Hocking Hills State Park is an excellent destination for families with kids, offering a variety of activities and trails suitable for children of different ages. From awe-inspiring caves to scenic gorge walks, this park provides an unforgettable outdoor adventure for the whole family.
Best Hikes for Kids
- Old Man’s Cave: This trail is highly recommended for its “WOW factor” and is not rated as difficult. It features a loop with numerous stairs and a rock tunnel. Be sure to keep little ones close and wear trail shoes or hiking boots as the rocks can be slippery.
- Ash Cave: This is considered the least stressful trail and is suitable for families. Ash Cave is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi and offers a grand, awe-inspiring experience.
- Rock House: This trail has a 4.6-star rating from 3,416 reviews and is 1.3 km long with an elevation gain of 62 m. It is a popular choice for families and offers a well-maintained trail with plenty of shade.
- Conkles Hollow: This trail is super easy, only 0.5 miles long, and is suitable for younger children. It is part of a State Nature Preserve and offers a scenic gorge walk.
Special Activities and Programs for Kids
- Scavenger Hunts: The welcome center at Hocking Hills State Park offers scavenger hunts for kids, making the trip more engaging and fun.
- Rainy Day Activities: The welcome center also provides lists of local restaurants and activities for rainy days, ensuring that families can still have a great time even in bad weather.
Accessibility and Pet-Friendliness
- Wheelchair-Accessible Trails: Some trails at Hocking Hills State Park are wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, making it a great destination for families with children of all abilities.
- Dogs on Trails: While there is no specific information on bringing dogs on trails at Hocking Hills State Park, it is generally recommended to check with park rules and regulations before bringing pets.
Planning and Essentials
- Cost: Admission to Hocking Hills State Park is free, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
- What to Bring: Essential items include hiking shoes, light-weight raincoats, water, backpacks, first aid kits, and downloaded trail maps or paper maps as cell phone service is limited.
- Accommodations: There are various options for accommodations, including camping and cabins. Be sure to book in advance as reservations fill up quickly.
Additional Activities
- Adventure Pro Outdoors: Offers river trips, ATV and UTV rentals, rock and cliff rappelling, rock climbing, and ecotour experiences that can be enjoyed by families with kids.
- Hocking Hills Adventures: Provides canoe and kayak trips on the Hocking River, which can be a fun and adventurous activity for kids.
Reference:
- https://yodertoterblog.com/hocking-hills-with-kids/
- https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/ohio/hocking-hills-state-park/kids
- https://www.mrsmumaw.com/2021/05/hocking-hills-with-kids-baby-hocking.html
- https://www.hockinghills.com/family_outting.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g2424170-Activities-zft11306-Hocking_Hills_Ohio.html