Hocking Hills State Forest Bridle Trail Network
Ohio's sandstone backcountry via old logging roads
The old logging roads that crisscross Hocking Hills State Forest still carry traffic today — just not the kind the timber crews of the 1920s expected. These interconnected bridle trails and service roads thread between Ohio’s most famous geological attractions, offering a muddy alternative to the paved tourist routes. The main network runs from the Old Man’s Cave area south to Ash Cave, crossing Queer Creek twice and climbing the sandstone ridges that define this pocket of Appalachian foothills.
This is moderate trail riding — stock 4WD handles most sections, but spring rains turn the clay-based trails into slick, wheel-spinning nightmares. The forest service keeps the main arteries passable for maintenance, but expect tree blowdowns and seasonal closures. Best tackled April through November when creek crossings stay reasonable. No permits required, and dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas away from the tourist zones. You’ll earn quiet views of the same rock formations the crowds fight over, plus access to fishing holes most visitors never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Logan, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ohiodnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this trail without modifications?
Yes. Stock 4WD with decent clearance handles this trail fine under normal conditions. The dirt logging roads are forgiving, but soft ground after rain can grab low-clearance rigs, so don't show up in a lifted 2WD and expect miracles.
When does the trail close, and is it passable in early spring?
The network is generally accessible April through November. Early spring means saturated sandstone soils and potential mud that'll chew up the trail and your afternoon — late April or May is a safer bet after things firm up.
Do I need a permit or do I pay a fee to run this trail?
No permit required and no fee to drive the forest roads. The Ohio DNRF manages this land — check in with ODNR Forestry before heading out since seasonal closures can pop up without much online notice.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually be ready for?
The water crossings are the wildcard — they're shallow in dry months but can push knee-deep after heavy rain on sandstone terrain that doesn't drain fast. The climbs are modest at 800 feet total gain, but rutted logging roads with embedded rock can catch you off-guard if you're moving too fast.
Is there a reliable water source on trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There are stream crossings on route but treat any water before drinking — nothing is guaranteed clean in a multi-use forest. Logan, Ohio is your last fuel stop and sits roughly 10-15 miles from the trailhead, so top off before you drop in.
Trail track
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