Bring Your Pets to Hocking Hills For Some Four-Legged Fun!

Bring Your Pets to Hocking Hills For Some Four-Legged Fun!

August 8, 2011

tags: activities, dog, events, hocking hills, pet, pet friendly, vacation

Hocking Hills was recently named a Top Dog-Friendly U.S. Vacation Region by DogFriendly.com and to celebrate, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay, things to do, and activities to enjoy with your pet.

Pet-Friendly Lodging
While many Hocking Hills campsites and cabins allow pets, please check with lodging management on the pet policy when making reservations. Here are some places to check out:

• 
  Hocking Hills State Park Campground
  Pet-owners will enjoy 2,356-acres of state park with unforgettable sandstone caves, waterfalls and rock formations to explore. Pets are welcome on designated campsites and cottages. Two pets are allowed per campsite, and must be on a leash at all times. Current rabies shots and ID tags are required. To make reservations and for more information, call (866) 644-6727.
  


• 
  Hocking Hills Resort
  Set on a 62-acre ridge with breathtaking waterfalls and Hemlock gorges, the Hocking Hills Resort provides pet owners with a secluded and picturesque getaway. The resort is family-owned and offers special services, such as prepared breakfast in your cabin and a professional photographer for portrait sessions with your pet. Pet-friendly cabins and vacation homes are available for couples getaways and larger family vacations. For more information, call (740) 332-4501.

Tail-Wagging Activities

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  Explore Hocking Hills State Parks: Challenge your pet with more than 10 miles of scenic trails winding through the state parks, known for beautiful waterfalls and natural rock formations. Pets, with leashes, are permitted in most recreational areas, including parks and trails, with the exception of swimming beaches. Some dog-friendly state park areas include:
  
  
  
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    Old Man’s Cave: (1 mile trail; moderate) features waterfalls, deep gorges and natural sandstone rock formations. The entrance to the trail is located on state Route 664 at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. Pet owners and their four-legged friends should take care when hiking near the steep cliffs and on rocks near the waterfalls, which can be slippery.
  
  
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    Cedar Falls: (1/2 mile trail; moderate) winds through valleys and gorges, ending at the breathtaking 50-foot waterfall, formed by years of water flowing over Black Hand sandstone. Pets with mobility issues may have trouble climbing the nearly 100 steps to and from the falls. Enter this area from state Route 374 between state Routes 664 and 56.
  
  
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    Ash Cave Gorge: (1/4 mile trail; easy and handicap accessible) the largest recess cave in Ohio, the cave’s rim spans more than 700 feet and a 90-foot waterfall plunges into the valley below. The trail is an easy, flat and non-strenuous way for pets and owners to enjoy the beauty of Hocking Hills. The entrance to this area is located on state Route 56.
  
  
  
  


• Spend a day hiking at Clear Creek Park – Columbus Metro Parks: Located less than 25 minutes from Hocking Hills, Clear Creek Park’s Barnabey Pet Trail is a one-mile, gravel-surface trail that’s easy for pets to navigate. It forms the first mile of the Chestnut Trail, which is known for its sandstone rock formations and forested ridges.

Doggone Events

• 
  Final Fridays – Dog Days:  On August 26, bring Fido to the Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville, a 15-minute drive from Hocking Hills, for an evening of pet-friendly fun! Activities include a doggie parade, fashion contest and the crowning of Doggie King and Queen. For more information, call (740) 592-1819.


• 
  Doggie Swim Day: Head down to the Miller Pool in Lancaster on August 20 for a fun day of swimming with your dog just before the pool closes for the season. Hosted by Lancaster Parks and Recreation, the cost is $ 10 per dog. For more information, call (740) 687-6651.

Tips for Bringing Your Pet to Hocking Hills

• Make sure your pet always has water available. Temperatures can climb in the summer months and dehydration is a risk.


• Pack everything your pet needs to stay safe and healthy. Don’t forget an extra leash, water and food bowls, food and treats, chew toys and first aid kit.


• Make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date and double check that your pet’s ID tags have the correct contact information.


• Bring the phone numbers for local veterinary clinics, should your pet need emergency care. The Hocking Hills Animal Clinic (1978 E. Front St., Logan, Ohio, (740) 380-7387), and the Logan Animal Clinic (161 Iron St., Logan, Ohio, (740) 385-4565) are the closest to Hocking Hills.


• Be aware of the areas where pets are not permitted. While they are allowed in most state park areas and the access ways of Clear Creek Metro Park (including Barnabey Pet Trail), pets are not allowed on Clear Creek’s nature trails or in Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve and Rockbridge Nature Preserves.


• Be considerate of others – pick up after your pet!

Will you be bringing your family’s pet on your next trip to Hocking Hills? Let us know! Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.