HOCKING HILLS, Ohio — One of Ohio’s most popular state parks is opening back up for the summer. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) plans to open most of Hocking Hills sites by July 2.
ODNR and members of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association met Monday to outline a plan to reopen most of the currently closed areas of the state park, including campground sites, cabins and Old Man’s Cave in time for Fourth of July weekend.
The Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs and several areas of Hocking Hills State Forest are scheduled to open June 15.
Visitors will notice new trail patterns, signage and maps. Limited parking to existing spaces will be enforced. State park officials said if a parking lot is full, visitors will need to move on to a different area or come back at a different time. Parking outside of marked, existing parking spaces will not be allowed.
“The health and safety of the public is our number one concern, and we are moving carefully and deliberately before reopening,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “With safety precautions in place, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to continue exploring these popular areas of Hocking Hills State Park.”
State park cabin and campground and reservations for arrivals through July 1 will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued in the original form of payment. The campgrounds will be open to customers with existing campground and cabin reservations with arrivals of July 2 or later. ODNR is accepting new reservation with an arrival date of July 15 or later.
