Family Friendly Hiking in the Hocking Hills
Calling all nature loving families! Hocking Hills, Ohio, is your one-stop destination for an unforgettable outdoor experience. With its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient caves, this region offers stunning scenery and exciting hikes that are perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
But don't worry, these aren't just challenging treks for seasoned explorers. Hocking Hills is home to a variety of trails perfect for all ages and abilities, ensuring a fun and manageable adventure for the whole family.
Let's lace up our boots and explore some of the best family-friendly hikes in Hocking Hills:
1. Ash Cave Gorge Trail (1/4 Mile, Easy):
This paved pathway is a fantastic introduction to Hocking Hills for families with young children or those who prefer a leisurely stroll. The quarter mile trail leads you directly to the awe-inspiring Ash Cave, a massive horseshoe shaped cave towering over 90 feet high and spanning 700 feet. It's the largest recessed cave east of the Mississippi.
2. Ash Cave Rim (1/4 Mile, Moderate):
You can continue on from the gorge trail to the rim trail that takes you up a few sets of stairways and out to the rim of the gorge for some beautiful views.
Helpful Links:
- Ash Cave Trail Information: Hocking Hills State Park - Ash Cave
- Tips for Hiking with Young Children: The National Wildlife Federation - Hiking with Kids
2. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve - Gorge Trail (Easy to Moderate):
This partially paved, 1-mile loop trail takes you alongside a scenic stream and towering rock formations. The highlight of the trail is the beautiful waterfall at the end, perfect for a refreshing break and photo opportunity.
Address: 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH
Helpful Links:
- Conkles Hollow Trail Information: Hocking Hills State Park - Conkles Hollow
- Water Safety Tips for Hikers: The American Hiking Society - Hiking Safety
3. Old Man's Cave Loop (Moderate):
Old Man's Cave Trail in Hocking Hills State Park is a great choice for a family hike! This one-way trail is about a mile and a half long and offers scenic views of waterfalls, rock bridges, and even a cool passage through a cave. The natural features keep kids engaged, and the well-maintained trail is manageable for most ages. Just be sure to supervise closely around uneven terrain and try to go early to avoid the crowds on this most popular trail, especially during peak season.
Helpful Links:
- Old Man's Cave Trail Information: Hocking Hills State Park - Old Man's Cave
- Choosing the Right Hiking Gear for Your Family: REI - Hiking with Kids
4. For Older Children: Cedar Falls (Moderate):
Embark on a 2.5-mile journey through a scenic gorge, following a creek to the cascading Cedar Falls. This moderately challenging trail features wooden bridges and overlooks, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Great for families with older children who are up for a bit more distance.
Bonus Tips: Always check the official Hocking Hills State Park website (Hocking Hills State Park) for trail closures or advisories before you head out.
To maximize your time and enjoyment, We suggest planning your hikes early in the day to avoid the busiest times, especially if you're visiting popular spots like Old Man's Cave.
Lastly, make sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy during your outdoor adventures.
Ready for More Adventure?
Hocking Hills offers numerous other trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels. Once your family has conquered these beginner-friendly hikes, you can explore more challenging options like Rock House or Cantwell Cliffs. Both offer up some beautiful views but do have cliffs that are not fenced. These would be for older children who understand not to go near the open cliffs or pretend to toss their siblings off the cliff! We've even seen children harnessed to their parents for safety which will work too!
Remember, the key to a successful family hike is to choose a trail that suits everyone's abilities and interests. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and most importantly, have fun exploring the wonders of Hocking Hills together!
Hocking Hills hiking trails are beautiful and potentially dangerous so please use caution when hiking with adults as well as kids. Hikers with kids should closely supervise kids while on any hiking trail. All park visitors must remain on trails at all times. There is no swimming in waterfalls, creeks, or ponds at any of state park hiking areas. Most trails in the Hocking Hills close at dusk. Check times and closings before entering.
Where To Stay In the Hocking Hills
Rustic Ridge Lodge is in the heart of the Hocking Hills and has 4 bedrooms and 1 open loft with 4 twin beds (8 beds total). Highlights include a game room with a pool table, kids' air hockey and foosball, an old school cocktail arcade, and ping pong on the covered and screened deck. We also have a 7 person covered hot tub and a 2 person sauna with amazing wooded views along with over 2,000 sq ft of outdoor living! Let's not forget about the outdoor firepit complete with ample seating and Edison lighting as well as the fire table on our 2 story arched deck! This is a perfect cabin for getting all the family together under one roof and having plenty of space to get together or spread apart doing different activities. Find out more at Rustic Ridge Lodge!
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