Rock House Hocking Hills
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Rock House is an interesting part of the Hocking Hills Region. If you are into caves and hiking, this is the place for you.
Rock House Caves
Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Rock House is unique in the Hocking Hills region as it is the only true cave in the park. It has a tunnel-like corridor and is midway up a 150-foot cliff. This House of Rock has a 25-foot ceiling, and the main corridor is 200 feet long and around 20-30 feet wide.
This cavern was eroded out of the middle zone of Blackhand sandstone. Water leaked through a horizontal joint that was running parallel to the cliff face causing the hollowing of the corridor. This main joint can be seen in the ceiling of the Rock House.
The Rock House also has 7 Gothic-arched windows and sandstone columns that bear its huge roof. It used to be a shelter for past visitors. Hominy Holes are small recesses at the back of the cave, used by Native Indians as baking ovens. Building a small fire in a recess heated the whole cave.
There are also chiseled-out troughs in the cave, further evidence that people used this cave as their home. According to local legend, other residents who used the cave were not as welcome, including murderers, bootleggers, and marauding thieves.
There are dated carvings in the rock that prove The Rock House has a long past of popularity with visitors.
From time to time, cheeky pigeons like to take up residence, so take care if you are walking with dogs or younger children who are wary of birds!
Rock House Trail
Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Rock House Loop Trail is about a mile long, it is one of the 7 major hiking areas of Hocking Hills. Hikers can enter from either the upper or the lower parking lots. If you park at the second lot, you will have a much longer walk. However, both trails do come together and exit at the shelter house.
The walk back up the hill after visiting Rock House is very steep!
Hikers are advised to stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets, kept on a leash at all times are allowed.
Video of Rock House
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills is abundant with places to stay in many styles. The one thing they all have in common is the stunning views and surroundings! Below are some of our favorite places to stay in Hocking Hills.
- Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins
- Cedar Grove Lodging
- Timberframe Lodge by Woodland Retreats
- Cherry Ridge Retreat
- Idyll Reserve
- Hocking Hills Lodge
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
I suggest bringing a flashlight so that you can easily see where you are stepping inside Rock House. And you can use it to see the birds inside and the carvings on the wall.
Where is Rock House Located?
- Address: 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, Ohio 43135
- Phone: 740-385-6841 | Website
Location Map for Rock House Hocking Hills
This map shows the location of Rock House and the above list of places to stay.
Let’s Go to Rock House Hocking Hills
Have you been to Rock House? We would love to hear about it! Drop us a comment below and tell us about your experience.
Hocking Hills is such a beautiful area, we have many articles about places to visit in the area, such as Rock Bridge Nature Preserve, Conkles Hollow, and Ash Cave. You might also like to check out our article about Caves In Ohio.
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