So you want to go rock climbing at Hocking Hills. It’s more adrenaline-pumping than hiking and requires more skill than ziplining. It’s challenging and fun and Hocking Hills is the most beautiful place in Ohio to do it.
But you can’t rock climb just anywhere. There’s only one place in Hocking County where you’re allowed to climb: The Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area. It’s an incredible place to explore, filled with sandstone cliffs and a couple of waterfalls. There are 99 acres of land to discover—and there’s something for all levels of climbers.
There are a few things to know about the spot before heading out. Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know.
If you’ve got your own gear
If you already know what you’re doing, the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area works much like anywhere else you’ve climbed. You show up, grab your gear from the car, hike to your desired climbing spot, and get going.
When you park, you’ll see a few different trailheads. Take any of them: They all lead to the rock face, which is directly south of the parking lot. When you find your way to the rock face, you’re good to start climbing. Private land borders the area, so watch out for “No Trespassing” signs.
Here’s a great map of the trails and the rock face in the area.
If you want to go on a guided tour
You don’t need to be experienced or have your own gear to enjoy a fun day rock climbing at Hocking Hills. There are two great options for guided climbing tours in the area:
High Rock Adventures is the only place that offers guided climbing tours on private property. It’s a unique experience, and one that’s worthwhile even if you’re an experienced climber. High Rock provides all the gear you need, and you’ll be led by one or two experienced guides.
With High Rock Adventures, you can choose one of four trip options:
- Rock climbing: A roughly 3-hour tour focused on climbing the area’s most beautiful rock walls.
- Climb and rappel: A 6 to 7 hour trip that combines rock climbing and fun rappelling down cliffs.
- Climb and zip: A partnership with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, you’ll start the day rock climbing and complete your adventure with some of the finest ziplining in the area.
- Climbing 201: An all-day trip for intermediate and experienced climbers. You’ll do 6 different climbs between 35 and 100 feet.
You can find detailed information and pricing details on the website here.
Hocking Hills Adventure Trek is another excellent place for a guided rock climbing trip. Complete beginners are welcomed, as all gear is provided and the trips are suitable for kids 9 and older.
The tours offered by Hocking Hills Adventure Trek will take you to the best spots in the Hocking Hills Rock Climbing and Rappelling area. You’ll spend your hours climbing sandstone walls and rappelling down the iconic Big Spring Falls. Here are the trips that are offered:
- Rappelling trek: This trip is a private trek for your group that includes hiking to, and then rappelling down, Big Spring Falls.
- Intro to rock climbing: This is a private trek for rock climbing beginners. The company says that 99% of their customers have never climbed before. You’ll be provided with all necessary gear and led by experienced guides.
- Combo trip: Want to combine the two above options? You can do that. It’s more expensive, but it’s well worth it.
Learn more details, including pricing, on the company’s website.
How to find the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area
Getting to the climbing area is easy: It’s just down the road from Conkle’s Hollow. If you’re coming from the west on Highway 11, you’ll find the parking lot on the right side of the road roughly one mile after passing Conkle’s Hollow.
The spot is included on most navigation apps, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find.
There are some great trails nearby
When you show up, you might be surprised to see that there are plenty of non-climbers around. There’s a reason for that: The trails from the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area are many of the most underrated trails in the whole region.
There are two highlights:
Chapel Cave Trail: Start at the north end of the parking lot and hike for about 2 miles, following the signs, until you reach Chapel Cave. True to its name, the cave is shaped like a chapel. You can come here on horseback, too.
Balanced Rock Trail: Start in the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area parking lot. Cross the street and walk over the metal footbridge. You’ll know it’s the right trail when you see blue marks on the trees. Hike for roughly one mile and you’ll be at Balanced Rock. It’s a feat of geography: Because of uneven erosion, the rock looks like a tabletop balancing on a needle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rock climb at Hocking Hills?
Yes, but only at the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area. Everywhere else, including both the state park and the state forest, is off-limits. (It would be cool to rappel down the gorge at Old Man’s Cave, though.)
Can beginners rock climb at Hocking Hills?
Yes you can! There are two great guided services that’ll supply you with all the gear you need.
Where is the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling Area?
It’s roughly a mile east from Conkle’s Hollow on Highway 11.
Places to Stay
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.
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