19275 S.R. 374 Rockbridge, Ohio 43149 740-385-4402 Directions to forest Total acres: 9,696 County: Hocking County Brochure with map (pdf) Brochure w/bridle map (pdf) Brochure w/rockclimbing map (pdf)

Public Recreational Areas near Hocking State Forest
Use ODNR's Recreational Areas by County Map to locate State Parks, Nature Preserves, Boating Areas, and public hunting and fishing areas near Hocking State Forest.

Additional Information History of Ohio’s State Forests officially began in 1916, but its roots go back much further. READ MORE> AUDIO SEGMENTS AUDIO: Firewood Alert VIDEO and MORE AUDIO>

Hocking State Forest Notes
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.

Hocking State Forest Bridle Trails and Horsemen's Camp 

• This campground is for horse riders only. There is no charge for riding the trails. Day users are to use the day use parking lot.
• Horse campers are to register at the Self-Registration Booth. Only one unit is permitted per campsite.
• Campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis; saving campsites is prohibited.
• Fires and camping are allowed in designated areas only.
• Do not leave fires unattended.
• For your safety, the forest closes at dark; riding is not permitted after dark.
• Please park all equipment on your campsite; do not park in the grass.
• Maintain your campsite in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Please use the hitch posts; tying horses to trees is prohibited.
• Please observe quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Open display and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
• The use of firearms is restricted to lawful hunting only.
• Only ride the designated trails. Riding is prohibited in state park and preserve areas. (Exception: Riders of the Buckeye Trail may use the horsemen's bypass around the east end of Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls).
• Obtain permission before using private land. The State Forest boundary is marked with yellow blazes.

Hocking State Forest History

A visit to the Hocking State Forest can take you to the past and provide a glimpse of the future. The sandstone cliffs reveal a time 300 million years ago when rivers to the east flowed into a shallow sea covering what is now called Ohio. Over geologic time, the land rose and small streams cut through the rock leaving the spectacular cliffs and waterfalls present today.

Remnant communities of birch and hemlock tell of times when the climate was much cooler and glaciers threatened (but were stopped by hills just to the north). Large diameter 400 to 500 year old trees tell of simpler times and primitive technology. More recent changes are exhibited by old roadbeds, abandoned home sites, and stands of pine trees now growing in what were 19th century corn, wheat and hay fields.

The Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, predecessor to the ODNR Division of Forestry, started buying Hocking County land in 1924. These lands were acquired to demonstrate the practical value of forestry. The lands were generally cut over with forest stands in poor condition. Timber harvests were regulated; erosion was controlled and abandoned fields were planted to trees. Species like beaver and turkey were reintroduced. The depression era Civilian Conservation Corp worked on improvements to the area. In 1949, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was formed and the Hocking Hills State Park was separated from the Hocking State Forest. In 1976, three State Nature Preserves were also designated on the state forest.

Today, Hocking State Forest is managed for a variety of objectives including demonstration areas of sound, scientific, sustained, multiple-use management. Timber harvesting is closely monitored so it can be sustained. Erosion is actively controlled. Outdoor recreation is developed and encouraged. Habitat is provided and managed for game and non-game wildlife species. The ODNR Division of Forestry, state forest system is dedicated to providing an example of sound multiple-use land stewardship.

General Forest Rules

• The Hocking State Forest area receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Please respect the forest community that you find. Your consideration of other visitors using the forest will help provide an enjoyable experience for all.

• Visitors are free to walk on state forest property during daylight hours. However, because of the many cliffs located throughout the area, extreme caution is urged particularly when ice or snow is present. Because of these hazards, Hocking State Forest closes at dark.

• Motor vehicles are restricted to roads open for public travel and designated parking areas.

• Use of horses is permitted on designated bridle trails only.

• Disturbance, defacement or destruction of any property, material, natural feature or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from tree seed orchards or posted areas.

• Camping and building of fires are prohibited except in designated areas.

• General visitation guidelines