Rock House image

Rock House

Tourist attraction Park Hiking area

One of the Best Places To Visits in Hocking County


Address

16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135, United States

Website

ohiodnr.gov

Contact

+1 740-385-6841

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (2.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trail (19) hike (16) cave (15) steep (9) beautiful (9) Hocking (6) steps (6) worth (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Marty M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was absolutely amazing. The hike isn't too hard so any age can do it. Getting inside the Rock House is also very easy but don't drag your feet. The very end of the trail does go up a slightly steep hill so save some energy for that.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 David S. 9 months ago on Google
    I looked on some websites for some of easier trails in the Hocking Hills area, and this one came up. It's supposed to be only a 1/4 mile. Let me warn you that this trail is the opposite of easy. It starts off fine, but then you get to some very steep steps going down. There are very few things to hold on to, and the edge of the cliff is very close to the trail. I had second thoughts getting through this area. The views and sights at the cave are beautiful but it is hard to get there if you are not fit. The walking bridge has collapsed at the bottom, and the detour is a slippery walk over wet logs in the creek. Coming out of the gorge is much better than going down, but it is uphill and thankfully short. The cave is beautiful but beware it is not an easy hike down.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful hike and beautiful rock formations and caves. Definitely read up on these hikes in Hocking Hills to give yourself some background before you go. Love the legends and lore you can find in books about places like the Rock House. Great and fun hike!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lou F. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy one mile loop trail hike across a dirt path and downstairs to reach a beautiful large cave formation with seven windows. Especially beautiful if you're able to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon when you have the chance to have the cave to yourself. Recommend planning between 40 minutes and 1 hour to complete the short Trail and enjoy the cave.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve K. 8 months ago on Google
    Trek is a bit difficult but the view is worth the effort. A lot of up and down to reach the rock house. You have to return on the same trail since part of the trail is closed
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather S. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent place to go explore! Some steep steps but not bad. Gorgeous scenery and loved exploring inside the cave. Watch your steps inside. Depending on the time of day you go, you may need some kind of light to see where to step. Overall a great experience!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick G. 9 months ago on Google
    While Rock House is a bit more out of the way from the other sights in Hocking Hills State Park, I think it's worth your time. The trail is not very long (plan for half an hour) and consists of a decline into gorge, the Rock House itself, and an incline out of the gorge. Even though it's not called a cave, it really is one and in fact the only true cave in the park since the others are termed recess caves.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristina S. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing! So beautiful but not the easiest trail so be aware before starting this hike. Some slippery rocks that could send you tumbling. Just watch your step and enjoy the beautiful scenery
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 _Take_a_Hike13 2 years ago on Google
    Great 1.2 hike. Pretty easy lots of down hill steps, towards the end there's about 2 up hill inclines to get back up after going down. Shaded hike great for kids and families.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krystal B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful. The trail is one way and the last part has a heck of an incline. There are stairs and rocks. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Need a reasonable amount of stamina/strength but you don't have to be an expert hiker to go. Kids can do it. Recommend walking stick if you have trouble with incline. Crowded at times. But worth it to see it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madeline Spruill C. 10 months ago on Google
    Such a cool place! The trail is super short (it makes up for it in steep hills) so it is a nice quick stop. We went at 9:30am on a Sunday in the summer and there were maybe 4 other families on the trail as well, we have heard this one gets really busy during the day. It is super scenic on the way there with rock formations, and then a steep walk back up (not bad though). It is about a half mile and we went there and back in about a half hour, with exploring the cave a bit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mercedes T. 2 years ago on Google
    Honest review coming from someone not in shape and far from thin: A beautiful hike with a lot to see! Be sure to bring a flashlight! We walked the Gorge trail and it was worth the sweat! First half is downhill and down some stairs. The stairs can get pretty steep, feels a little rough on the knees. Some spots can get narrow, not in a claustrophobic way, but where you can’t pass anyone way. This is a one way trail for that reason. Now the incline at the end.. killer. But not impossible. Pretty steep. Took lots of stops on the way up. There was a tree down that we had to step over, just a heads up! Over all, worth the trip! Took less than an hour! There are cliff edges, the cave is dark (duh) and also uneven (also duh) so be mindful of where you’re stepping and of any small and curious or unbalanced guests! Bring a flashlight! Phone flashlight was okay, but a real one would be best!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marie P. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful hike! One of the shorter hikes in Hocking Hills with a lot of steps and elevation changes. Not an easy hike but worth it to see these views!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach 2 years ago on Google
    Nice and short trail. Lot of elevation changes so you get the blood pumping. Amazing views! Cool cave with birds and amazing rock formations and cliffs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K. C. 5 months ago on Google
    This was a nice loop trail. There was one spot a little wet and the bridge was not useable but other wise it was a great little hike. Parts of the trail maybe out for dogs but i strongly suggest not taking them if you want go inside the “house”. There are many other places that are much better suited for dogs close by.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peg P. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it. Cave was awesome. Steep steps down to walking trail. All of Hocking Hills is just awesome. GPS and cell phone services are spotty to non-existent at least where we were. Highly recommend writing down directions or taking a paper map or screenshotting on your phone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lys M. 5 months ago on Google
    Great hike! Only do this if you are in shape because it is alot of work compared to Ash cave or old mans cave 😂 Great for dogs and honestly my favorite cave yet! Spooky trip: In the 1800s, Rockhouse Hotel was located where the shelter house is now. The spirit of a young woman named Mary who was found dead in her room roams the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah S. 6 months ago on Google
    Beautiful, quick hike to a very large cave. Contains troughs where water was once stores, holes in the rock where corn was ground, and beautiful rocks. Trail is downhill on the way in. Proper footwear is a must, but it's a must at every Hocking hills location.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alucard T. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to go for a small or big hike. Could hang out here for a few hours as all the landscape is amazing to look at. Very fun walking inside the rockhouse. Steps are a tad steep but manageable. Good fun for all ages.

  • 5/5 Jasmine H. 1 year ago on Google
    We were the only ones there. It was not raining but everything was wet. Most peaceful hike by far with having no one on the trail or hearing people yelling. We were able to take in the natural sounds of earth. The Rock House was so quiet and no movement that owls felt safe enough to make noises as well.

  • 5/5 Natalia 4 months ago on Google
    Great loop! Not recommended with children due to steep cliffs. Dogs are allowed but recommended if they are able to be controlled. Steep hills to get back up to finish the loop. Large parking lots, dumpster, no restroom.

  • 5/5 Faramir 4 months ago on Google
    Beautiful trail. There is some elevation change so it’s moderately difficult for kids or new hikers


Call +1 740-385-6841 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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