What is it? | Where is it? | Trails | History | FAQs
If you’ve done any research on Hocking Hills, you’ve heard of the big names: Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, all the iconic spots. Each of them is well worth the visit, as they’re packed with accessible trails and some of Ohio’s most magical scenery.
But there’s one place you won’t read about in the tourist handbooks: Sheep Dip. And if you’re looking for a slice of Hocking Hills charm without the Hocking Hills crowds, keep on reading.
What is Sheep Dip?
Hidden at the end of a lonely gravel road that’s just wide enough for a single car at a time, Sheep Dip isn’t the sort of place you’ll see plastered across tourism websites or in fancy guidebooks. It’s long been a locals-only spot, far from the crowds of Hocking Hills, and it’s a favorite among those who know the region well—people who’ve seen all the popular spots and are craving something with more solitude.
When you make your way down the makeshift trail to Sheep Dip, you’ll be met by an ancient sandstone gorge, complete with two waterfalls. Sheep Dip is small, so don’t expect to spend 6 or 7 hours here. But the waterfalls, the small gorge, and the solitude are well worth the 20-minute drive from Hocking Hills State Park.
The waterfalls are beautiful, but not particularly powerful. To see them at their full strength, go in the winter, spring, or fall—or in the summer after a rare rainfall. For a sneak peek, this YouTube video from Theolonious Johnson gives an excellent preview of what you’ll get an even better view of in person.
There’s another reason Sheep Dip doesn’t receive many visitors: It’s on private property, which is owned by the Mead Paper Company. The company doesn’t use the property often, and most people don’t run into any problems trying to hike down to the falls. Keep in mind, though, that you always run a small risk entering private property.
Where is Sheep Dip, and how do I get there?
Sheep Dip is located at the end of a small, gravel road about 20 minutes to the south of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a well-protected secret: You won’t find a Google Maps listing or much other information about Sheep Dip online.
To get there, put this address into your map: 26230 Schoolie Road, Creola, Ohio, 45622
Detailed driving instructions: After a few miles on Schoolie Road, which is a one-lane gravel road, you’ll see a “Bump” signpost. Shortly after this signpost, you’ll pass a house, which is the last one on the road.
Past the house, there’s a sign that says “Road Closed – 500 feet”. Once you drive past this sign, you’ll see a creek cross the road. If you want to begin your hike here, you can pull off and follow the creek on foot downstream to the waterfalls.
If you want a slightly shorter hike, keep driving until you see an orange gate. Park there and make your way down the hill on the side of the road, following the sound of water until you arrive.
Sheep Dip hiking trails and information
Since Sheep Dip is an unofficial, local spot, there are no official trails. But if you follow the driving directions above—pulling off after the creek crosses the road, or following the road to the orange gate—you’ll find travelers’ footpaths down to the small canyon and the falls.
In total, the trail is less than a half-mile; Sheep Dip is more of a tucked-away attraction than a serious hike. It’s perfect if you’re looking for another spot to check off your list without spending hours on the trail. The hike is easy and family-friendly, but can get slippery and muddy if it’s rained in the past couple of days.
The history behind Sheep Dip
There’s a reason why Hocking Hills is packed with cinematic gorges and waterfalls. The history goes back millions of years, to when Ohio was covered by a warm, shallow sea. As the sea receded, transforming the landscape, sediments at the ocean floor condensed to create a special type of sandstone, called Black Hand sandstone.
Black Hand sandstone is unique: Its upper and middle layers are especially resistant to erosion. As a result, the middle layer of the sandstone has been carved out in many parts of Hocking Hills, creating the gorges, waterfalls, and recess caves that make places like Sheep Dip so special.
FAQs about Sheep Dip
Is Sheep Dip on private property?
Yes, Sheep Dip is on private property. That doesn’t mean you can’t go––just that you’re taking more of a risk if you do. Most people find no problems, and the landowner (which is a paper company) doesn’t use the land more than once every few years.
Still, it’s worth considering; if you don’t feel comfortable, you can still check out one of the many other great waterfalls and gorges in Hocking Hills.
Is Sheep Dip family-friendly?
The trail isn’t professionally-maintained, but it’s not particularly challenging. Most people should be fine getting to Sheep Dip, especially if it hasn’t rained in the past couple of days.
How do I get to Sheep Dip?
True to its hidden-gem nature, it’s hard to find directions to Sheep Dip. To get there, put the address “26230 Schoolie Road, Creola, Ohio, 45622” into your map. You’ll drive on the gravel road for a few miles until a creek crosses the road, at which point you can get out of your car and hike down to the canyon and the waterfalls.
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, including Sheep Dip. Find your cabin below.
Browse cabins by style:
- Luxury cabins
- Honeymoon cabins
- Pet friendly cabins
- Cabins with a pool
- Cabins with a hot tub
- Romantic cabins
- Secluded cabins
- Treehouse cabins
Browse cabins by size:
- Cabins for 2 people
- Cabins for 4 people
- Cabins for 6 people
- Cabins for 8 people
- Cabins for 12 people
- Cabins for 16 people
- Cabins for 20 people
The Bottom Line
Sheep Dip is about as off-the-radar as Hocking Hills gets. If trekking off the beaten path is your thing, try these other spots in & around Hocking Hills: