A Landscape Carved by Time
Hocking Hills sits atop the Blackhand sandstone formation — a layer of rock deposited by an ancient sea more than 300 million years ago. Over millennia, wind, water, and ice carved this sandstone into the dramatic gorges, waterfalls, recess caves, and cliff faces that draw visitors from around the world today.
The region encompasses over 10,000 acres of unbroken forest across Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking State Forest, Clear Creek Metro Park, and surrounding preserves. Together they form one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the Midwest.
The Park & Its Seven Wonders
Hocking Hills State Park is anchored by seven major hiking areas: Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow, Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, and the Hemlock Bridge Trail. Each offers a distinct experience — from the wheelchair-accessible gorge at Ash Cave to the rugged, crowd-free Cantwell Cliffs.
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and every season brings something different. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Summer is lush and green. Autumn paints the canopy in fire. And winter transforms the falls into otherworldly ice sculptures.
About This Site
HockingHillsOhio.org is a community resource built to help visitors and locals discover the best of the Hocking Hills region — its trails, local businesses, dining, and adventure. We are not affiliated with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or any government agency.
All information on this site is provided in good faith. Trail conditions, business hours, and availability are subject to change. Always check with individual businesses and the official Hocking Hills State Park website before your visit.