There are some truly beautiful places in Hocking Hills, some of which are well-known, but there are a few hidden sites that require a little more digging to find...which means fewer tourists. We’ve compiled a short list of lesser-known hiking and scenic spots that you’ll want to check out, whether you’re new to the area or an old pro.
Exploring Deeper : Discovering Hidden Sites in Hocking Hills
Christmas Rocks - Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve is located in Fairfield County, not far from the Hocking Hills area. It is a Black Hand sandstone formation, known for Jacob’s Ladder, a beautiful vista worth climbing to see. There are two separate loops for hiking, both are medium difficulty, and trails total 4.5 miles. This location is a favorite of bird watchers, as many Neo-tropical birds pass through on their migration.
Zaleski State Forest & Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail - Located within Zaleski State Forest, the second largest state forest, is the Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail. This is a favorite of backpackers and campers alike. There are three different loops, four if you count the big loop all the way around (29 miles), and they total 6.9 miles, 8.8 miles, and 9.3 miles respectively. There are lots of “cushy” camping sites and the Zaleski State Forest also contains Moonville Tunnel, one of the last remaining parts of a ghost town called Moonville. It’s said to be haunted by a train brakeman who died trying to stop a train going through the tunnel. You can watch this 17 minute video of one man's first trek on the Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail.
Airplane Rock views change with each season - Catch them all! Airplane Rock - Airplane Rock is a formation shaped like an…airplane! Surprise! It’s a beautiful stone outcropping with a magnificent view. The entrance to Airplane Rock is near Conkles Hollow, a site many Hocking Hills regulars are already familiar with. The trail itself is actually a horse trail but it’s open to hikers as well. Just know that horses and their rides have right-of-way. (You can rent a horse off Big Pine Road if you’re interested in horseback riding!) The hike is 1.8 miles one way.
Photo Courtesy of Blue Moon Acres, LLC, Hocking Hills Ohio Bridle Trails - Speaking of horses, Hocking Hills State Park has many bridle (horse) trails. They’re well marked and visited by 30,000 horses and riders every year. This could be a fun new way to explore the area if you feel you’ve done everything else!
Sheep Dip Trail, a peaceful spot Sheep Dip Trail - This trail is a rather short hike, only half of a mile, and fairly easy. It is on private property, owned by the Mead Paper Company, which they don’t often use. It’s a bit of a “hike at your own risk” adventure but well worth it to see the two small waterfalls and sandstone gorge. It is a favorite of locals located off School Road in Creola, Ohio.
If you explore one of these more secluded locations, let us know what you think!
Author: Meg Fowler
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