Rock House is unique in the Hocking Hills Region, as it is the only true cave in the park. It is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Blackhand sandstone. Rock House is a favorite during the summer months because of the cool nature of the massive rocks. It was used for shelter by past visitors like Native Americans who used hominy holes, small recesses in the rear wall of Rock House, that served as baking ovens for them. By building a fire in the small recesses, the rock became heated on all sides, and food could be baked in this manner. According to local folklore, other not so welcome visitors frequented Rock House – robbers, horse thieves, murderers and even bootleggers earned Rock House its reputation as Robbers Roost. http://www.hockinghills.com
Hocking Hills in Logan, Ohio is a series of parks in one great huge state forest. On our trip we drove past several of the other parks in the forest but went hiking only in this one. While not as colorful as in days gone by, today’s visitors to Rock House are there for the scenery, exercise, camping of all levels from basic to “glamping”, and photography – of course. The trail around this area is only about 1.5 miles but it is a strenous trek with one area posted for hikers to be careful as there is a hazardous cliff and four areas having steps that one must traverse carefully. And I don’t mean nice even steps either. We are talking hewn out of rock steps! It made for some interesting – and a bit scary for this novice – hiking.
There are maps for each area with the hiking trails mapped out telling you how long the trails are, how many steps there are, where parking, picnic areas, hills, and latrines are as well. Yes! latrines! I shudder when I recall that latrine but when in the forest…..
Sitting outside of the cave.
The trail behind and above the cave.
53 steps to or away from the cave depending on where you start.
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
It’s a beautiful area. I attended OU in Athens, not too far away.
It was our first time visiting but not our last 🙂
I like the rocky area and as well there were green pastor area at the same place. The stairs looked very steep! Nicely captured, Teri!
I only went down those stairs…if I had to go up them I don’t know LOL Will post more of the rocks themselves later.
I went there as a child. Would love to go back. Great shots!
Thank you. C’mon back the parks await your return 🙂
Rockin’
Yes indeedy!
Wow – I’d love to visit sometime. It looks really cool. Nice shots. Cheers =)
You would love it. No bike trails though 🙂
I’m sure I would…Get on my hiking boots and I can hike it. =)
And this is just one area of the state forest! They also have various log cabins around the area to rent and stay in too! I’m tempted….city gal or not! 🙂
I’ll loan you my tent 😉
Sounds like a nice place to explore. I like rough terrain. It makes us city folks feel alive.:)
Then you would feel right at home here!
Great area to camp or rent a cabin at so that hiking can be enjoyed! I have done it many times.
Great pictures of the area! Those steps are a great workout!
Lots of heavy breathing and not the fun kind 😉
My afternoon giggle! 😀 😀 😀
TD: I’m from Ohio and I’ve never heard of this place. Looks lovely though. WW and I love to hike. I’ll have to keep this in mind next time we’re in Ohio.
Rent a log cabin and really have fun. This is only from one area of the forest there’s acres more.
Now TD, can you honestly imagine me in a log cabin, girlfriend? I love to hike, but at the end of the hike must be a gourmet meal, a 5-star hotel, and a spa. At this age, that is the only way I roll. Making up for lost time for being born in the ghetto. 🙂
Please call me Teri. I think we know each other well enough now 🙂 Some of the cabins are really super nice though and you’ll be out in nature… LOL
Teri, it is! 🙂