Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area

This is a 99-acre area set aside for climbing and rappelling in Hocking State Forest, about a mile east of Conkle's Hollow. Its centerpiece is a roughly mile-long Black Hand sandstone escarpment, with cliffs reaching about 100 feet. It earns its time if you climb or enjoy a walk beneath a big cliffline; this is a destination, not a roadside viewpoint.

Start at the parking area at 24798 Big Pine Road, then cross the road and use the green bridge toward the kiosk. You must register before any climbing or rappelling. The approach climbs toward the cliff base; a less strenuous path follows the stream to the right.

A footpath along the cliff base passes large slump blocks and named rocks. The area map marks separate climbing and rappelling zones, Bouldering Cave and Rectangle Rock. Trails are shared with hikers, runners and horseback riders, so stay within forest boundaries. The forest closes at dark; plan to leave before sunset.

Black Hand sandstone can break, especially after rain. Pitons, chocks and permanent anchors are prohibited; top-roping is the safest technique. If you are new to climbing or rappelling, go with an experienced climber and proper gear. Take particular care near cliff edges when snow or ice is present.

About 300 million years ago, rivers from the east carried sediment into a shallow sea over what is now Ohio. Later uplift and stream erosion cut the sandstone into cliffs and waterfalls. Here, you can see the result in the cliffline and the blocks that have slumped to its base.