HIKE. STAY. PLAY. YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!
Hocking HillsWhere all the best roads lead . . .HIKE. STAY. PLAY. YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!
Discover the wealth of dog-friendly trails in the Hocking Hills, offering both long and short hikes for you and your furry companion!
Of course, there are rules to follow, such as:
It's important to note that dogs must be non-aggressive. Also, State Nature Preserves like Conkle's Hollow and Boch Hollow do NOT allow dogs. Use commong sense; don't take your dog along cliff edges and make sure they are in your control at all times.
Always ensure your dogs are on a leash (6 feet) and close by when people pass. It's important not to let them off-leash, even in remote areas. Remember, not everyone shares our love for dogs-
Be mindful of your dog's comfort and safety during the hike. Some stairways in the park, like Ash Cave, have anti-slip steel gratings that may be challenging for some dogs. You know your dog's limit best; always plan ahead. Remember to pack water and a bowl for water (in the park, people and pets must stay on the direct trail, so there is no swimming/drinking in the creeks).
Dogs are allowed at Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs. Remember, even though dogs are allowed on these trails, it does not mean they are suitable for pets. Rock House, Old Man's Cave, and Cantwell Cliffs have steep cliff edges.
This short hiking trail, approximately a 1/2 mile long and taking about 40 minutes, is designed for accessibility. It begins as a wheelchair-accessible asphalt walkway, leading to the recess cave and a giant sand pit. Hikers then navigate raggedy stone steps to a slip-resistant grated stairway, which may not be suitable for all dogs due to the metal, inverted channel walking surface. (I have seen many dogs walk this just fine as did my two large, rescue dogs who are, at times, a little skittish at new things) The trail ends with a descent down a rough dirt path, complete with broken stone and/or wooden bar steps, leading back to the parking area.
The path is approximately a 1/2 mile long and considered moderate (for people, easy for most dogs) with steps. The path is large, so it is easier to avoid others with a pet along the trails.
This is a longer hike, but one that leads through the more remote Division of Forestry Property. Once out of Ash Cave with its crowds, hikers make a left at the top of the stairway and into the deeper woods. If you want an area that is less-crowded, this hike is about ¼ mile through Ash Cave and 2.3 miles to Cedar Falls, a total out and back of about 5 miles round trip.
There are seven major hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park - All are one-way trail systems.
Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. These park areas offer a unique experience for those who walk its paths no matter what season (the park is open year-round from dawn to dusk)—located on the southern edge of Hocking County. But those are just a handful. There are many hiking trails in the Hocking Hills include those at Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Parks, Lake Hope State Park, Vinton County Park District's Moonville Tunnel, and Hocking College's Robbins Crossing (with park programs) and the Athens Hock-Hocking Adena Rail Trail bikeway.