One of the most little-known areas of Ohio’s Hocking Hills is arguably Rock Stalls Natural Sanctuary, (also known as Rockstall Nature Preserve), in Logan. If you’ve yet to explore this quiet preserve, you’re truly missing out. Home to all of the things that making Hocking Hills so beloved — rugged cliffs, waterfalls and interesting rock formations — it’s an Ohio nature lover’s paradise. Here’s why we think this is one of the best hikes in Ohio, and why you should check out this hidden gem the next time you find yourself in this beautiful region of the Buckeye State:
Although it’s privately owned and operated, Rock Stalls Natural Sanctuary is open to the public daily until 5 p.m., unless otherwise indicted.
River Byrd/All Trails Note: Please abide by the signs posted at the preserve entrance if it’s temporarily closed during your visit.
Best explored after heavy rainfall, this lovely little trail features several waterfalls, varying in length and flow.
James Gore/All Trails Most visitors can spot a total of seven waterfalls within this nature persevere, depending on the amount of rainfall the area has recently received.
The 1.1- mile loop trail is lightly trafficked and rated as easy, according to AllTrails.
Laura Meyer/All Trails Note: Be sure to wear your hiking boots, however, as this trail can be quite muddy after significant rainfall.
If you enjoy chasing and photographing waterfalls, this is a natural sanctuary you’ll fall in love with. Each new waterfall you encounter is like uncovering a best kept secret.
Sean Zurbrick/All Trails Note: Since this is a nature preserve, dogs and pets are prohibited.
Look up, down and all around along this trail. You never know what sort of beauty you’ll encounter at Rock Stalls Natural Sanctuary!
.Conn/All Trails (And since it’s not a popular Hocking Hills hiking area, you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself, too.)
What do you think — isn’t this one of the best hikes in Ohio? Have you ever explored Rock Stalls Natural Sanctuary before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
River Byrd/All Trails
Note: Please abide by the signs posted at the preserve entrance if it’s temporarily closed during your visit.
James Gore/All Trails
Most visitors can spot a total of seven waterfalls within this nature persevere, depending on the amount of rainfall the area has recently received.
Laura Meyer/All Trails
Note: Be sure to wear your hiking boots, however, as this trail can be quite muddy after significant rainfall.
Sean Zurbrick/All Trails
Note: Since this is a nature preserve, dogs and pets are prohibited.
.Conn/All Trails
(And since it’s not a popular Hocking Hills hiking area, you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself, too.)
For more little-known spots in Ohio nature to explore, check out our previous article: Escape To These 16 Hidden Oases In Ohio To Find Peace And Quiet.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 29886 Rock Stull Rd, Logan, OH 43138, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Ohio April 03, 2022 Sarah M. What are some of the best hikes in Hocking Hills in Ohio? Hocking Hills is one of the most resplendent regions of the Buckeye State, offering some of the most sublime scenery and bucket-list-worthy outdoor recreation. These hikes within this 2,356-acre Ohio State Park feature incredible natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and rock formations. The hiking here is second to none, especially if you’re a hopeless waterfall chaser like us. You can literally spend days exploring dozens of caves and waterfalls in Hocking Hills, and that’s an outdoor adventure we’re all too happy to embark upon! There are numerous trails within this superlative state park. There are rugged trails for seasoned hikers as well as short, paved routes for novices. Old Man’s Cave is a must-do hike. It’s only about a mile long, and ventures to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio. Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You’ll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave. Another beginner-level hike with an amazing payoff is the Ash Cave Trail. It’s just a half-mile long, well-paved, and even suitable for kids! Is Ohio a good place to go hiking? In a word: yes! Ohio might not be the first place you think of when it comes to nature and outdoor recreation, but our state is full of incredible beauty. From absolutely perfect waterfalls and hidden beaches, to stunning mountains and pristine lakes, beauty abounds in The Buckeye State – and the best way to experience it is out on the trails. There is so much untapped potential here, just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to have an epic adventure or soul-filling experience in nature, let our definitive guide to Ohio’s natural beauty inspire you!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Ohio
April 03, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some of the best hikes in Hocking Hills in Ohio? Hocking Hills is one of the most resplendent regions of the Buckeye State, offering some of the most sublime scenery and bucket-list-worthy outdoor recreation. These hikes within this 2,356-acre Ohio State Park feature incredible natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and rock formations. The hiking here is second to none, especially if you’re a hopeless waterfall chaser like us. You can literally spend days exploring dozens of caves and waterfalls in Hocking Hills, and that’s an outdoor adventure we’re all too happy to embark upon! There are numerous trails within this superlative state park. There are rugged trails for seasoned hikers as well as short, paved routes for novices. Old Man’s Cave is a must-do hike. It’s only about a mile long, and ventures to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio. Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You’ll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave. Another beginner-level hike with an amazing payoff is the Ash Cave Trail. It’s just a half-mile long, well-paved, and even suitable for kids! Is Ohio a good place to go hiking? In a word: yes! Ohio might not be the first place you think of when it comes to nature and outdoor recreation, but our state is full of incredible beauty. From absolutely perfect waterfalls and hidden beaches, to stunning mountains and pristine lakes, beauty abounds in The Buckeye State – and the best way to experience it is out on the trails. There is so much untapped potential here, just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to have an epic adventure or soul-filling experience in nature, let our definitive guide to Ohio’s natural beauty inspire you!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hocking Hills is one of the most resplendent regions of the Buckeye State, offering some of the most sublime scenery and bucket-list-worthy outdoor recreation. These hikes within this 2,356-acre Ohio State Park feature incredible natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and rock formations. The hiking here is second to none, especially if you’re a hopeless waterfall chaser like us. You can literally spend days exploring dozens of caves and waterfalls in Hocking Hills, and that’s an outdoor adventure we’re all too happy to embark upon! There are numerous trails within this superlative state park. There are rugged trails for seasoned hikers as well as short, paved routes for novices. Old Man’s Cave is a must-do hike. It’s only about a mile long, and ventures to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio. Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You’ll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave. Another beginner-level hike with an amazing payoff is the Ash Cave Trail. It’s just a half-mile long, well-paved, and even suitable for kids!
Is Ohio a good place to go hiking?
In a word: yes! Ohio might not be the first place you think of when it comes to nature and outdoor recreation, but our state is full of incredible beauty. From absolutely perfect waterfalls and hidden beaches, to stunning mountains and pristine lakes, beauty abounds in The Buckeye State – and the best way to experience it is out on the trails. There is so much untapped potential here, just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to have an epic adventure or soul-filling experience in nature, let our definitive guide to Ohio’s natural beauty inspire you!
