Things to Do in Hocking Hills when the State Parks are Closed

LATEST UPDATE: All Hocking Hills area parks are OPEN with new one-way traffic patterns and signage.

Yes, we’re bummed about it too… ODNR closed the Hocking Hills State parks on April 3rd to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are expecting ODNR to re-open the parks on May 17, but so far there has been no official confirmation. However, there are still many very beautiful local parks, nature preserves and walking trails open that you can enjoy during your stay:

• Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/bochhollow
• Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/christmasrocks
• Clear Creek Metro Park: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/clear-creek/
• Kessler Swamp State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/kesslerswamp
• Lake Logan State Park: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakelogan
• Lake Hope State Park: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakehope
• Merl and Margaret Primmer Outdoor Learning Center: https://www.capital.edu/primmer/
• Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/rhododendroncove
• Rockbridge State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/rockbridge
• Shallenberger State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/shallenberger
• Tar Hollow State Park: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/tarhollow
• Wayne National Park: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne
• Zaleski State Forest: http://zaleskistateforest.com

Outdoor adventure activities around the area will be slowly opening up as well. We encourage you to call ahead to each business if you’re interested to find out their schedules & guidelines.

In addition to the above outdoor areas to explore and enjoy, there are also many Hocking Hills restaurants & bars open for carry-out and delivery during the COVID-19 situation. But look for many of these local businesses to start re-opening their indoor dining areas and outdoor patios!