Hocking Hills offers a large variety of things to do for campers. There are many camping areas to choose from and many fun, healthy activities including hiking, biking, zip lining, rock climbing and enjoying the fresh air and scenery. There is something for everyone in the family at this 9,000-acre park.
Camping Areas
There is nothing like camping under a bright, starlit sky. In the Hocking Hills area there are many great campgrounds to choose from, there are even camps where you can board your horse where you bunk.
There are options from peaceful sites to those close to area attractions. If you like to rough it, kick back in your Native American tipi which are available for visitors. Campers will not only find the serenity of nature refreshing, but there are many healthy, outdoor adventures awaiting.
Canoeing
There is plenty of water to enjoy at Hocking Hills, and the area canoe liveries offer rentals of canoes, rafts, tubes and kayaks. Enjoy the waters once traveled by the early Ohio settlers and the Native Americans. Special events are offered throughout the year including a romantic moonlight tour and a torchlight tour. There are also beginner trips available. Enjoy camping along the secluded banks of the Hocking River or rent a cabin on the river.
Zipline
It was at Hocking Hills that Ohio's first zipline adventure attraction was born.These canopy tours give campers a view like none other of the park. The zipline takes you through the tree tops above the caves and the cliffs, the Hocking River and the beautiful flora. For three hours, the adventurous spirit in you can enjoy zipping across 10 lines, five skybridges and then rappel back to the ground. This activity will get your heart rate up as you travel well above the forest floor. Guides will show you points of interest and share area history. To begin, you will be given safety and equipment instructions before you head out for the tour and a practice zip on a lower training cable.
Climbing and Rappelling
A part of the forest, 99 acres, has been set aside for rock climbing and rappelling enthusiasts. It is an excellent terrain for climbing on the rocks and cliff faces. Some of these cliffs are more than 300 million years old. The climbing area is located on Big Pine Road, just one mile east of Conkle's Hollow. There is parking available that allows for an easy walk to the cliff. The park encourages climbers to use good equipment and only climb with experienced people. View a climbing map on the website for Hocking Hills.
Hiking
There are many trails and adventures awaiting hikers in Hocking Hills. One of the most popular areas is Old Man's Cave. This trail at Upper Falls is called Grandma Gateweed Trail, and is a six-mile trek that connects three of the park's areas. Rock House Trail takes hikers through a unique area and is the only true cave in the park. The area is a tunnel like corridor and is halfway up a 150-foot cliff of sandstone.
Cantwell Cliffs is in a remote area of the park. It is said that those that travel the trail will not be disappointed. Ash Cave is a fantastic location as it is the largest recess cave in the state.
Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve is rugged and rocky and this gorge is stated to be one of the deepest in Ohio. The valley area is a real wilderness and is covered with ferns and wildflowers. During late winter to early summer, Cedar Falls is considered the greatest falls in the region, because of its volume and awesome force of water power.
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