The Hocking Hills region, an area of the Allegheny Plateau in Ohio, offers challenging rock climbing on the water-carved cliffs of the dense Blackhand sandstone in Hocking State Forest. While summer temperatures in the area can reach well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity, the area begins to cool off in late September, so plan your trip for the autumn months. Hocking Hills' cliffs, gorges and caves attract thousands of visitors each year.
Area Geography
About 350 million years ago, a warm shallow sea that covered the region deposited the area's bedrock, a hard sandstone. Over the next several million years, uplift and water erosion carved massive cliffs, narrow canyons hundreds of feet deep, caves as large as orchestra shells and hollows lined with fields of moss and ferns. Some of the area's best-known geographical features are Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Cantwell Cliffs and Cedar Falls.
Climbing
The only legal rock climbing in Hocking Hills can be found one mile east of Conkle's Hollow off Big Pine Road in a 99-acre recreational area of Hocking State Forest, a preservation of more than 9,000 acres next to Hocking Hills State Park. Climbing is only permitted in designated areas. Climbing in other areas, particularly those frequented by hikers and walkers, is likely to lead to a fine. You can park in the parking lot on Big Pine Road to access the rock climbing area. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources website suggests you climb only with experienced climbers. Course difficulties range from 5.7 (achievable by most weekend climbers) to 5.10 (challenging, with small handholds and overhangs for accomplished climbers only).
Where to Get Gear
If you need to rent climbing gear for your Hocking Hills adventure, you can contact Earth Water Rock Outdoor Adventures, a local independent guide service. The service is offered by reservation only, so if you need to rent gear or want to hire guides, contact it several weeks in advance. It is best to bring your own gear because the area's other outfitters are geared toward hiking, hunting and fishing, not rock climbing.
Where to Stay
The 2,000-acre Hocking Hills State Park offers 156 electric sites, with 20-, 30- or 50-amp electric, as well as 13 nonelectric sites for RV or tent camping. Sites have paved pads and can accommodate up to a 50-foot unit. The state park also features 40 air-conditioned, gas-heated cabins that each sleep six. Private rental cabins--ranging from rustic chalets to luxury abodes complete with hot tubs and gourmet kitchens--are spread across the region. Bed and breakfasts, lodges, luxury hotels and national chain hotels also are available.
Other Area Attractions
When you come down off the rock face, enjoy miles of hiking trails that lead to dramatic features such as Old Man's Cave, with its surrounding waterfalls and cliffs, and the enormous, open shell of Ash Cave. You can rent a canoe and paddle along the Hocking River or hire a horse and trot through the woods and countryside. If you haven't had enough of elevated adventure, try a 3,300-foot zipline tour of the treetops.
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