It's hard to describe the difference in experience between going on a hiking trail vs experiencing the great outdoors with an expert guide. Our guest are regularly thrilled by the things they "didn't know that they didn't know". Our guides can show you the special creatures hiding under logs and rocks, let you smell and taste plants that have been embedded in our edible and medicinal history, tell you stories of how the native Americans and early settlers used the land, and so much more!
Our treks vary in distance, duration, price and subject matter and can be customized for a wide range of group sizes and locations in the Hocking Hills region and across much of Ohio. All treks are private events and are booked in advance by calling 740.777.2579. Common start times for hikes are 10am, 1pm or 4pm. Just ask if you'd like a different start time or would like to customize or combine this activity with another activity.
- Edible Forest Trek - Hocking State Forest (2 hours)
- Parachute Rock Trek (4 - 5 hours)
- Little Rocky or Sheick Hollow Nature Preserve Trek (4 - 5 hours) (Max group of 6 per preserve regulations) CALL AT LEAST 2 WEEKS AHEAD
- Grandma Gatewood Trek ~ Ash Cave to Old Man's Cave (one way / 6 miles, 4 - 5 hours)
- At-Your-Cabin Trek - Edible Forest or naturalist interpretation right where you're staying (usually 2 hours)
1) One with the Wilderness Trek
Smell, taste and learn about forest edibles, biology, geology, wildlife and stream ecology
Hocking State Forest Trek ~ Including topics like edibles, stream ecology, biology, geology & wildlife
What better way to enjoy the warm weather than with an approximately 2 hour guided hike in the Hocking State Forest covering 1 to 2 miles. There are nearly 10,000 acres of state forest to explore, so let our guide select a section a trail with giant waterfalls and rock formations hidden deep in the wilderness. Your guide will show you the diverse geology, biology and wildlife along the way. This is pretty easy walk along established trails that can still be wet and muddy at times. We'll take the time to stop and soak in the scenery, interpret nature and enjoy the peacefulness of the forest. Though easy, this trek is for able-bodied hikers who won't have a problem covering some moderate terrain.
RATES
>> Available daily, year-round, $105 for up to 3 people. $35 per additional person
>> Book at least one day in advance.
>> Large group please book at least one week in advance.
Meet at Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area parking lot on Big Pine Rd.
Check your confirmation for start time and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Please review the confirmation email regarding what to expect, what to bring and how to dress.
2) Parachute Rock Trek
Take a deeper dive into the Hocking State Forest's Spruce Hollow and discover Parachute Rock.
You'll discover, smell, taste and learn about Edibles and Forest Biology, Geology. Wildlife and Stream Ecology while you explore this 2,000 acre section of state forest. This trek traverses several miles of open, mature woodlands past fantastic rock walls, caves and waterfalls. Our professional naturalists take time to interpret the diverse biology, geology and wildlife of the area including bugs, salamanders, birds and any number of animal tracks. Your kids will love imagining what it's like to live in the forest. You'll discover how the life cycle in the forest relates to your busy life. This trek lasts about 4 hours.
>> $250 flat rate for the first 3 people. $45 per each additional person
>> Book a minimum of 3 days in advance
Meet at Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area parking lot on Big Pine Road
Check your confirmation for start time and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Please review the FAQ page for information regarding what to expect, what to bring and how to dress.
3) Little Rocky State Nature Preserve or Sheick Hollow Nature Preserve Trek
Considered the crown jewels of Ohio's state nature preserves, Little Rocky and Sheick Hollow are grand in terms of geology, biology and wildlife diversity.
Very few locals have ever heard of either preserves even fewer have seen it up-close. On this four to five hour trek, you'll get to explore one of these amazing, untouched places full of side canyons and rugged terrain. You'll discover biodiversity unmatched by anywhere else in North America and be blown away by the beauty of the preserve.
Fortunately, the state of Ohio has protected both Sheick and Little Rocky by requiring a permit to enter. We do our best to have a permit available when you want to go however, the best way to make that happen is to request this trek at least three weeks in advance. Get ready to cover some moderately hilly terrain, but with the stunning scenery of Little Rocky or Sheick Hollow as the reward, it's worth the effort. ODNR's permit process varies seasonally and by number of participants allowed. We do our best to have permits available throughout the year. The best way to ensure availability of this trek is to book well in advance.
>>$250 flat rate for the first 3 people, $45 per additional person, max group = 6
>> Book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance
Meet at Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area parking lot on Big Pine Road
Check your confirmation for start time and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Please review the FAQ page for information regarding what to expect, what to bring and how to dress.
4) Grandma Gatewood Trek - Ash Cave to Old Man's Cave
A great one way trek covering 6 miles in 4 to 5 hours
This is the perfect trek for anyone looking to trace Grandma Gatewood's footsteps in a private event led by a professional naturalist. Six miles of open forest trails traverse several of the Hocking Hills' best known cave and waterfall locations. It's a hilly trek covering diverse forest trails and delivering a good bit of exercise. Participants need to be reasonably fit and able to complete the trek without assistance. Bring water, camera, snack, fanny pack or day pack, walking stick if needed and enjoy the route Grandma Gatewood traversed time and time again.
>> $250 for the first 3 people. $45 per additional person
>> Book a minimum of 3 days in advance
Meet your guide the Old Man's Cave parking lot and you'll drive one of your cars to the Ash Cave parking area and hike back to Old Man's Cave.
Check your confirmation for start time and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Please review the confirmation email for information regarding what to expect, what to bring and how to dress.
5) At-Your-Cabin Trek
Book a professional naturalist to come to your cabin and lead an Edible Forest or Naturalist Interpretation event right where you're staying. Ideal for groups that just want to enjoy a learning opportunity with the kids or grand kids without leaving home. Lasts approximately 2 hours with our naturalists on site at your location, we'll explore the edibles, biology, geology and wildlife at your own private property or rental cabin location
>> $250 flat rate for first 3 people. $45 per additional person
> Book a minimum of 3 days in advance
Please review the confirmation email for information regarding what to expect, what to bring and how to dress.
Cancelation Policy:
All reservations are considered firm bookings. We don't cancel or reschedule based on a weather forecast. Customer cancellations greater than 14 days in advance will be charged a 20% booking fee. Customer cancellations between 14 days and 72 hours prior to the originally scheduled event time will be charged a 50% booking fee. Customers cancelling within 72 hours of the reservation time will be charged 100% of original cost.