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Hocking State Forest
19275 S.R. 374
Rockbridge, Ohio 43149
740-385-4402

Hocking State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept with special emphasis 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.

• Ash Cave Cabins
  Ash Cave Cabins are located 1/2 mile from Ash Cave State Park on the Buckeye Trail atop beautiful Liberty Hill Ridge in the Heart of the Hocking Hills. Ash Cave Cabins are nestled in a privately owned 63 acre forest with towering cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls and deep hemlock shaded gorges. Each of our three large Vacation Homes sits on a spacious 3 acres in the woods. 
• Barringer Ridge Cottages
  
  
• Bear Run Inn
  Rediscover the days of youth by going fishing in our ponds or taking a hike through the woods and meadows. Enjoy the simple, slow pleasures of a life in the past. Escape to a beautiful hilltop hide-a-way in the scenic Hocking Hills Region of southeastern Ohio.
• Palmerosa
  Horse Campground -- All Campers Welcome
  Camp with or without a horse -- Open All Year!
  Located next to Hocking Hills State Forest, Palmerosa Horse Camp is a privately owned campground. Enjoy the best of what Hocking Hills has to offer. Over 50 miles of scenic horse trails. Each trail is well-marked and maps are available. Cabin in the woods also available.

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.

Map of Hocking State Forest (192K)

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.

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