Hocking Hills facts for kids

Conkle's Hollow

The Hocking Hills is a beautiful area in Ohio. It's mostly in Hocking County. This region is famous for its amazing natural features. You can find tall cliffs, deep gorges, cool rock shelters, and pretty waterfalls here.

The land here looks special because of a type of rock called Blackhand Sandstone. This rock is very strong and doesn't wear away easily. It helps create the high cliffs and narrow, deep gorges you see. The rock got its name from Native American drawings found on similar rock formations.

Places to Explore in Hocking Hills

Many of the most scenic spots in the Hocking Hills are protected areas. These places are great for exploring nature.

State Parks and Preserves

• Hocking Hills State Park: This park has five main areas to visit. They are Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Old Man's Cave, Rockhouse, and Cantwell Cliffs.
• Hocking State Forest: A large forest area for outdoor fun.
• Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve: A beautiful gorge with towering cliffs.
• Sheick Hollow State Nature Preserve: You need a special permit to enter this preserve.
• Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve: This preserve also requires a permit to visit.
• Kessler Swamp State Nature Preserve: A unique swamp area.
• Lake Logan State Park: A park centered around a lovely lake.
• Wayne National Forest: A large national forest spanning several counties.
• Rockbridge State Nature Preserve: Home to Ohio's largest natural bridge.

Other Nearby Natural Areas

The special rock formations of the Hocking Hills stretch out to other areas too. You can find impressive cliffs and gorges in these places:

• Clear Creek Metro Park: Part of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District.
• Rising Park in Lancaster.
• Wahkeena Memorial State Nature Preserve in Fairfield County.
• Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve in Fairfield County.
• Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve in Fairfield County.
• Shallenberger State Nature Preserve in Fairfield County.
• Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve in Hocking County.
• Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County.
• Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County.
• Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Licking County.
• Liberty Wildlife Area in Jackson County.

Long-Distance Trails

Several long hiking trails pass through the Hocking Hills. These include the Buckeye Trail, the North Country Trail, and the American Discovery Trail.

More Nearby Parks

You can also find these parks and camps close to the Hocking Hills:

• Lake Hope State Park
• Zaleski State Forest
• Camp Wyandot
• Tar Hollow State Park
• Tar Hollow State Forest
• Camp Akita (a church camp)

Hocking Hills area

Weather in Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills region has mild weather. It gets about 40.3 inches of rain each year. On average, there are about 175 sunny days every year. In July, the average high temperature is about 84.8 degrees Fahrenheit. In January, the average low temperature is about 19.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

History of Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills area has a rich history. It was first settled by Christian Eby. The name "Hocking" comes from a shorter version of the Hockhocking River. The Shawnee Indian tribe gave the river its original name.

The Name "Hockhocking"

In the Delaware language, "Hockhocking" means "a bottle." The Shawnee people thought that a very narrow part of the creek, just above a waterfall on the Hockhocking River, looked like the neck of a bottle. This is how the area got its unique name.

Early Settlers and Community

Other important early settlers included George Starkey and Moses Dolson. The first local election was held in Eby's mill, near Queer Creek. The first post office in the area was called "Rockhouse." It was located in Herschel Badford's home.

Hocking County: A Tourist Spot

Hocking County was officially formed on March 1, 1818. It was created from parts of Ross, Athens, Fairfield, and Logan counties. The county's borders have stayed the same since 1851. Because of its beautiful natural surroundings, Hocking County has become a popular place for tourists to visit.

Fun Outdoor Activities

Visitors can enjoy the Hocking Hills all year round. There are many outdoor activities to try. You can find farmers' markets, wine tastings, and even train rides.

Popular Activities

• Athens Farmers Market: Buy fresh local produce.
• Earth, Water, Rock: Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural world.
• Hocking Hills Canopy Tours: Go ziplining through the trees (available late March to late November).
• Happy Hills Fun Park: Enjoy rides and games.
• Hocking Hills Gem Mine: Dig for cool gems.
• Hocking Hills Marina at Lake Logan: Rent boats or enjoy the lake.
• Hocking Hills Primal Trek: An adventure course.
• Hocking Hills Adventures: Various outdoor activities.
• Hocking Peaks: Another adventure park.
• Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: Take a fun train ride.
• Hunting at Hocking Hills Cabins: For those interested in hunting.
• Shade Winery: Taste local wines.
• Sharp Farms Pumpkins & Corn Maze: Seasonal fun in the fall.
• The Buckeye Trail: Go for a long hike.
• Touch the Earth Adventures: More outdoor exploration.
• Valley Zipline Tours Walker Farm: Another ziplining option.
• Wayne National Forest: Explore this large forest.
• Nelsonville's Historic Public Square: Visit a historic town square.

Hiking Trails for All Levels

Hocking County offers many miles of hiking trails. They vary in length and how difficult they are. Some trails even allow pets!

Main Hiking Trails

• Old Man's Cave: About 1 mile long.
• Ash Cave Gorge: A short ¼ mile trail, easy for wheelchairs.
• Ash Cave Rim: About ½ mile long.
• Cedar Falls: About ½ mile long.
• Rock House: About 1 mile long.
• Cantwell Cliffs: Several trails, totaling around 3 miles.
• Conkle's Hollow: About 1 mile long, also wheelchair accessible.
• Conkle's Hollow Rim: About 2½ miles long.
• Buckeye Trail: This long trail passes through the area.
  • Cedar Falls – Ash Cave section: 3 miles.
  • Old Man's Cave – Cedar Falls section: 3 miles.
  • The Buckeye Trail is over 1,400 miles long across Ohio. It joins with the North Country Trail and the American Discovery Trail in the Hocking Hills area.

Rare Plants of Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills area is home to several rare and special plants. These plants are not found in many other places.

Unique Plant Life

• Huperzia porophila: Also known as the rock firmoss.
• Botrychium simplex: Called the least grape fern.
• Silene rotundifolia: Known as the round-leaf catchfly.
• Trichomanes boschianum: This is the Appalachian filmy fern.