03/12/2023
HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMS
May 2023
All programs are subject to change. Notify the naturalist if special accommodations are needed for your participation.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Saturday, May 13
Mama Bears, 10 am
Come learn about some mothers in nature. From birds to bears, learn how a mother’s love is universal. Meet us in the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
National Archery Day, 2 pm
Try your hand at archery in honor of national archery day. Meet us at the Hocking Hills Archery Range across from the campground office. All equipment is provided and there is no fee.
Sunday, May 14
Mother’s Day Hike to Rose Lake, 10 am
Join us for a moderate 3-mile hike to Rose Lake and back. Meet us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center and please be prepared for the weather. There will be no areas to stop for a bathroom break or water fill up.
A Cup of Sunshine, 2 pm
Mother’s Day is today! Come make your own flowerpot and plant a sunflower to take home and grow with mom. Meet us at the back patio of the Hocking Hills Lodge.
Thursday, May 18
Leave No Trace Hike, 10 am
Join us for a 2-mile round trip hike around Rose Lake and learn the skills necessary to protect the natural areas you love. Join us at the Fisherman’s Parking Lot on 374 South. Please dress for the weather.
Friday, May 19
Hidden in Plain Sight, 10 am
Learn how animals hide in plain sight to avoid predators and sneak up on prey. Then, practice your skills at camouflage. Meet us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. We will head outside to the area around the Naturalist Cabin. Be prepared to get muddy.
Nature Etching, 2 pm
Would you like to take home your own artwork of the plants and other cool nature textures here at the park? Meet the naturalist to venture out and make it happen! We will be using crayons and paper for this craft. Meet us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby, prepared to go outside.
Saturday, May 20
Whispering Cave Hike, 10 am
Join us for a moderate, about 1-mile round trip to Whispering Cave and back from the Hocking Hills Lodge. Join us at the Hiker’s Pavilion at the Hocking Hills Lodge. This is the pavilion with the map to the right of the main entrance. Be aware of uneven steps and muddy trails.
Resident Raptors, 2 pm
Come meet one of our resident raptors in the park. Join us at the Naturalist Cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. Be prepared for the weather. If the weather is bad, we will be inside the Visitor Center.
Tuesday, May 23
World Turtle Day, 2 pm
In honor of world turtle day, join us to learn about a common turtle found in Ohio, the Box Turtle. Join us in the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby.
Thursday, May 25
Rock House Hike, 10 am
Join us for a 1-mile hike to Rock House and back. Come explore our only true cave and learn about the animals and people that used it for shelter. Join us for the shelter house at the Rock House Parking Lot. Come dressed for the weather and be prepared for uneven sandstone steps.
Friday, May 26
Beginner’s Archery, 10 am
Join us for an introduction to archery. Meet us at the Archery Range across from the campground office. All equipment is provided. There is no fee.
Cedar Falls Hike, 1 pm
Join the naturalist on a moderate 1-mile hike to Cedar Falls. Meet us at the Trailhead “H” near the parking lot. There are some stair son this hike and a little bit of uneven terrain.
Roaming Reptiles, 3 pm
Come meet some of our resident reptiles. Meet us at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Saturday, May 27
Beginner’s Archery in the Campground, 10 am
Join us for an introduction to archery. Meet us at the area next to the campground pool. All equipment is provided and there is no fee to use the equipment.
Rose Lake Hike, 1 pm
Join the naturalist on a moderate 1-mile hike around Rose Lake. Meet us at the Rose Lake Dam spot “DD”, just below the campground. The terrain for this hike can be uneven in areas. Hiking sticks and binoculars are suggested but not required.
Who’s Hoo? 3 pm
Come meet one of our resident birds of prey. Meet us at the Hocking Hills Lodge Lobby Back Patio.