Hocking Hills State Park Summer Fun Schedule 2023
Check out all these amazing programs coming to the Hocking Hills State Park this summer!
HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMS
Jun, Jul, Aug 2023
All programs are subject to change. Notify the naturalist if special accommodations are needed for your participation. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Thursday, June 1st: Cedar Falls Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, one-mile round trip around Cedar Falls. Learn where the cedars are in the park and some of the history of the area. Join us at trailhead H at Cedar Falls Parking Lot. Be prepared for the weather and steps.
Friday, June 2nd: Historic Plant Uses, 10 am – 11 am
Did you know that most of our modern medicine is based off plants? Come learn about some of the folklore and old timey ways folks used these plants, from healing to industry. Join us at the historic cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. We will not be foraging or using these plants. We will just be discussing their history.
Hidden Gems at Whispering Cave Hike, 12 pm
Ever wonder what makes up the hills of Hocking Hills? Come learn with us as we traverse down to Whispering Cave, the second largest recess cave in the park. This is a moderate, approximately 1-mile round trip hike. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Be prepared for the weather and rugged terrain. This hike will be steep.
Saturday, June 3rd: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Skulls and furs, 12 pm – 1 pm
Who prowls the hills of Hocking Hills? Come find out and explore their pelts and skulls. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby
Wednesday, June 7th: Critter Chat: Bobcats, 10 am – 11 am
Join us to learn about one of Ohio’s most elusive predator: the bobcat! More than just a mascot, hear about how these creatures are making a comeback! Join us at the Historic Cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, June 8th: Cave Critters at Rock House Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, one-mile round trip hike to Rock House cave and learn about the critters that call our caves home. From bats to rock doves and everything in between. Join us at the shelter house at Rock House. Be prepared for the weather and steps.
Friday, June 9th: Nature Origami, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come create some cute paper critters and cool plants as we practice the art of origami. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. All materials provided.
Pine Tar Kiln, 2 pm – 3 pm
Come learn how this material of many uses was made by early settlers to the region. Settle down by the fire and learn how this material made an impact to the region. Join us at the historic cabin by the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Saturday, June 10th: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Make Your Own Flower Press! 12 pm – 1 pm
Come make your own flower press with us! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. All materials will be provided.
Wednesday, June 14th: Fossil Hunt, 10 am – 11 am
Join us to learn about the ancient creatures that call Ohio home. Dig for fossils in the visitor center and possibly go outside for a quick search! Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, June 15th: Amphibian Exploration at Rose Lake Hike, 10 am
Join us for a 2-mile hike around Rose Lake as we look for the amphibians that call it home. Be prepared to try to get up close and personal with the critters that live on the edge of the lake. Join us at the Fisherman’s Parking on 374 S. Be prepared for mud and weather.
Thursday, June 15th: Beginners’ Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Rose Lake, 2 pm – 3 pm
Come learn the basics of paddleboarding at Rose Lake with the naturalists. Come practice your balance with us as we putter about the lake. Join us at the Rose Lake Dam. Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 5 participants and for ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 385-6842 ext 2 or stop by the Campground Office to register. All equipment is provided.
Friday, June 16th: Beak Performance, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come learn the reasons why birds have different types of beaks. See how this variation benefits all the birds. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Friday, June 16th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, June 17th: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Saturday, June 17th: Nature Etching, 12 pm – 1 pm
Weather permitting, venture outside to make etchings of different textures found throughout nature! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Wednesday, June 21st: Skulls and Furs, 10 am – 11 am
Learn about the mammals that call Hocking Hills home and explore their skulls and furs. Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, June 22nd: Challenging Cantwell Cliffs Hike, 10 am
Challenge yourself on a difficult, 2-mile round trip hike through Cantwell Cliffs. Explore cliffs, creeks, and gorges through this often overlooked part of Hocking Hills State Park. Join us at the Cantwell Cliffs parking lot at Trailhead A. Be prepared for the weather and multiple flights of sandstone steps.
Friday, June 23rd: Recycled Paper Making, 12 pm – 1 pm
Did you know you can recycle paper at home? Come do it here at Hocking Hills! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Please be aware that you will have to let your paper dry and come back to pick it up or take it home wet.
Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, June 24th: Insect Investigation, 10 am – 11 am
Join us to learn about and catch some of the creepy crawleys that call Ohio home. Join us at the playground past campsite 140. Nets and other equipment will be provided.
Wednesday, June 28th: Animal Tracking, 10 am – 11 am
Join us to learn about the marks left behind by different critters. See if you can make your own! Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
Thursday, June 29th: Whispering Cave Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 1-mile round trip hike to Whispering Cave from the Hocking Hills Lodge. Learn about the second largest recess cave in the park and listen to the whispers that give the cave its name. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Hiker’s Pavilion to the right of the front door. Be prepared for the weather and rugged steps.
Thursday, June 29th: Beginners’ Stand Up Paddleboarding at Rose Lake, 2 pm – 3 pm
Come learn the basics of paddleboarding at Rose Lake with the naturalists. Come practice your balance with us as we putter about the lake. Join us at the Rose Lake Dam. Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 5 participants and for ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 385-6842 ext 2 or stop by the Campground Office to register. All equipment is provided.
Friday, June 30th: Marvelous Mammals, 12 pm – 1 pm
Learn about the miraculous mammalian creatures that call Ohio home! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Friday, June 30th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, July 1st: Recycled Bottle Planter, 12 pm – 1 pm
Make your own self watering planter out of an old bottle! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Be prepared to make a mess. All materials are provided.
Saturday, July 1st: Hoo’s at the Campground? 8 pm – 9 pm
Come meet one of Hocking Hills resident night owls in his prime time: the twilight! Join us at the campground amphitheater. Please feel free to take pictures. Pets are allowed but please give our owl some space if you are bringing them.
Wednesday, July 5th: Roaming Reptiles, 10 am – 11 am
Explore the visitor center and meet one of the reptiles that calls the park home. Meet either our box turtle or black rat snake. Join us in the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, July 6th: Chasing Waterfalls at Cedar Falls Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 1-mile round trip hike to Cedar Falls, our heaviest flowing waterfall in the park. Will the water be rushing, or will it be a trickle? Join us to find out. Join us at Trailhead H at the Cedar Falls parking lot. Be prepared for the weather and steps.
Friday, July 7th: Spectacular Skulls, 12 pm – 1 pm
What separates carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores? Come find out! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Friday, July 7th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, July 8th: Creeking at the Campground, 10 am – 11 am
Join us at Rose Lake Dam to explore the critters that call the water home. Learn about how these creatures can tell us about the quality of the water they live in. Be prepared to get wet. Bring clothes and shoes you can get dirty in. All equipment will be provided.
Saturday, July 8th: Rock Painting, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come create some painted rocks for your how or our wildflower garden at the Visitor Center. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting paint on.
Wednesday, July 12th: Critter Chat: Black Bears, 10 am – 11 am
Is Ohio bear country? Find out the answer and more at this critter chat! Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
Thursday, July 13th: Leave No Trace at Rose Lake Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 2-mile hike around Rose Lake and learn how to protect not just Hocking Hills but your home park using Leave No Trace ethics. Join us at the Fisherman’s Parking Lot on 374 S. Be prepared for the weather and mud.
Thursday, July 13th: Beginners’ Stand Up Paddleboarding at Rose Lake, 2 pm – 3 pm
Come learn the basics of paddleboarding at Rose Lake with the naturalists. Come practice your balance with us as we putter about the lake. Join us at the Rose Lake Dam. Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 5 participants and for ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 385-6842 ext 2 or stop by the Campground Office to register. All equipment is provided.
Friday, July 14th: Animal Tracks and Funky Foot Facts, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come hang out with a naturalist to learn about all our creatures’ different types of feet, what makes them unique, and see if you match the foot to the habitat! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Friday, July 14th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, July 15th: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Saturday, July 15th: Backbone Not Required, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come learn about invertebrates and how they make it in the natural world without a spine. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby
Wednesday, July 19th: Skulls and Furs, 10 am – 11 am
Learn about the mammals that call Hocking Hills home and explore their skulls and furs. Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, July 20th: History of Rock House Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 1-mile round trip to Rock House Cave and learn about the history of the cave. Who used the cave in the past and what marks did they leave behind? Come along to find out. Join us at the Shelter House at the Rock House parking lot. Be prepared for the weather and steps.
Friday, July 21st: Recycled Bottle Planter, 12 pm – 1 pm
Make your own self watering planter out of an old bottle! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Be prepared to make a mess. All materials are provided.
Friday, July 21st: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, July 22nd: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Animal Track Pendant, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come create your own animal track pendant with airdry clay! Join us in the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Wednesday, July 26th: Fossil Hunt, 10 am – 11 am
Join us to learn about the ancient creatures that call Ohio home. Dig for fossils in the visitor center and possibly go outside for a quick search! Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, July 27th: Beginners’ Birding Hike at Rose Lake, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 2-mile round trip around Rose Lake to learn the basics of birding. Learn how to use binoculars with one of the park naturalists! Join us at the Fisherman’s Parking Lot on 374 S. Be prepared to get muddy. If you have your own binoculars, please bring them. We will have a few binoculars of ou
Friday, July 28th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Thursday, August 3rd: Chasing Waterfalls at Cedar Falls Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 1-mile round trip hike to Cedar Falls, our heaviest flowing waterfall in the park. Will the water be rushing, or will it be a trickle? Join us to find out. Join us at Trailhead H at the Cedar Falls parking lot. Be prepared for the weather and steps.
Wednesday, August 9th: Critter Chat: Owls, 11 am – 12 pm
Whoooo calls the forests of Hocking home? Come find out and learn about our resident Great Horned Owl. Join us at the historic cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, August 10th: Whispering Cave Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 1-mile round trip hike to Whispering Cave from the Hocking Hills Lodge. Learn about the second largest recess cave in the park and listen to the whispers that give the cave its name. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Hiker’s Pavilion to the right of the front door. Be prepared for the weather and rugged steps.
Thursday, August 10th: Beginners’ Stand Up Paddleboarding at Rose Lake, 2 pm – 3 pm
Come learn the basics of paddleboarding at Rose Lake with the naturalists. Come practice your balance with us as we putter about the lake. Join us at the Rose Lake Dam. Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 5 participants and for ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 385-6842 ext 2 or stop by the Campground Office to register. All equipment is provided.
Friday, August 11th: Landscape Watercolor, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come paint a landscape of the beautiful scenery you can find in the area. This is not a guided class but an opportunity to express yourself artistically with materials and inspiration provided. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Materials provided but this is not a guided class.
Friday, August 11th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, August 12th: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Saturday, August 12th: Hapa Zome, 12 pm – 1 pm
Meaning “leaf dye” in Japanese, the process of smashing flowers and leaves into fabric to leave a print. Join our naturalist to try your hand at this technique. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Supplies limited, first come first serve.
Wednesday, August 16th: Roaming Reptiles, 10 am – 11 am
Explore the visitor center and meet one of the reptiles that calls the park home. Meet either our box turtle or black rat snake. Join us in the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Thursday, August 17th: Amphibian Exploration at Rose Lake Hike, 10 am
Join us for a 2-mile hike around Rose Lake as we look for the amphibians that call it home. Be prepared to try to get up close and personal with the critters that live on the edge of the lake. Join us at the Fisherman’s Parking on 374 S. Be prepared for mud and weather.
Friday, August 18th: Leaf Pendants, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come create your own leaf pendant! Join us in the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. All materials provided.
Friday, August 18th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, August 19th: Creeking at the Campground, 10 am – 11 am
Join us at Rose Lake Dam to explore the critters that call the water home. Learn about how these creatures can tell us about the quality of the water they live in. Be prepared to get wet. Bring clothes and shoes you can get dirty in. All equipment will be provided.
Saturday, August 19th: Recycled Jar Terrarium, 12 pm – 1 pm
Make your own terrarium from a recycled jar! Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. You may bring your own clean, recycled jar, or one will be provided. Supplies limited, first come first serve.
Wednesday, August 23rd: Animal Tracking, 10 am – 11 am
Join us to learn about the marks left behind by different critters. See if you can make your own! Join us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
Thursday, August 24th: Cave Critters at Rock House Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, one-mile round trip hike to Rock House cave and learn about the critters that call our caves home. From bats to rock doves and everything in between. Join us at the shelter house at Rock House. Be prepared for the weather and steps.
Thursday, August 24th: Beginners’ Stand Up Paddleboarding at Rose Lake, 2 pm – 3 pm
Come learn the basics of paddleboarding at Rose Lake with the naturalists. Come practice your balance with us as we putter about the lake. Join us at the Rose Lake Dam. Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 5 participants and for ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 385-6842 ext 2 or stop by the Campground Office to register. All equipment is provided.
Friday, August 25th: Nature Origami, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come create some cute paper critters and cool plants as we practice the art of origami. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. All materials provided.
Friday, August 25th: Beginners’ Kayaking at Lake Logan, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join the Naturalists to learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Logan. Meet us at the boat launch by the Lake Logan swimming beach. Event is limited to 5 participants. Ages 12 and up. Please call (740) 270-4927 or visit the Old Man’s Cave Visitor center to sign up. All equipment is provided. Sun screen is suggested.
Saturday, August 26th: Archery, 10 am – 11 am
Come take your best shot with the naturalists in the campground. Learn the basics of archery with us. Join us right by the campground swimming pool. All gear provided. Parents must join participants.
Saturday, August 26th: Landscape Watercolor, 12 pm – 1 pm
Come paint a landscape of the beautiful scenery you can find in the area. This is not a guided class but an opportunity to express yourself artistically with materials and inspiration provided. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby. Materials provided but this is not a guided class.
Wednesday, August 30th: Skulls and furs, 12 pm – 1 pm
Who prowls the hills of Hocking Hills? Come find out and explore their pelts and skulls. Join us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby
Thursday, August 31st: Leave No Trace at Rose Lake Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, 2-mile hike around Rose Lake and learn how to protect not just Hocking Hills but your home park using Leave No Trace ethics. Join us at the Fisherman’s Parking Lot on 374 S. Be prepared for the weather and mud.
Recreation programs and activities can be inherently dangerous. Participants accept and acknowledge that any injury or property damage that occurs during a program or activity is not the responsibility of ODNR or its naturalist educators.
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