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Hocking Hills National Scenic Byway-Ohio

Large pine trees are behind a stone and wood sign with "Hocking State Forest" carved into the dark-painted wood while a road passes to the right of the sign.

Hocking Hills National Scenic Byway – A Memorable Forest-Setting

Located in Southeastern Ohio, the Hocking Hills National Scenic Byway winds through a State Park bearing the same name. This 26-mile national scenic byway winds through stunning forested lands, waterfalls and waterways, gigantic rock formations, and hidden caves enshrouded by foliage. The streams have plenty of trout, bluegills, and bass. Deer and an assortment wildflowers, reptiles, and amphibians possess the forest floor.

In-Season Every SeasonAsh Cave is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi, spanning more than 700 feet with a 100 foot waterfall cascading over the cliff top into the gorge below.

Visitors can pick a season and find a myriad of unfolding colors. Spring brings new growth, baby animals, and spirited sounds while maturing wildflowers adorn the forest floor. Summers reveal an abundance of wildflowers and understory shrubbery. Also in summer, many species of birds and other winged animals are spreading seeds and providing bird watchers with an eye candy feast. Fall brings vivid deciduous foliage as well as the smells of mature plants giving their last breath before melting into the landscape.  Stunning ice formations in winter bring majesty to the scenic drive. In every season, Hocking Hills features beautiful towering cliffs, thrilling waterfalls, and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges.  Hikers and nature lovers have plenty to enjoy in this awe-inspiring park. Never forget to bring a camera to create your own memories of the fauna and woodlands wildlife.

Again, in every season, there is some type of lodging for all travelers. The Hocking Hills State Park offers spectacular new Lodge, RV Hookups and camp sites.

There is a sandstone cliff that two people are sitting on in the distance with trees on it as they look over a green forest.A Digital Experience for Visitors

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway launched a GPS-enabled online tour and mobile app that brings the region’s natural beauty and rich history to life. Travelers now enjoy turn-by-turn navigation, narrated audio guides, real-time trail updates, and interactive maps, all from the convenience of their smartphones.

The digital experience allows users to customize their itineraries based on personal interests, whether that’s hiking to waterfalls, learning about local geology, or discovering small-town dining and shopping spots. Rich multimedia content including historical photos, videos, and stories deepens appreciation for the region while reducing paper waste. “This project turns a scenic drive into an immersive journey,” said Cynthia Coss, who led the initiative. “We’ve made it easier for visitors to explore, learn, and connect with the landscape in ways that are both engaging and sustainable.” This project is a recipient of the NSBF Byway Award for Visitor Experience in Spring 2025.A large waterfall surrounded by beautiful, weathered rocks under an old-looking stone bridge. This is along Old Man's Cave, the most popular part of the park and one of the most visited destinations along Hocking Hills Scenic Byway.

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Points of Interest

  • Cantwell Cliffs – Remote location in Hocking Hills State Park with hiking trail with views.
  • Rock House – Popular trail.
  • Conkle’s Hollow – One of Ohio’s deepest gorges.
  • John Glenn Astronomy Park – View the sky day or night.
  • Old Man’s Cave – Well known cave.
  • Cedar Falls – Half-mile trail strenuous with steps.
  • Ash Cave – Named for large pile of ashes found by early settlers believed to have been left from Native American campfires hundreds of years ago.

Digital Travel App: https://travelstorys.com/tours/hocking-hills-scenic-byway

Byway Map: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/hocking-hills-scenic-byway/

All Ohio Byways: https://nsbfoundation.com/ohio/