Work has started on realignment of a one-mile section of State Route 664 at the Old Man’s Cave area. For decades, park visitors had to walk across the state highway which separated the large parking lot from the park entrance at this popular area. The highway will be relocated to the north, behind the parking lot, creating a safe entrance with a new visitor plaza that will serve as a focal point for guests arriving at the park. This major park improvement was made possible with the generous assistance of two key partners, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Friends of Hocking Hills State Park.  Additional facilities planned for future construction include an A-frame bridge and accessible trail.

Lake Hope

Construction work is underway on a new dining lodge at Lake Hope to replace the historic stone and timber structure that was destroyed by fire in 2006. The design for the new dining lodge features all of the rustic charm of the original, plus environmentally sustainable approaches for energy efficiency, water conservation, and recycled materials that will achieve the Silver LEED designation. The main level of the lodge will include seating for 120 guests, as well as café, gallery space for local artisans, a convenient camp store for Lake Hope campers, and office space. The lower level will feature a 120 person banquet room with stage, catering kitchen and adjacent outdoor patio.