General Rock Climbing Safety

Wear a helmet!
Take a course if you have never climbed before.

Leave an itinerary with someone you know.

Know and practice self-rescue techniques.
Carry extra food, water and clothing.
Carry a headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs.
Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
Use redundant anchor systems.

Hocking Forest Rock Climbing Rules:

The Hocking State Forest area receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Please respect the forest community that you find. Your consideration of other visitors using the forest will help provide an enjoyable experience for all.

Visitors are free to walk on state forest property during daylight hours. However, because of the many cliffs located throughout the area, extreme caution is urged particularly when ice or snow is present. Because of these hazards, Hocking State Forest closes at dark.

Motor vehicles are restricted to roads open for public travel and designated parking areas.

Use of horses is permitted on designated bridle trails only.

Disturbance, defacement or destruction of any property, material, natural feature or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from tree seed orchards or posted areas.

Camping and building of fires are prohibited except in designated areas.