Hocking Hills State Park offers year around programs for all ages. But d

on't expect to be sitting down in a chair and warding off a yawn with a cupped hand by the old-fashioned slide shows of years past. And don't anticipate playing tag in the campground.

At this park, you'll be getting a bit of adventure because most of the park programs at Hocking Hills State Park are hands-on nature programs - night hikes (yes, in the dark!), birds of prey programs, survival and more.

There's never a dull moment at the parks! Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist, Pat Quackenbush, provides year around programs for all ages. Kids will love the birds of prey talks, Junior Naturalist programs and night hikes. Watch for special events throughout the year and nearly daily activities at the park.

Just want some time for the kids and you? Here's some food for thought: Take a hike with disposable cameras. Here's the recipe below:

Hike Old Man’s Cave: It takes the average hiker about 25 minutes to make a non-stop trip from the beginning of the trail at Upper Falls through the gorge and then upward along the rock steps. But it takes most of us longer-there are plenty of stops along the way-a couple awesome waterfalls, two rock tunnels to clamber through and a strangely new-fangled bridge built to withstand the flooding common in the spring of the year. But if you spend a few dollars on a disposable camera for each member of the family, you’ll find the trip through Old Man’s Cave gorge an extra treat.

Climbing on the trails is fun. But make sure you stay on the trails! At Hocking Hills State Park, you absolutely have to stay on the trails and can get a ticket if you break the law! (Or a broken arm or leg)

Hocking Hills State Park

2010 Hocking Hills Park Special Events

45th Annual Winter Hike

January 16, 2010

Continuous starts from 9-11 AM

Enjoy winters splendor on this 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Layered clothing and good footwear recommended. Refreshments are available at Cedar Falls for a donation. A shuttle bus returns hikers to Old Man’s Cave.

Sweethearts Hike

February 13, 2010 5-7 PM

Meet at the Ash Cave parking lot. Take your sweetheart for a romantic stroll to Ash Cave in the soft light of dusk. Afterwards, enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments.

Maple Sugaring in the Hills

March 13&14, 2010 12-4 PM

Join us at the Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. Savor the taste of the season as we boil down our local maple sap. Discover the many methods used throughout history to make this tasty treat. Free samples are available.

Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike

April 24, 2010 10 AM

Observe nature’s carpet of wildflowers and sparkling waterfalls in beautiful Hocking Hills. Meet at the parking lot at Ash Cave.

Hocking Valley Birding Trail Presents:

International Migratory Bird Weekend

May 7- 9, 2010

Times and locations will vary…see the flier or www.birdhocking.com

Join with several area naturalist and birders along the Hocking Valley Birding Trail route for a variety of programs, hikes and events to celebrate the return of our avian friends.

Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike

October 16, 2010 1:00 PM

Bring along a cool drink and celebrate the season’s colors. Meet with the naturalist at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center for a strenuous hike that spans roughly 6 miles of the Grandma Gatewood trail. We will be traversing the section that runs from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back while enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural personality. This hike does include several hills and steps and is not recommended for the easily winded individual. (Approx. 3to4 hrs)

Haunted Hocking Weekend

October 29 & 30, 2010

Join with the Haunted Hocking “HHIT” team as they search for the unexplained at Ash Cave or try your hand at Pumpkin decorating. Registered campers and cabin guest can enjoy a hayride, a family fun spooky movie, site judging, and trick or treat at Old Man’s Cave campground. Regular camping & cabin fees apply.

Frontier Trail Hike

November 6, 2010 12-4 PM

Explore the history of the Hocking Hills region with a walk back through time dramatized by costumed interpreters along Ash Cave trail.

Christmas in Ash Cave

December 11, 2010 5 – 7 PM

Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave. Once you arrive at the cave warm with refreshments by an open fire. Listen to or join with our carolers, have the kids visit with an old fashion Santa or help to decorate our Christmas tree for wildlife.

Heart of Hocking and Heart of Ohio Travel Guides Copyright 2000-2007 21 Crows/Heart of Hocking and its licensors. The information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge. You know your kids better than we do, so please use caution when hiking. All rights reserved. Prices, facilities and availability are subject to change at any time and may contain errors. Although the information given is updated, immediate changes may not be available. Please call the park, agency, private facility ahead for updated information before visiting. This organization may contain many outside contacts and has no control over the content of these sites. These sites may be accessed by visitors to the site at their own discretion.