From Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist Patrick Quackenbush, regarding the Hocking Hills State Park Trails
"We hope you enjoy your visit at Hocking Hills State Park. Please remember that for the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors, hikers must remain on the marked trails always while in the park.
Trails are clearly marked with both color coding blazes and
directional signage informing hikers in which direction they
should proceed to the most exciting features in the park.
Please pay close attention when entering trail systems since
many of our areas are ONE directional trails. Signage will
help hikers understand in which direction the flow of foot traffic
will be maintained. Trails operating as one-way system are Old
Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Conkle’s Hollow, Rock
House and Cantwell Cliffs. Whispering cave is now a 5-mile
one-way loop accessed from the main visitor center at Old Man’s Cave. Hikers are asked not to return against the flow of hiking traffic to encourage social distancing and prevent damage to delicate ecosystems.
Off-trail excursions or swimming & wading in streams are prohibited due to the delicate nature of our ecosystem here at Hocking Hills and to keep hikers safe. All trail areas close from dusk to dawn so please plan to be off the trails
well before that time.
Pets are welcome in all areas of the park except Conkle’s Hollow nature preserve. Due to the delicate nature of the preserve pets are not permitted. But remember, pets must be on a leash under the owners control always and they
must be well mannered and both people and pet friendly. It is also required that
you pick up after your pet."