Hocking Hills State Forest Bridle Trail Network

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.