Whether you have an affinity for nature or an avid wildlife watcher you are probably looking for a new destination to explore the great outdoors. Hocking Hills is the perfect destination for a nature and wildlife journey like no other. You can find plenty of incredible wildlife and aspects of nature that will astound you during your stay in the area. Take a look at what you can expect from a Hocking Hills wildlife and nature journey:
Hocking Hills State Park
For those who have visited Hocking Hills before you will not be surprised to learn that Hocking Hills State Park will be your top destination for nature and wildlife viewing. Hocking Hills State Park is the ideal spot for a quiet moment lost in your thoughts in the wilderness. Hocking Hills State Park is our top attraction and is home to seven distinct areas including Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, Conkle’s Hollow, and more. Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, both adjacent to the park, are also ideal areas for wildlife. These areas can be accessed through winding trails that will take you past incredible scenery. Hocking Hills is known for its abundant wildlife that includes white-tailed deer, barn owls, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and even the occasional black bear. You will notice that most of the wildlife tends to come out in the evening as temperatures cool off. For the ideal visit, try to come to Hocking Hills during the winter season, when wildlife is even more prone to show their faces. The colder temperatures keep back the busy crowds of summer and allow the park to be quieter than ever. You will also notice the park to be frozen in time as the waterfalls and streams are all frozen in place. Hocking Hills State Park also has an abundant of flora in the park too. During your visit you will be able to see plant life that includes beech, hemlock, black birch, yellow poplar, red and sugar maples, white ash, hickory, red oak, and more. The more exclusive plant life tends to grow in the gorges and on slopes typically found inside Hocking Hills State Park.
Spring Wildflowers
A great time of year to visit if you love seeing local flora is the spring season. Hocking Hills has an incredible spring where local wildflowers take bloom all throughout the forests. Beautiful shades of purple, blue, and more can be seen on the flower bulbs. Wildflowers that can be found in Hocking Hills include hepatica, bluebells, and trilliums among others. The best place to see these wildflowers carpet the forest floor is around Ash Cave inside Hocking Hills State Park. The nearby waterfalls and complex cave system give life to even more wildflowers including spring beauties, violets, and bloodroot. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve also has its fair share of spring wildflowers. You will be able to enjoy views of blue cohosh, wild ginger, and Dutchman’s breeches to name a few. You will not find a more serene hiking experience than what you will find in the fall.
Hocking Hills Fishing
Hocking Hills is also a great place to go fishing during any time of the year. If you prefer a Hocking Hills wildlife journey that involves finding exclusive fish in the local rivers and lakes, you will not leave Hocking Hills disappointed. Head over to Hocking River for the finest river fishing in the area. The river is broken down into different sections, the lower, mid, and upper sections. Along the mid and upper sections, you will find plenty of fish, including channel catfish, smallmouth bass, white crappie, saugeye, quillback, and much more. You will find the best time of year to fish is when there are colder waters in the spring season just after everything has thawed. You can still find catches by the shore in the summer but may take a little longer. For lake fishing, you cannot go wrong with a stop by Lake Logan. This local lake is one of the most popular spots for fishing and for good reason; you can find plenty of bluegill, northern pike, crappie, bass, and catfish here in the water. Rose Lake is just a bit further away but features huge rainbow trout that are stocked each spring.
Hunting in Hocking Hills
Hunters come to Hocking Hills each year to explore the Hocking Forest and its white-tail deer which has a thriving population. Make sure to check out the necessary tags and permits you need before you venture off into the woods.
Get Ready for Hocking Hills
The local wildlife and nature aspects of Hocking Hills is sure to provide you with plenty to see and do in the area. Book one of our vacation rentals to stay close to these nature-inspired activities!