Hocking County: Sandstone, Gorges and Culture

Sandstone, gorges and waterfalls give the natural attractions around Hocking County a distinctive character. Hiking trails, stargazing opportunities and insights into regional history round out the experience. As you plan your trip, it’s worth considering the different landscapes and experiences as separate highlights.

Sandstone, rock formations and waterfalls

The Blackhand Sandstone of the Hocking Hills formed from sand and gravel deposited more than 330 million years ago, when the region was covered by the Atlantic Ocean. At Hocking Hills State Park, you’ll encounter high cliffs and deep gorges. Ash Cave is the largest rock shelter east of the Mississippi. Its horseshoe-shaped rim spans 700 feet; it is also the southernmost of the state park’s six natural areas.

Old Man’s Cave can also be identified by its distinct landscape sections: Upper Falls, Upper Gorge, Middle Falls, Lower Falls and Lower Gorge. The gorge cuts through the entire 150-foot-thick layer of Blackhand Sandstone. At Cedar Falls, the volume of water takes center stage: Cedar Falls carries the most water of any waterfall in Hocking County and plunges 50 feet.

At Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve, numerous waterfalls cascade over sandstone cliffs. The cliffs at Conkles Hollow rise nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. Together, these places offer a variety of natural sights, from rock shelters and gorges to waterfalls and towering valley walls.

Trails and outdoor experiences

At Cantwell Cliffs, you can choose between two distinct types of trails. The rim trails offer sweeping views; the valley trail runs along the base of the cliffs. The comparison is simple: views over the surrounding area from above, or a trail along the rock walls below.

The Hemlock Bridge Trail passes Whispering Cave and connects to Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls via the gorge trail. For a longer hike, Hocking State Forest has a total of 59 miles of trails across three routes. There is also an area for rock climbing and rappelling. Northern and southern plant species grow together in the forest, alongside their associated wildlife.

Rose Lake is accessible via State Route 374 and a 0.5-mile hiking trail. The lake is stocked with trout every spring. For a different kind of nature experience, visitors can observe the night sky at John Glenn Astronomy Park, using a large telescope or the naked eye.

Culture and regional history

The Shawnee, Delaware and Wyandot hunted and lived in the Hocking Hills area during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name Old Man’s Cave also refers to a figure from local history: it comes from the hermit Richard Rowe, who lived in the 19th century.

Rock House is the only true cave in Hocking Hills State Park. Its natural openings look like windows. The Hocking County Historical Society & Museum complex presents the presence of Indigenous peoples in Hocking County and various aspects of later history: the Lutz Steam Car, a furnished Victorian house from 1881, a military exhibit, antique farming equipment and a railroad telegraph office.

Tours and hotel planning

At Hocking Hills Moonshine, visitors can take a free tour and watch moonshine being made. The tour also covers the history of Prohibition. Tastings from the selection are available for a small fee.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hocking County, you can start by choosing the main focus of your trip, such as natural formations and hiking trails, stargazing, or history and tours.

Discover more destinations: Rockbridge, Delaware County, Geauga County, Preble County, Lucas, Seneca County, Knox County, Coshocton County.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.