Hocking Hills Scenic Byway Driving Tour Byway Map

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway Driving Tour
Byway Map
Begin Here
1
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway Driving Guide
The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway winds uphill and down through Ohio’s natural crown
jewels, past the six non-contiguous sites of the Hocking Hills State Park and the Hocking
State Forest.
The route begins as you turn off US Route 33 onto Rt. 374 near Rockbridge, Ohio. At this
point, you may wish to reset your trip odometer to best follow this narration of the
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway’s points of interest.
You will notice a stream that flows on the right. As the tale is told, a buck deer was
wounded on Little Cola Road and ran for many miles. The pioneer trackers found it in a
mill pond near this stream. According to Effie Woltz, a well-known Hocking County
school teacher, the stream derives its name from the deer’s valiant efforts. It is called
Buck Run.
About .4 miles later on St. Rt. 374 you will see an Indian mound on the
right. Prehistoric Indians called the Hopewells created this mound. It was
said to have been excavated by a former landowner but very few artifacts
were found. This mound is believed to have been a burial mound.
Just past the mound on the right, and all along the scenic byway route,
you will see outcroppings of Blackhand sandstone. This type of stone is
prevalent in the area.
Mile 3.7
The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway also winds by many small farms in Hocking
County.
About 3.3 miles past the Hopewell Mound, you will drive up a hill and see
the sign that announces you are entering the Hocking State Forest area.
The road curves around at the very top where you will notice newly planted
pine to help reforest our hills. You will see the beginning of the giant
hemlocks and tall pine trees. Many of the bigger pines were planted by the
CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) in the 1930’s.
Mile 4.1
About a half mile from the Hocking State Forest sign, at the top of the
hill, you will notice a large white house. This was the home of the Black
CCC Corp. These men planted the trees, created trails, and built some
of the structures found in the parks. At the time they lived here,
segregation was common. The house was the headquarters for the
camp.
2
Mile 6
Cantwell Cliffs State Park
1.9 miles past the CCC Camp Headquarters you will see the Cantwell Cliffs parking
lot. This is the first of the Hocking Hills State Park areas. The park was named for
Joshia Cantwell. Although it is the least visited park, many visitors proclaim the
Cantwell area as the most picturesque in Hocking County.
You will see a little log cabin which serves as office headquarters for the park
rangers during the summer.
Maps can be found displayed in each of the parks. Visitors are required by law to
stay on the trails for their own safety. Trail laws are strictly enforced. The deep
valley, steep cliffs and rock shelters of Cantwell Cliffs create a beautiful sight
regardless of the season. The erosion caused by Buck Run accounts for the depth of
the valley and the heights of the cliffs. Trails wind up through narrow passageways
caused by large slump blocks that have fallen away from the main cliff.
Cantwell Cliffs has a shelter house, as well as a picnic area. Family picnics and large
reunion gatherings make good use of these types of facilities.
The hemlocks and pines are a pretty sight regardless of the time of year. Their deep
greens are especially welcome during the winter months. The parks seem to have
their own beauty in every season.
Mile 6.4
Soaring Cliffs
Located on Miller Road approximately .5 miles from SR 374 is a 10 line
Zipline course open to the public (Fee)
Mile 7.5
1.5 miles past Cantwell Cliffs parking lot on Route 374 you will see a large
grouping of directional signs. Turn right to continue on 374 and the Scenic
Byway route.
Mile 8.0
The beautiful rock cliffs edge the right of Stoody Hill (named for the farm owner).
The left side is a wonderful ravine with an old farm with the remains of a Mail
Pouch barn.
A picturesque wall of water can be seen on the right, across from Mt. Olive Road at
the bottom of Stoody Hill. In the winter, the seepage through the rocks forms
beautiful ice formations for the eye to enjoy.
Near a big log house is a small cemetery that belonged to the Hanson family. It is
taken care of by the Laurel township trustees.
3
Mile 9.7
At 23500 St. Rt. 180 in Rockbridge is Spirits of the Hills Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery.
The Hocking Hills Region is home to many artists. The Hocking Hills Arts & Ag Map is
available at the Welcome Center. The map is a guide to art galleries, craftsmen
shops, antique shops, farmers’ markets, festivals and quilt barns.
Mile 11.9
2.2 miles after Spirits of the Hills, you will come to the Village of Mound Crossing. You
will find a beautiful old farmhouse with a mound in its backyard. This mound was built
by the Hopewell Indians before the birth of Christ. St. Rt. 374 originally ran around this
mound. The road was straightened and relocated about a half mile farther down. A
few pieces of flint were found when the original house was built.
Mile 12.3
Across the road from the mound is a Grange Hall. Established in the late nineteenth
century, the Grange, formally known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was an
organization created to assist farmers with the various problems that they faced. Just
past Mound Crossing you will notice the first hints of the great American prairie on the
right. This prairie extends all the way to the Rocky Mountains. The standardizing
effects of the Wisconsin glacier that came this way about ten thousand years ago is
evidenced everywhere.
Make sure to turn left to continue on State Route 374. The scenic byway route is
one of many winding roads found in Hocking County. Drive carefully and enjoy the
scenery.
Mile 13.2
About a mile after the left turn, you will come to The Nestled Inn was originally
known as Little Denmark. It was one of the first cabin rental businesses in the area.
The picturesque countryside just seems to invite you to stay.
Mile 13.4
Rock House
The parking lot to Rock House, another area of the Hocking Hills State Park is on the left.
Rock House is the most unique of all the Hocking Hills State Parks because it is a true
cave. It is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot Blackhand Sandstone cliff.
The "Rock House" is complete with seven Gothic-arched "windows" and great sandstone
columns which bear its massive roof. Rock House has a ceiling 25 feet high, while the
main corridor is 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide.
Rock House was used by many past visitors as a shelter. You will find hominy holes, small
recesses in the rear wall which served as baking ovens for Native Americans. Past visitors
have chiseled out "troughs" or "holding tanks" in the stone floor of Rock House. These
were used in the melting of pine knots to make turpentine, which was used by the
Indians and pioneers for many things. It is believed that many not-so-welcome visitors
used the Rock House, like robbers and horse thieves, which earned the cave a reputation
of "Robbers Roost".
4
Mile 18.1
Continuing on State Route 374 past the Rock House is the Hocking State Forest
Headquarters. In the 1930’s the state built the buildings on this site to house
prisoners who were not a flight risk. The camp was called the Hocking County Honor
Camp. The actual camp was located about where the garages now stand. These
men planted trees, fought forest fires and helped take care of the parks. A guard
went with them wherever they went. It was not necessarily economical, but it gave
prisoners time in the outdoors and to have an opportunity to learn new skills.
Mile 18.6
A half mile past the Hocking State Forest Headquarters is Big Pine Road, where Conkle’s
Hollow State Nature Preserve is located (you’ll have to make a turn onto the Big Pine
Loop to visit Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. From St. Rt. 374, turn left on Big
Pine Road, and Conkle’s Hollow’s parking area is just a few hundred feet away). This park
is a rugged, rocky gorge, one of the deepest in Ohio. The timeless beauty of the rustic
valley is surrounded by towering 240 foot Blackhand Sandstone cliffs protecting a
wilderness of hemlocks, birch, various trees, shrubs, ferns and wildflowers in this
beautiful gorge. The hollow was named for W.J. Conkle who left his name and the date
1797 carved into the sandstone on the west wall of the gorge.
The little white church you see at the intersection of 374 and Big Pine Road is Pine Grove
United Methodist Church and Cemetery. It was constructed in 1886 with unique
architecture: it has two separate entrances, one door for the men and the other for the
women. Although some modernization has been done to the building, the original entry
doors were left as a comment on practices of the past. One of the graves in the cemetery
belongs to Clyde Huffman, a navy crewman of the USS Arizona. His body lies with his
crewmen in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. His stone was placed at the church here as a
memorial for him.
Mile 19.7
At the stop sign one mile past Big Pine Road, turn left to follow St. Rt. 374 to Old Man’s
Cave in the Hocking Hills State Park.
Mile 21
The Hocking Hills Park System Dining Lodge, swimming pool, and rental cabins are at
the end of a mile long scenic driveway. The dining lodge is open for lunch and dinner
year round, breakfast on weekends, limited hours during winter months. There is
meeting and reception space available. The Dining Lodge is a popular location for
wedding receptions and can accommodate large groups. Drive on up and see what’s
on the menu! (Fee)
The Hocking Hills Artists & Craftsmen Association Co-op Gallery and Market is also
located in the Dining Lodge, open weekends.
5
Mile 21.4
Welcome to Old Man’s Cave’s Visitor Center. You’ll find restroom facilities, a
museum display and a gift shop in the center (seasonal).
Old Man’s Cave is the hub of the Hocking Hills State Parks. The park gets its
name for Richard Rowe, a hermit, who lived in the area in the mid 1800’s and is
reported to have stayed here until his death. In this park the creek has carved a
magnificent gorge through the entire depth of Blackhand Sandstone. There are
2 sections: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Trails take you down from one
to the other. The vertical cliffs reveal deep recesses, potholes, and cracks that
widen in some places so that massive blocks of rocks have tumbled from the
cliffs. The lush vegetation varies and gives the eye a feast regardless of the
season.
In 2012 State Route 664 was re-routed away from the gorge to protect the
integrity of the cave and provide safer pedestrian access from the parking lot to
the trails leading into the cave. A handicap accessible rim trail around Old
Man’s Cave is partially completed.
Mile 21.7
This building is the headquarters for Old Man’s Cave Campgrounds and the Hocking
Hills State Parks. It opened in the fall of 2003. The new entry to the campground
winds up over the cliffs above the caves. There are campsites available with
electricity and water as well as primitive sites. The campground is equipped with its
own swimming pool also. (Fee)
Mile 21.8
Archery Range
An outdoor archery range is located immediately north of the state park office
for the public's enjoyment. The new archery range features a variety of
targets suitable for all skill levels.
Mile 22.2 - Make sure you turn right to continue on State Route 374.
Mile 22.4
Mountain Bike Trails
Two mountain bike trails, each 2 miles in length, are located off State Route 374.
The purple trail loop is moderate and the orange trail loop is difficult.
Mile 22.9
Rose Lake/Fishermen’s Parking
A parking area and trail access to Rose Lake is located on State Route 374. Rose
Lake is popular for fishing , canoeing, kayaking and wildlife viewing.
6
Mile 24
Cedar Falls
On the right, you will see the beautiful curved block wall that graces the entry to
Cedar Falls. This park was named because early white settlers mistook the towering
hemlocks for cedar trees. Two deep grooves and numerous potholes have been
created by the action of the stream as it cascades over the face of the Blackhand
Sandstone. At one time a grist mill was located just above these falls.
Across the road from Cedar Falls entry, stop for a look and listen to the crystal clear
stream as it flows down the hill over small boulders and rocks. The shade from the
hemlocks and pines make a very restful scene.
Mile 24.8
A few yard past Chapel Ridge Road, look up over the tree line at the top of the
hill past Cedar Falls. You will see tucked away (almost hidden) on a knoll, the Ash
Cave Fire Tower. The tower was built in 1934 and still stands. Visitors cannot
climb the tower due to safety reasons. There were some who wanted to raze the
tower but it still stands to become a monument to the many years of service
these towers provided in keeping our Hocking State Forest safe.
Mile 25 – HHSP Organized Youth Campground Entrance
Mile 26 – Turn right on State Route 56 to continue on byway
Mile 26.4
Ash Cave
The Shelter house lies across the road from the entry to Ash Cave. It is just one of
the areas that visitors can find for a quiet picnic or resting spot. The ancient Indian
trail from the Pickaway Plains follows through this park and hikers travel part of this
old trail when they walk from the parking lot at Ash Cave.
Most of the caves in our park system are recess caves. Ash Cave is the largest and
most impressive of this type of cave in the state of Ohio. The rim spans 700 feet
around to form a sandstone horseshoe. A misty waterfall plunges 90 feet from the
rim to the valley floor below. Huge mounds of ashes discovered here by early
settlers are thought to be ancient campfires of early Indian inhabitants which gave
this cave its name. The ashes were excavated in 1877 to reveal many Indian artifacts
as well as bones of animals. The cave was a meeting place in early 1800’s. The
shelter is large enough to seat hundreds and the natural acoustics are excellent. Ash
Cave became an official park in 1925.
Just past Ash Cave on Rt. 56, look to your left to see another beautiful small waterfall and spring that has been
carved from the rocks. What a cool and inviting spot to rest!
7
Continue along State Route 56, enjoying the rock outcroppings, small waterfalls and creeks alongside the scenic
route. Many miles past Ash Cave and just after Chapel Ridge Road, the Scenic Byway Route continues by turning
right on State Route 664. Eventually you will be back to State Route 374 and will have officially driven the entire
Hocking Hill Scenic Byway.
Big Pine Scenic Loop Addition to Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
This new 12.5 mile loop begins at Mile 18.8 of the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Hocking House
The Gallo Shop
Happy Trails Horseback Rides
Airplane Rock
Hocking Hills
Gem Mine
Conkle’s Hollow

Mile 0.1
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
The Big Pine Scenic Loop features recreation, culture and scenery.
Mile 0.5
Trail to Airplane Rock
Airplane Rock is a natural rock outcropping overlooking Crane Hollow Nature
Preserve. The 1 mile trail to Airplane Rock is located off Big Pine Road marked
by two orange metal posts. Parking is available .5 miles ahead on Big Pine
Road at the Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing/Rappelling area.
Mile 1
Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing & Rappelling Parking area and trail
Nearly a mile of cliff, ranging up to 100 feet, along with numerous slump blocks,
cracks, chimneys, and overhangs provides a variety of challenges to rock climbers
and rappellers.
Local outfitters provide equipment and guide service for all levels of experience.
(Fee)
8
Mile 1.4
Happy Trails Horseback Rides
Riding stable offering trail rides for all levels of experience. The Hocking State
Forest bridle trails take riders through scenic areas of the region rarely seen by
most visitors. Happy Trails also offers hand-held pony rides for young children.
Packages are available that include canoeing/kayaking tours and lodging. (Fee)
Mile 5.4
The Gallo Shop
This gallery features an ever changing collection of gifts and collectibles. Included
are unique items for home and garden, including Italian articles, houseplants,
perennial starts, craft items and more.
Mile 6.7
Hocking House
Located in the heart of Ohio's Hocking Hills scenic area, Hocking House (c. 1850s)
is a showcase of plant arrangements, garden art and patios designed and
handmade by artist, Jean Magdich. Her porcelain ware is on sale inside the log
cabin. A selection of other artists' fine handmade crafts for home and garden is
available as well. “A Garden Art Happening”, an annual open house, is held the
last weekend of June and features several artists’ creations.
At Hocking House, Big Pine Road intersects with State Route 664. Turn right on State Route 664 to continue
back to the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway.
Mile 9.3
Hocking Hills Gem Mine
Mile 12.5
Located at the KOA Campground, the Hocking Hills Gem Mine is open to the
public and offers a gold mining experience with Placer gold. Rough material
includes gems like sapphire, amethyst, peridot, obsidian, moonstone, emerald,
garnet and more. In our larger buckets you may also find items like fossils,
shark teeth, polished gem stones, geodes, arrowheads or a cut and polished
gem stone ready to be mounted. The mining sluice is open to the public from
April 1 to October 31. (Fee)
The Big Pine Scenic Loop rejoins Hocking Hills Scenic Byway at the junction of
State Route 664 and State Route 374.
For information on accommodations, attractions, recreation outfitters, events, dining,
shopping and more visit ExploreHockingHills.com, call 800-HOCKING or stop by the
Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center at US 33 & SR 664 S, Logan; open daily or the
Hocking Hills Visitor Center in Laurelville; open Thursday – Monday.
9