Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio for National Public Lands Day

Hocking Hills State Park, for National Public Lands Day. Hocking Hills is a 2,356-acre park in southern Ohio offering over 25 miles of hiking trails that pass by unusual rock formations, recess caves, and stunning waterfalls. This is Upper Falls, at one of the park's most popular hiking destinations, Old Man's Cave. This huge recess cave, as the legend goes, was named for a hermit who lived here in the 1800s. Then there's Devil's Bathtub, Conkle's Hollow, and Rock House—sites worthy of a visit for their names alone, though the scenery won't disappoint.

Held annually on the fourth Saturday of September, National Public Lands Day aims to encourage Americans to appreciate all our public lands, whether they’re managed at the federal, state, or local level. The observance also calls on us to volunteer for one of the many projects going on at public lands, like helping with trail maintenance or tree planting. At national parks, monuments, and other participating federal sites, admission is free today. At Hocking Hills, you can join a naturalist-led hike from here at Old Man's Cave to the little-visited Broken Rock Falls. Be sure to grab a free litter bag to help pack out what others have left behind.