Hocking Hills Horse Camp & Bridle Trails

Hocking State Forest Bridle Trail

Horse Camp and Trail Rules
Please observe the following:

  • This campground is for horse riders only.
  • Day users are to use the day-use parking lot.
  • Do not park in camp area.
  • Horse campers must register at the Self- Registration Booth. Only one unit is permitted per campsite.
  • Campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis; saving campsites is prohibited.
  • Fires and camping are allowed in designated areas only. Do not move fire rings.
  • Trash and litter should be handled with the back-country ethic, �Pack it in, pack it out.�
  • Do not leave fires unattended or dispose of trash in fire rings.
  • For your safety, the forest closes at dark; riding is not permitted after dark.
  • Please park all equipment on your campsite; do not park in the grass.
  • Maintain your campsite in a clean and sanitary manner. Citations may be issued.
  • Please use the hitch posts; tying horses to trees is prohibited.
  • Please observe quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  • The use of firearms is restricted to lawful hunting only.
  • Riding is permitted only on designated painted trails (orange, red, purple, and white). Riding is prohibited in state park and preserve areas. (Exception: Riders of the Buckeye Trail may use the horsemen�s bypass around the east end of Old Man�s Cave and Cedar Falls).
  • The State Forest boundary is marked with yellow blazes.

Trail Map can be viewed here in gif format

Trail Map .GIF


Tar Hollow State Forest Bridle Trail

Tar Hollow is Ohio�s third largest state forest, with over 16,000 acres. Recreational activities include camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, bird watching, mushroom hunting, and others. The Horseman�s campground and bridle trails are extremely popular.

A wooded, 45-site primitive campground is available for use by horsemen. Latrines, water for horses, and horse tie areas are provided. Electricity and drinking water are not available. The campground is extremely popular and will fill up early on holiday weekends. Trails can be accessed from the campground as well as at road crossings throughout the forest. A day use parking area is available. There are 33 miles of designated bridle trails available for use by horsemen.


Forest Rules

A summary of rules is provided below as a convenience to horse campers and riders, and is not intended to cover all laws and regulations. Please obey these rules so Tar Hollow State Forest can remain a beautiful area providing all forest users a quality backcountry experience.
  • This campground is for horse riders only.
  • Trails�Riders must stay on designated trails or forest roads south of Piney Creek and Clark Hollow roads. Designated trails are marked with white blazes. Horse riding is prohibited on the red blazed Logan Trail and the blue blazed Buckeye Trail, (except where shared with the white blazed bridle trail) any unpainted trail, and all trails or roads north of Piney Creek and Clark Hollow roads. Numbered location markers are located at all road crossings and trail intersections. Find the corresponding location number on the map to determine your location.
  • Campground�Horses and pets must be leashed and under control at all times. The tethering of any animal to trees is prohibited. Camping is allowed on designated sites only. All campers must register. Reserving sites is prohibited. One camping unit, one motor vehicle, and one horse trailer is permitted per site.
  • Alcohol�Public display or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
  • Please observe quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
  • Litter may be disposed of only in receptacles provided.
  • Disturbance, defacement, or destruction of any structure, property, natural feature, tree, shrub, or wildflower is prohibited.
  • Operation of motor vehicles is restricted to designated roads. The speed limit on all forest roads is 30 MPH unless otherwise posted. Vehicles may not be parked where traffic or access to service roads or trails will be obstructed.

Trail Map can be viewed here in gif format

Trail Map .GIF


Practice Trail Etiquette

State Forest Bridle Trails are one of the most popular riding areas in our state with more than 30,000 horse and rider visits each year. As defined in our mission, the ODNR Division of Forestry is responsible for managing the soil and water resources within State Forests. In order to protect the trails and woodlands from soil erosion and other resource damage, horse riding is permitted only on designated painted trails. The Division of Forestry has implemented several changes, many of which can be seen as you ride the trails. We need your help to ensure the protection of forest land surrounding the bridle trails. Practicing proper trail etiquette and encouraging others to do the same, helps us keep
State Forests a beautiful place to ride.

This includes:

  • Ride only on designated painted trails.
  • Never tie to trees.
  • Do not shortcut trail switchbacks.
  • Pick up litter.
  • Do not ride in caves or streams.
  • During periods of wet weather and muddy soil conditions, do not ride.
  • Report violations and down trees to our toll free number 1-877-247-8733.

The Division of Forestry believes these practices will protect the forest and soil resources. A proposal to begin an �Adopt-a-Hill� trail program has been developed. Groups and individuals may select and volunteer to �Adopt� a particular trail or hill section. Those who are interested may contact the Division of Forestry. The Division of Forestry cares about the forest visitor and their experience. It is for this reason that horse riders are important partners in conservation.

 

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