Picture Hocking Hills
Calling all photographers:
Hocking Hills Photography Contest | Submit Your Best Photos & Win
Do you have stunning photos of Hocking Hills State Park or the surrounding region? Whether it’s a scenic hike, a family getaway, or a weekend with friends, now is your chance to share your perspective.
Enter Picture Hocking Hills, an online photography contest celebrating the best of Hocking Hills photography, outdoor adventures, and travel experiences in Ohio.
📅 Hocking Hills Photo Contest Dates
Photo Submissions Open: May 26, 2026
Submission Deadline: June 26, 2026
Category Winners Announced: June 29, 2026
People's Choice Nominees Announced: June 29, 2026
People's Choice Voting: June 29, 2026 - July 1, 2026
People's Choice Winner Announced: July 2, 2026
After submissions close, top photos will be selected by judges and advance to a public vote for the grand prize.
📸 Photo Categories
Submit your best Hocking Hills photos in one of these categories:
Girls Trip
Capture the fun, connection, and unforgettable memories of a girls getaway in Hocking Hills.
Family Vacation
Showcase family-friendly adventures, bonding moments, and travel experiences in the region.
Sustainability and Nature
Highlight the natural beauty of Hocking Hills, including landscapes, wildlife, and responsible outdoor recreation.
Hocking Hills Activities
Feature popular things to do in Hocking Hills—like hiking, kayaking, ziplining, shopping, dining, and more.
🏆 Photography Contest Prizes
$100 prize for each category winner (4 total winners)
$500 Grand Prize awarded through public People’s Choice voting
📥 How to Enter the Hocking Hills Photo Contest
Submit up to three (3) original photos total
Select the category that best fits each image
Upload your entries before the deadline
📋 Photo Submission Guidelines
To qualify for the contest, all entries must follow these rules:
📍 Location Requirements
Photos must be taken in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio
All photos must be captured on designated trails or permitted areas only
Photos showing off-trail or unsafe behavior will be disqualified
🚁 Drone Photography Rules
Drone photography is allowed outside of Hocking Hills State Park only
All drone use must comply with FAA and local regulations
👥 Model Release Requirement
A signed model release form is required for all recognizable individuals in photos
Forms found below
🎨 Editing Rules
Basic photo editing is allowed (lighting, color, cropping)
AI-generated or heavily altered images are not permitted
🗳️ How Winners Are Selected
A panel of judges will select top entries based on creativity, composition, and relevance
Top 8 finalists will advance to a public voting round
The photo with the most votes will win the Grand Prize
📄 Official Rules & Entry Forms
Before submitting, please review all contest requirements:
📢 Photo Usage & Rights
By entering the contest, you agree that your photos may be used by:
Explore Hocking Hills
Friends of Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park
Photos may be used for tourism marketing, social media, and promotional materials, with or without credit. We try our best to give credit everywhere we can. Photographers retain ownership but will not receive compensation.
❓ Questions About Picture Hocking Hills
Have questions about entering or submitting your photos?
📧 jdean@explorehockinghills.com
