Spending time in the great outdoors is an absolute must during your visit to the Hocking Hills, especially since the area is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state! During your stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, we recommend heading to a spot like the Tar Hollow State Park. This 604-acre park is ideal for several recreational activities, and we guarantee that those who love spending time outdoors will not leave disappointed! Discover even more places to explore when you access our complimentary Vacation Guide.
Every Park Has a Story
Tar Hollow State Park takes its name from the pitch pines that grow on the rocky ridges. The sap, or pine tar, was once used by Native Americans to make turpentine and other medicines. The pioneers in the area continued this practice to doctor themselves and their animals and to make lubricants for their farm machinery. Tar Hollow is the third largest state forest in Ohio — it covers 16,120 acres! Tar Hollow is the protected part inside the forest. Nature lovers flock here to marvel at the primeval wildness of the many acres of majestic hardwoods.
5 of the Best Things to Do at Tar Hollow State Park
Go on a Hike
There are several hiking trails inside the park. Embark on your journey through the tall pines to see the beauty of our area on foot. Trails range from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. Plan out your hike with this Tar Hollow Trail Map, or take one of our recommendations. Here are a few of our favorite trails to try.
Logan Boy Scout Trail
Also known as the Logan Backpack Trail, this 21-mile journey requires quite a bit of time to fully complete. However, the views of the forest that you’ll encounter along the way make the adventure well worth it! If you’re not up for the trek, you can always hike part of it, then turn around.
Ross Hollow Hiking Trail
The Ross Hollow Hiking Trail is one of the easiest to enjoy. This trail spans for 4.9 miles and introduces travelers to immense views of the park.
Buckeye Trail
You’d need a lot of time to complete the entire Buckeye Trail; it loops 1,444 miles around the entire state of Ohio. However, one section winds through Tar Hollow. It’s a very popular route, so try it out for yourself!
Pack a Picnic
There is nothing quite like a delicious meal surrounded by towering pines and fresh air. Tar Hollow State Park has specific areas designated to picnickers, or you can opt to find the perfect spot on your own. All you need to do is get a brown bag lunch from Kindred Spirits to bring with you!
Cast a Line
The waters of Pine Lake in the Tar Hollow State Park are abundant with bluegill and many other panfish to reel in for dinner. As long as you have a valid Ohio fishing license, you’re good to go! If you are just visiting Ohio, you can easily get a short-term, non-resident license.
Splash Around
If your perfect state of relaxation means spending time by the water, you’re in luck! Pine Lake offers 500 feet of beach near its campgrounds. You may choose to lounge along the shore, take a refreshing dip in the lake, or take a canoe into the crisp waters. Whatever you decide to do, a day at the lake is a day well spent!
Hunt for Morels
Morel mushrooms are the gold standard of fungi and are highly renowned among chefs for their earthy taste. During the springtime, these desired fungi can be found growing almost anywhere in Hocking Hills! Morel hunters flock to spots like Tar Hollow State Park from mid-April until May to search for these mushrooms.
Get Our Hocking Hills State Park Guide
If you’d like to go on an adventure during your stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, you’re in luck! Not only are there great spots like Tar Hollow State Park to enjoy, but our property is also surrounded by the Hocking Hills State Park. Get our Hocking Hills State Park Guide to learn about everything there is to do here!
Book Your Adventure Today
The beauty of Tar Hollow State Park awaits! Stay with us at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls to experience the area firsthand. Our property is the best of both worlds; you get to enjoy both comfort and nature. Browse our accommodations to start planning your stay. We have geodomes, cabins, cottages, and yurts! We even have a spa onsite for all your relaxation needs. What are you waiting for? Let us excite your adventure bone today!