Hocking State Forest 19275 S.R. 374 Rockbridge, Ohio 43149 740-385-4402 Total acres: 9,696 County: Hocking County Brochure with map (pdf) Brochure w/bridle map (pdf) Brochure w/rock-climbing map (pdf)

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.

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.

General Forest Rules