Last Updated on January 13, 2022 by Natalie
Are you thinking about hiking the trail to Rock House in Ohio? Is it worth it? The short answer is yes, it’s worth it. The long version, including details about hiking it with family and things to expect are located within this post. Come on in and let’s explore a great trail in the Hocking Hills of Ohio!
Recently, my (rather large) family rented a great cabin located in Rockbridge, Ohio. It was pretty close to several popular hiking trails that are part of Hocking Hills State Park. It was also well above freezing (in December, no less), so several of us were excited to get out and hike!
For this hike, the range was ages 8 through 48 and included 4 adults, 2 teens, and 2 kids.
Rock House Trail in Hocking Hills
The first trail we decided to hike was the Rock House Trail (Ohio). The trailhead is located at:
16350 OH-374
Laurelville, OH
There are two parking areas. We parked at the one that’s a little further into the park, closest to the trailhead. The second parking lot is closer to the trail exit.
Right now, there are “one way” arrows on the trail due as a stupid covid response. However, if you are unable to traverse the stairs and then steep uphill at the end, you’ll likely be heading back the way you arrived, which may affect where you prefer to park. Check out the end of the trail section for my recommendations for families.
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We dubbed it The Rock’s House
One of the cool rock formations on the way to Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park.
From the getgo, the teens and young adults started calling it The Rock’s House – as in Dwayne the Rock Johnson. The publicity for the trail would be insane if The Rock did visit Ohio and hike this trail, wouldn’t it?
It’s already a popular trail, but on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, the trail seemed reserved for us (it wasn’t. We aren’t that fancy). Since it was a quiet day without people, we got to see a lovely doe wandering around watching us watching her until she’d had enough and trotted off. We took lots of photos and the cousins got to do some bonding.
Here’s the deer!
Rock House trailhead
We approached the trailhead by following the signs. You walk for a few minutes on a nicely sloping trail and then descend the stairs down. Again, the trail does even out at this point. It’s definitely not a flat area, but the trail isn’t steep most of the way to the Rock House.
I remembered that I’d hiked to Rock House before, when I was in my twenties. I’m pretty certain it was a wetter day back then and that we opted to turn around rather than brave the slippery steps. I loved the Rock House then and mostly forgot about its existence. I’m so glad its the trail my sister’s family chose to hike on Christmas Eve.
While hiking, I was reminded that Ohio is actually a beautiful place. Southern Ohio, in particular, has rolling hills and I believe this area is part of the foothills of the Appalachian mountains.
→ More great hiking and accommodations can be found at Burr Oak State Park cabins in Glouster, Ohio.
Reaching the Rock House cavern
Hocking Hills Rock House is gorgeous!
One of the great things about this trail is the length. It doesn’t take long to get to the cavern and it’s a beautiful hike the whole way there. On the day we visited, it was overcast, so it was fairly dark inside the cavern. I tried to walk and take photos, but I stopped that after I tripped. My phone’s flashlight came in handy for traversing across the dark area.
I wouldn’t have minded hanging out in the cavern for a few more minutes before continuing on the trail. It’s a neat place (and I took 100 pictures while hiking and I had a hard time narrowing down photos for this post).
Steep staircase
Those stairs don’t look so scary from the bottom.
After leaving the cavern, we continued on the trail. Around that area, there is a steep staircase to descend. There isn’t a railing and one side is open and on the side of a cliff. This area made me a touch nervous, because I know that wet leaves get incredibly slippery. Thankfully, it dry and not slippery. Everyone in our group descended without issue.
In fact, the most difficult part for me came at the end as we zig zagged back up to the top of the foothill and headed to the parking lot area. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I had tweaked my hip/back muscle a little bit somewhere in the latter part of the trail. I was also a bit winded at times.
After the hike, I did take a dip in the cabin’s outdoor hot tub, which is an awesome feature many of the cabins in the area have because it’s so awesome to be in super hot water in cold weather.
The Rock House Hocking Hills Ohio Rocks!
This is a great trail, that though it’s moderate on the hiking scale, isn’t that difficult for those without mobility issues even without being super fit. I found it beautiful and peaceful on the day we visited. However, it’s definitely a busier trail in the summer months. It’s worth visiting.
Hey look, there I am! I’m standing in front of one of the cliffs you see prior to getting to the main event.
FAQ
How long is the Hocking Hills Rock House Trail?
The trail is about 1 mile long.
How hard is it to hike the Rock House Trail?
The hike is described as moderate and I agree with that assessment. I’m not a hardcore hiker. I’m a mildly out of shape 40-something mom, hiking it with another mildly out of shape 40-something mom (older than me), 2 in super shape adults (father and son), and 4 kids ages 8-16 all with good fitness levels. Everyone, except the moms, breezed through this trail. Us moms were hiking, talking, and taking a gazillion photos of everyone together since we haven’t seen each other in a year. We actually only had trouble with the trail at the end when we had to walk up the tall hill and our backs were killing us.
Can families hike this trail?
Yes, families can hike this trail. However, there are a few things of which families need to be aware. After the Rock House cavern, there is a long staircase carved into the rocks. One side is open to a rather long drop below and may not be appropriate for all families. I wouldn’t attempt this with a toddler. Depending on the abilities of your child(ren) and their listening skills, I’d recommend that children be at least 6 years old on those stairs. I was fairly comfortable with my 8 year old descending it. If any of my children had been having a tough day, I’d have turned us around and headed back the “wrong” way on the trail.
I do NOT recommend babywearing on this trail. Families with younger children may want to skip the staircase after the Rock House and turn around to go back the way they came.
In conclusion
This is a great trail for those without mobility issues, even if not super fit. It’s suitable for families, though it should be hiked with caution. This trail is an excellent reminder at the beauty that exists within Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and Rock House is a great, short trail that many people will enjoy!
Have you traversed the Rock House trail Hocking Hills? The best feedback comes from readers. Please leave a comment. Thank you!
