Robinson Falls: An Underrated, Permit-Only Hike In Hocking Hills

A half-hour jaunt to the north of Hocking Hills, in a quiet nature preserve overlooked by almost every tourist in the area, you’ll find a 20-foot corkscrew waterfall carving its way through an ancient sandstone gorge. It’s classic Hocking Hills scenery—without the crowds.

The place is called Robinson Falls (or, sometimes, Corkscrew Falls). It’s a small, corkscrew waterfall inside of Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, accessible only via a permit-only trail. Below, you’ll learn why it’s worth a visit, and how to get a permit before your visit.

What is Robinson Falls?

Robinson Falls (sometimes called Corkscrew Falls) is a corkscrew waterfall inside of Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, about a half-hour to the north of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a spot known only to a few and disregarded by most tourists, who usually head straight to Hocking Hills State Park.

Its under-the-radar quality, and the fact that it’s permit-only, makes Robinson Falls a must-visit if you’re looking for underrated waterfalls near Hocking Hills. When you visit, you and your friends or family will likely be the only people taking in the views.

Robinson Falls itself is a short trip—your hike won’t take up a full day of exploring. But you can spend a full day exploring Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, as well as nearby Rock Stalls (neither of which require a permit).

It’s helpful to know that dogs aren’t allowed at Robinson Falls, or inside Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve. The nature preserve has stricter rules than nearby Hocking Hills State Park.

How can I get a permit to visit Robinson Falls?

Though Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve is open to the public, and well-worth a visit on its own, you’ll need to wrangle up a permit for yourself if you want to be one of the lucky visitors to Robinson Falls. Fortunately, it’s not very difficult to get a permit. Here’s how:

Head to the Ohio DNR permit application site.
Select the ‘Boch Hollow – Robinson Falls’ option.
Fill out the rest of the form with relevant information, like when you’ll be going and how many people will be coming along with you.
Wait for your application to be accepted, usually within a few days or a week.

Remember: You need to apply for a permit at least 14 days before you plan to visit. And because Robinson Falls isn’t a full-day destination—it’s more of a roadside pop-in—it’s worth planning an entire day exploring Boch Hollow State Park and visiting Robinson Falls along the way.

Where is Robinson Falls, and how do I get there?

Robinson Falls is located on the western side of Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, about a 30-minute drive from the north end of Hocking Hills State Park. The parking area for the trail is an informal pull-off from the main road, big enough to fit just a couple of cars.

Put this address into your map:

OH-664 & Zwickle Rd, Marion Township, OH 43138

This is the intersection of Zwickle Road and State Route 664.

The address above isn’t an official address, but there’s no official maps listing for Robinson Falls. When your permit application gets accepted, the Ohio DNR will send you detailed information about the falls, including driving directions and the address.

Robinson Falls hiking and trail information

The hike at Robinson Falls is more of a quick stroll than a serious trek: Round-trip, it’s less than a half-mile. Which means that if you wanted to spend 15 or 20 minutes out-and-back, you could; but most people spend the majority of their visit hanging out near the waterfall, taking in the views and the quiet sounds of the forest.

The history behind Robinson Falls

Like everywhere else in Hocking Hills, the creation of Robinson Falls has a rich history—and it goes back to before a single person set foot on the planet. Millions of years ago, a warm, shallow sea covered Ohio. The water wasn’t much more than 100 feet deep at the most, and it was home to the types of sea creatures you can only read about today in fantasy books.

As time passed, the shallow sea receded. And as this sea receded, the sediment on its floor began to condense into a special type of sandstone: What we know today as Black Hand sandstone. This sandstone is special; while its upper and lower layers are resistant to erosion, its middle layer is softer and, thus, was sculpted by the forces of nature over millions of years.

The unique erosion patterns like what you see at Robinson Falls are a result of millions of years of erosion and history—something that most casual visitors to Hocking Hills probably don’t know.

FAQs about Robinson Falls

Is Robinson Falls the same as Corkscrew Falls?

Yes, Robinson Falls is also called Corkscrew Falls, due to its characteristic erosion pattern and shape. The official name is Robinson Falls.

Do I need a permit to go to Robinson Falls?

Yes, you do! Getting a permit is easy, but you’ll have to apply for one at least 14 days in advance. It’s best to plan a full day exploring Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, and perhaps nearby Rock Stalls, if you’re applying for a permit––it takes just a few minutes to visit Robinson Falls.

Are dogs allowed at Robinson Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Robinson Falls or anywhere inside of Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve.

Places to stay near Robinson Falls

Wondering where to stay when you visit Hocking Hills? Clear Falls has 15 cabins situated on a secluded 500-acre wildlife preserve. It’s paradise in the wilderness—and just a few minutes’ walk from most of Hocking Hills’ most beautiful attractions. Find your cabin below.

Browse cabins by style:

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The Bottom Line

Robinson Falls is one of the least-visited waterfalls in the entire Hocking Hills region. If you remember to apply for a permit at least two weeks in advance, this is your chance to see a magical slice of Hocking Hills that goes unnoticed by most.