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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Hocking State Forest
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Hocking State Forest Hawking Pond Cabin © Michael Fitch
Hawking Pond Cabin located in Hocking Hills is a secluded 2019 built log cabin. It is beautifully located on top of a majestic hill right next to our secluded Hawking Pond. The cabin showcases a 360 degree walk around deck which provides spectacular views of the hills, Hawking Pond, pine trees, bird feeders, woodlands and amazing sunsets
Hocking State Forest Rock House Cabins © Michael Fitch
Rock House Cabins. LOCATED IN HOCKING HILLS NEXT DOOR TO ROCK HOUSE PARK AND HOCKING FOREST. Five SEPARATE cabin rentals form a LODGELIKE setting in Hocking Hills Ohio directly next to Rock House StatePark Hocking State Forest
Hocking State Forest Hocking Hills Area Map © Michael Fitch
Hocking Hills Area Map
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HOCKING STATE FOREST
HOCKING STATE FOREST
19275 OH-374
Rockbridge, Ohio   43149-9749
(lat:39.4557 lon:-82.5777) map location

Phone: (740) 385-4402
Hocking State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept with special empahsis on maintaining or creating a forest cover that will enhance woodland recreation. The area is also managed for timber and wildlife habitat, forestry research and demonstrations of good forest management, natural beauty, tree seed for forest nurseries and protection of soils and watershed.

Timber products obtained from harvest, stand improvement and thinning operations include saw logs, veneer logs, pulpwood, firewood, fence and guard posts and poles. Proceeds from state timber sales are split among the state of Ohio and county and township governments where the timber originated.

During the spring and fall fire season months --March, April, May, October and November-- the main objective of the division is to prevent, detect and suppress wildfires that occur on state and private land within Hocking County and parts of Vinton and Fairfield counties.

The many gas wells and transmission lines that you see are a result of the development of a natural gas storage field underlying the forest area.

Ninety-nine acres of forest land have been set aside for rock climbing and rappelling. The area is located on Big Pine Road, one mile east of Conkle's Hollow. A parking area is within easy walking distance of the rock and cliff face. There you will find excellent terrain for this growing sport. Be sure to use quality equipment and climb with experienced people.

One of the special attractions of Hocking State Forest is the natural vegetation. Plant species commonly found farther north mix with typically southern species to provide an unusual variety of native plant life and associated wildlife.
History of the Area
Hocking State Forest is located in the state of Ohio and covers an area of approximately 9,023 acres. It is situated in Hocking County, in the southeastern part of the state. The history of Hocking State Forest dates back to the early 20th century when the area was heavily logged.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Hocking Valley region was known for its vast amounts of timber, particularly hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and black walnut. Logging companies were attracted to the area due to the abundance of valuable timber. However, the unregulated logging practices led to widespread deforestation and environmental degradation.

Recognizing the need for conservation, Ohio established the Division of Forestry in 1919, with the aim of managing and preserving the state's forests. In 1937, the state purchased the land that would become Hocking State Forest as part of its ongoing efforts to protect and restore forests in Ohio.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program created during the Great Depression, played a significant role in the development of Hocking State Forest. CCC workers were employed to carry out reforestation, erosion control, and infrastructure projects within the forest. They built roads, trails, picnic areas, and a lookout tower. Their work helped to restore the forest and make it more accessible to the public.

Hocking State Forest has become a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The forest offers various trails that showcase the region's diverse flora and fauna, including the popular Grandma Gatewood Trail named after Emma Gatewood, who was the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail solo.

Hocking State Forest continues to be managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and remains an important natural and recreational resource for both the local community and visitors to the area.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres9,267
Day-UseHiking Trail, miles9
 Rappelling/Rock Climbingyes
 Bridle Trails, miles40
CampingHorsemen Campsitesyes
Camping
1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground: This campground offers both electric and non-electric sites, as well as cabins for rent. Amenities include restrooms with showers, a camp store, playgrounds and hiking trails.

2. Old Man's Cave Chalets: Offers luxury cabin rentals within the forest area that come equipped with hot tubs, fireplaces and fully-equipped kitchens.

3. Top O' The Caves Campground: A family-oriented camping resort offering full hook-up RV sites along with tent campsites located in wooded areas of the park.

4. Lake Hope State Park Cabins & Camping Sites: Located on the eastern edge of Hocking Forest is this beautiful state park which provides options to stay at their furnished cabins or set up tents/RVs at designated spots around Lake Hope.

5. Hickory Grove Cabins: These are private log cabins nestled deep into woods providing an intimate experience amidst nature's beauty.

6. Logan/Hocking Hills KOA Holiday: It has everything from primitive tenting to deluxe patio pull-thru sites available year-round.

7. Buckeye Trail Association Primitive Tent Site: For those seeking solitude can opt for these remote locations accessible only by footpaths.

8. Canopy Ridge Cabins: They offer luxurious yet rustic accommodation surrounded by scenic landscapes.

9. Wildcat Hollow Backpacking Trailhead Dispersed Camping Area: Ideal spot if you're looking forward to backpack through Ohio's wilderness.
Nearby Accommodations
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Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
9.1 miles from park*
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Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
4.6 miles from park*
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Conference Center
Hello I am the marketing coordinator for the Hocking Hills Lodge Conference Center. There is incorrect information on your website about our lodge, how would we go about changing that or providing
10.2 miles from park*
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Cottages and Cabins
A lakeside retreat in the beautiful Hocking Hills on scenic Lake Logan. Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Satellite HD TV, sitting room, breakfast nook, and electric AC/Heat.
8.1 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Fishing
In this expansive woodland area, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of options. The forest's streams and lakes are home to several species including smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish and carp. Anglers may choose from bank or boat fishing in the larger bodies of water while fly-fishing is popular in the smaller creeks throughout the region. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next big catch or simply want to spend a relaxing day by the water with family, there's something here for everyone.



Trails
1. Ash Cave Trails: These trails lead to the largest recess cave in Ohio, offering a spectacular view of waterfalls and unique rock formations.

2. Buckeye Trail: A 26-mile loop trail that offers scenic views with diverse flora and fauna; it's also part of the larger statewide Buckeye Trail system.

3. Cantwell Cliffs Loop: This challenging three-mile hike features steep inclines, narrow passages, deep valleys and high cliffs for experienced hikers seeking adventure.

4. Cedar Falls Hiking Trail: An easy-to-moderate two mile round trip leading to beautiful falls surrounded by hemlock trees - perfect for family hikes or picnics.

5. Conkle's Hollow Rim & Gorge Trails: Two separate paths - one along the rim (more difficult) providing panoramic forest views while another through gorge floor (easier), showcasing lush vegetation including ferns and wildflowers.

6 Old Man's Cave Section on The Grandma Gatewood/Buckeye/ North Country National Scenic Trial: Named after Richard Rowe who lived there around late 1700s, this popular six miles long section has several points like Upper/Lower Falls , Devil's Bathtub etc., each having its own story.

7 Rock House Area: Known as only true cave within park boundaries . It is an easy half-a mile trek which takes you inside sandstone cliff featuring gothic-like windows.

8 Hemlock Bridge / Whispering Caves Trai l: Newly opened in May 2017,this five miles moderate difficulty level path leads towards second:largest cavern where visitors can hear whispers from waterfall dripping down into sandy area below.

9 Fire Tower at Rose Lake: For those interested in bird watching or just enjoying stunning vistas across lake ; climb up fire tower located near dam between rose lake fishing dock parking lot.

10 Horseman's Day Use Area: Offers over forty miles equestrian:friendly routes winding throughout state forest.

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Area Campgrounds
Big Sycamore Family Campground LLC
28920 Lake Logan Road
Logan, OH
740-385-7120
Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
29150 Pattor Road
Logan, OH
740-385-4295
Top O' the Caves
26780 Chapel Ridge Road
South Bloomingville, OH
740-385-6566
Hocking Hills Camping & Campground
26633 Main Street
Rockbridge, OH
Hocking River RV Park
30761Chieftain Dr
Logan, OH
740-331-4840
Campbell Cove Camping
30775 Lake Logan Road
Logan, OH
740-385-2994
Palmerosa Horse & Hike Camp
19207 Keifel Road
Laurelville, OH
740-416-1066
Area Resources
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Tourism
Offical Guide to Southeastern Ohio's Scenic Wonderland, the Hocking Hills. The 9 State Parks and State Forests. How to get there, things to do, interesting local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Reserve your cabin or campsite online
4.2 miles from park*

Directions
1. Start by heading south on Interstate 71.
2. Take exit 131B to merge onto OH-10 W toward Lancaster.
3. Continue on OH-10 W for approximately 31 miles.
4. Take the exit toward South Sugar Grove/Logan.
5. Merge onto OH-664 S and continue for about 7 miles.
6. Turn left onto Big Pine Rd, followed by a right turn onto State Forest Rd.
7. Continue on State Forest Rd for a few miles until you reach Hocking State Forest.

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Ohio
25

Ohio State Parks

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