All activities / Rock Climbing / Hocking Hills
ReasonToGo · activity-first travel discovery. Honest timing. No bookings, no commissions, no one pays to rank. How we choose →
Rock Climbing in Hocking Hills
Blackhand sandstone gorges, recess caves and waterfalls in the unglaciated southeast, and the one place in Ohio with real vertical rock.
Why here
Blackhand sandstone gorges give Ohio its only real vertical rock, with guided rappels of up to 120 feet beside waterfalls. It is the one outdoor thing in the state people genuinely travel for.
Best months
The designated public climbing and rappelling area is in Hocking State Forest, not the state park. Guided operators run on their own private land. Summer is humid and buggy; spring and autumn are the seasons.
Getting there & around
Schools & guides (2)
High Rock Adventures
OutfitterGuided rappelling and rock climbing on private land at 10108 Opossum Hollow Rd, Rockbridge. Rappels from 35 to 70 feet plus night rappels and eco tours, all equipment provided.
Hocking Hills Adventure Trek
OutfitterGuided waterfall rappelling up to 120 feet, rock climbing and nature hikes. States lead guides are trained and certified by the American Mountain Guides Association and are professional rescue team members. Booking through FareHarbor; no published email.
Also good for rock climbing in September:
Torn between Hocking Hills and Fontainebleau for September?
A plan settles it for your skill and budget, same-day.