Hocking Hills State Forest ORV Trail System
Ohio's sandstone spine technical challenge
The Hocking Hills State Forest ORV system carves through some of Ohio’s most rugged terrain, threading between towering sandstone cliffs and deep ravines that define this ancient landscape. The main loop connects Rock House, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls via a network of technical single-track and wider forest roads, with the notorious Cantwell Cliffs connector testing every vehicle’s articulation over loose shale and steep grades.
This is legitimate technical riding requiring high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear — the clay-based soil turns to grease when wet, and several creek crossings can run deep after spring rains. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, though trails close during hunting season. No permits required, but the $5 daily pass supports trail maintenance. You’ll earn views of ancient rock formations and access to some of Ohio’s best dispersed camping spots tucked into the hollows.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 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 | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock Wrangler will struggle on the harder sections — the sandstone shelf rock and rutted clay climbs reward at least 2-3 inches of lift and aggressive all-terrain tires. A stock 4Runner will get stopped. Lockers or a limited-slip rear axle are a real advantage here, not a luxury.
When does the trail close, and is it rideable after heavy rain?
The system is generally open April through November, but ODNR can close it temporarily after significant rainfall to prevent trail damage. Wet sandstone and saturated clay make already-technical sections genuinely dangerous — check the ODNR site or call ahead if it's rained in the past 48 hours.
Do I need an ORV permit or registration to run this trail?
Yes. Ohio requires a valid Ohio ORV registration or a Non-Resident ORV Permit to legally operate on state forest trails. Pick one up through the ODNR licensing portal before you show up — rangers do check.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it difficult?
The most demanding sections involve eroded sandstone ledge drops and off-camber clay shelf roads above gorge drop-offs — these are not technical in a Moab-boulder way, but the combination of slick rock, narrow lines, and punishing off-camber angles catches people off guard. One wrong tire placement on wet sandstone can put you on your rocker panels fast.
Is there gas and resupply close by, and how far out am I if something goes wrong?
Logan, Ohio is your last reliable fuel and supply stop — about 10-15 minutes from the trailhead. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent through most of the forest, so download offline maps, file a trip plan with someone, and carry a satellite communicator if you're running it solo or in a small group.
Trail track
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