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!
Daily Hikes to Monthly Events
Saturday, March 1
10 am Bird Bingo - Don't try any cheep tricks! Come play a game of bingo where we will identify common backyard birds in the area! Meet in the Visitor Center.
2 pm Creature Feature- Learn about one or more of our native Ohio creatures and how they can relate to us! Meet at Hocking Hills State Park Lodge.
Friday, March 14th
10 am Positively Perfect Pollinators - Bee here or bee square! Meet a naturalist at the
Visitor Center where you will venture outside to our pollinator patch and learn more about
these amazing critters.
2 pm Critter Chat – Join one of our naturalists at the Historic Cabin behind the Visitor
Center to learn more about some critters in the area!
Friday, March 28th
10 am Flower Dissection - Have you ever wondered what's inside a flower? Join us to
dissect your own and find out yourself! Meet in the Visitor Center.
2 pm Critter Chat – Join one of our naturalists at the Historic Cabin behind the Visitor
Center to learn more about some critters in the area!
Saturday, April 5th
10 am Bird Bingo - Don't try any cheep tricks! Come play a game of bingo where we will
identify common backyard birds in the area! Meet in the Visitor Center.
2 pm Creature Feature- Learn about one or more of our native Ohio creatures and how
they can relate to us! Meet at Hocking Hills State Park Lodge.
Sunday, April 20th
10 am Sneaky Snakes - Come learn about the 26 different species of snakes in Ohio. Find
out how they survive and get a chance to meet one in person! Meet in the Visitor Center.
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Dark Journeys with Jannette is offering a Cursed Cupid Sweetheart’s Night Hike and Ghost Hunt at Moonville Tunnel on Friday evening, February 14, 2025 with a ghost story and hike followed by a ghost hunt at the famous haunted tunnel. It will begin between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. which will be announced. I will be walking an out-and-back section of the Moonville Rail Trail, and those interested can hike with me. The hike and ghost hunt will take about 2 hours. It takes about 30-40 minutes to hike one way at a leisurely pace. However, we move steadily with a short stop to hear the old folklore and local ghost stories, so it may be too challenging for those with health issues, breathing problems, walking difficulties, or who are out of shape. The trail may be icy. The hike is free. Depending upon the weather, it is between 2-3.0 miles (depending upon the trail condition) on a flat gravel railroad bed. Each participant must register and sign a waiver to attend; there are no exceptions. Sign up for the hike at on https://www.facebook.com/ohioghoststories. I will send info on the waiver and directions after registration and the day before the hike.
Night hike and ghost hunt at the famous Moonville Tunnel at the newest Vinton County Park District. Hikers will be walking an out-and-back section of the Moonville Rail Trail from Moonville to Ingham Station/Bear Hollow with author, folklorist and ghost hunter Jannette Quackenbush, along the way listening the local folklore leading to the ghost stories passed down by those who once lived along this particular path of the railway. After, Jannette will bring ghost hunting tools and equipment from throughout history so hikers can try and learn how to ghost hunt inside the tunnel.
Night hike and ghost hunt at the famous King HollowTunnel. Hikers will be walking an out-and-back section of the Moonville Rail Trail from King Switch to Mineral with author, folklorist and ghost hunter Jannette Quackenbush, along the way listening the local folklore leading to the ghost stories passed down by those who once lived along this particular path of the railway. After the hike, Jannette will bring ghost hunting tools and equipment from throughout history so hikers can try and learn how to ghost hunt at the tunnel.
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Saturday, February 1 Off-Trail Hike 2:30pm-4:00pm Enjoy a difficult off-trail 1-mile hike to discover a recess cave not many have seen.Discuss the geological forces at work and search for critters that might be calling this cave home! Meet at Oak Point Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Feel free to bring along any additional equipment to assist with uneven, steep terrain and mud/water conditions.
Saturday February 8 Eagle Excursion 2:30pm-4:00pm Enjoy an easy and relaxed 1.5-mile hike along the Moonville Rail Trail as we learn about the life cycle and natural history of the bald eagle. If you have an eagle eye you may just spot one yourself! Meet at the Nature Center and caravan in your own vehicle to the trailhead. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars or a spotting scope. All ages are welcome!
Saturday, February 15 3rd Annual Tree Hugging Competition 10:00am-1:00pm ‘ This competition is about “sharing love for nature with kindred spirits and encouraging you to go out and tap into the benefits that forests have for our mind and body.” It all started in 2020 at Finland’s international competition with four main events: Speed-hugging, Biggest Hug, Most Dedicated, and Freestyle. Join guest judges for a fun and free event. Who will be chosen as Lake Hope’s champions this year?! ‘ Meet at the Nature Center ‘ For more information visit Lake Hope State Park’s Facebook Page. Competition is free of charge. No pre-registration necessary. Winners will receive an eco-friendly award! Get creative, dress for competition and for weather.
February 8 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Take in winter views on a 4-mile self-guided hike to a recess cave. Hikers may begin hiking anytime between 9am and 10am. Anyone planning to participate should plan to start hiking by 10am. The route will be well marked. Terrain at Clear Creek is rugged and uneven, be prepared for elevation gain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Park Office: 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster (39.594057, -82.622219).
Valentine’s Day Hike February 14 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Fall in love with the trails on a guided hike. Choose from two distances, 4 or 6-miles. Both hikes will start together. Trails at Clear Creek are rugged and steep. Be prepared for elevation gain and a moderate pace. Meet at the Creekside Meadows Parking Lot: 23833 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge (39.589033, -82.577590). Phone 740.969.8210
Free to the public. All Year Long.
Learn. See. Do. At Hocking Hills State Park.
At Ash Cave
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.