Best Trails for Dogs in the Hocking Hills
The Hocking Hills region is known for its natural beauty in the form of picturesque rock formations, caves, waterfalls, and rambling trails. More than ever, visitors are bringing their dogs with them to hike and are looking for the best trails for dogs in the Hocking Hills. The Hocking Hills region boasts many types of trails suitable for different dog breeds and agility levels, so knowing where to hike with your dog for the best experience for all is important. In this post we’ll highlight some of the must-see trails that are dog-friendly in the Hocking Hills!
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Before You Visit
Before hitting any of the following trails with your dog, consider your dog’s health and agility level. Since Hocking Hills lives up to its name, there are many hills, steep stairs, and drop-offs on many of the trails. Some hikes are better suited for your dog if it’s a senior dog or a smaller breed. Be mindful of your own dog’s abilities and the fact that every dog must be on-leash in Ohio’s state parks and forests.
Best Trails for Dogs in the Hocking Hills: Must-See Hikes
1. Old Man’s Cave Trail (Gorge Entrance/Exit Trail)
- Overview: Old Man’s cave trail is the signature trail of Hocking Hills, known for its scenic overlooks, towering rock formations, flowing streams and waterfalls. It’s accessed by the Gorge Entrance/Exit Trails as shown on the Hocking Hills State Park Trails map.
- Dog-Friendly Features: This trail is MODERATE in difficulty. It showcases a variety of terrains. There are many stairs, flat areas, and bridges. This trail is a good fit for your dog if your dog is energetic, active, and good with other dogs and people.
- Why It’s Great for Dogs: Scenic beauty, moderate terrain, and plenty of space for your dog to explore.
- Tips: Make sure to keep dogs on a leash due to the popularity of the trail and to keep them close by around steep drop-offs.
2. Cedar Falls Trail
- Overview: Cedar Falls is popular for a reason. A short but MODERATE difficulty hike with a huge payoff of a stunning waterfall and flowing stream cascading down rocks. It is truly breathtaking and one of my personal favorite hikes.
- Dog-Friendly Features: A short 0.4-mile hike from a nearby parking lot has some challenging stairs, but is manageable for most healthy dogs. Or you could take a longer trail by starting at the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor’s Center and hiking to Cedar Falls (about 6 miles round-trip). This trail is best for your dog if it’s very mobile and active or small enough to be carried up and down the stairs.
- Why It’s Great for Dogs: A rewarding hike for both owners and pets with enough stairs to provide an a doable challenge.
- Tips: Be cautious of the slippery rocks surrounding the waterfall and of slick stairs on days with precipitation.
3. Ash Cave Trail (Grandma Gatewood Trail)
- Overview: Popular for its short, paved path, Ash Cave is one of the easiest trails. An easy top choice on the list of best trails for dogs in the Hocking Hills.
- Dog-Friendly Features: The wheelchair accessible trail is paved, flat, and short– only 1/4th of a mile one-way. It’s an EASY difficulty hike making it ideal for dogs of all ages and ability levels. This trail is best is your dog period! But especially if your dog is a senior dog, a dog with physical challenges, or a small dog that may have difficulty climbing on other trails.
- Why It’s Great for Dogs: The path is wide and there’s plenty of room to explore in Ash Cave. There is also a loop trail once you get to the cave called the Ash Cave Rim Trail. This portion of the trail loops you back to the parking lot and is a MODERATE difficulty trail. So dogs with higher agility levels can continue on with their owners for a little challenge.
- Tips: Since Ash Cave is a popular trail due to its ease, arrive early in the morning after dawn or choose a weekday to visit to avoid crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can hike with leashed dogs in Ohio state parks and forests! However, pets are not permitted in Ohio state nature preserves. This includes those in the Hocking Hills region such as Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, and Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “pets in state nature preserves can introduce disease; add nutrients to the soils; spread invasive species; distract and disturb wildlife; and interfere with scientific research conducted in the preserves.” Read more at the Ohio DRN website here.
Yes, Hocking Hills is dog-friendly in its Ohio state parks and forests, lodging accommodations, and even some local restaurants and coffee shops. A favorite outdoor coffee shop is Oasis 2.0 Coffee Shop. This is an outdoor coffee shop in a converted Airstream. It has open-air patio seating perfect for you to kick back with your pup!
Yes, all pets are required to be on-leash in all Ohio state parks and forests, including Hocking Hills State Park. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “Pets must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and must be under control at all times.” Read more at the Ohio DRN website here.
Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in the Hocking Hills
- Leash Your Dog: All of Ohio’s state parks and forests require pets to be on a leash. This is for the safety of not only your dog, but other visitors and their dogs.
- Stay On the Trail: People and pets should stay on the marked trails at all times. Going off trail can disturb wildlife and destroy delicate habitats. It can also put you or your dog at risk of falling off many cliff edges or drop-offs, depending on the trail.
- Water and Snacks: Bring enough water and snacks for yourself and your dog. Don’t we all enjoy a little trail snack? Happy trails and happy tails!
- Rest Breaks: Take needed breaks along the way by sitting on one of the many benches along the trails.
- Waste Bags: Always clean up after your pet! Do not leave full waste bags along the trail. I’ve seen this more times than I can remember and it defeats the purpose of even using a waste bag.
- Trail Etiquette: Only allow your dog to interact with other visitors and their dogs as it is safe and appropriate. Don’t stop on narrow areas of the trails to avoid congestion.
Time to Hit the Best Trails for Dogs in the Hocking Hills!
Now that you’ve learned which must-see trails are the best trails for dogs in the Hocking Hills, you’re ready to explore with your pup! The Hocking Hills is the perfect combination of scenic beauty with a dog-friendly environment. These trails are just the beginning of your adventures–there are so many trails to explore.
Let me know which trail you’ve enjoyed hiking with your dog in the Hocking Hills by commenting below!
See you out there!
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