Black Bears Return to Hocking Hills: What Hikers Need to Know

Black bears have returned to southeastern Ohio. After decades of absence, a growing population of American black bears is reestablishing itself across the Appalachian foothills — and Hocking Hills State Park sits squarely in their expanding range. Sightings are increasingly noted in official park announcements, and hikers on remote trails now have a realistic, if still uncommon, chance of encountering one.

This is a conservation success story. Ohio's bears were hunted to near-extirpation by the mid-1800s. Their return reflects healthier forests, better wildlife management, and a regional ecosystem recovering from centuries of exploitation. But it also means Hocking Hills visitors need updated information about sharing the trail.

Where Bears Are Most Likely

Bears in the Hocking Hills area prefer remote rocky ledges, dense underbrush, and large tracts of unbroken forest. The most likely encounter zones are the less-visited portions of the park — Cantwell Cliffs, the outer reaches of Hocking State Forest (59 miles of trails), and the Zaleski State Forest (27,000 acres). The popular, heavily trafficked trails at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave are unlikely bear habitat during busy hours — bears avoid crowds.

Backpackers on the Zaleski Backpack Trail (29.1 miles with primitive campsites) have the highest probability of encountering bears, particularly during early morning and evening hours when bears are most active.

What to Do If You See a Bear

Do not run. Running triggers a chase response. Black bears can sprint at 30+ mph — you cannot outrun one. Instead:

Stop and stay calm. Most black bears will notice you and leave on their own. Give the bear space and a clear escape route.

Make yourself large and make noise. Speak in a firm, calm voice. Raise your arms. Group together if hiking with others. The goal is to appear unappetizing, not to threaten.

Back away slowly. Never approach a bear, never corner a bear, and never get between a mother and her cubs.

If a black bear charges: Most charges are bluff charges — the bear will stop short. Stand your ground. In the extremely rare event of a black bear attack, fight back aggressively. This is the opposite of grizzly bear advice. Black bears are generally not aggressive, and fighting back typically causes them to disengage.

Campsite Safety for Backpackers

If you are backpacking the Zaleski Trail or camping in Hocking State Forest, proper food storage is essential. Store food in a bear canister or hang it from a tree branch at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk, at least 200 feet from your campsite. Never cook or eat in your tent. Clean up all food scraps and trash. Bears have an extraordinary sense of smell — if it is scented, it is attractant.

ODNR's Approach

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages the growing bear population through monitoring, public education, and response to nuisance complaints. ODNR does not relocate bears unless they pose a direct public safety threat. The agency encourages coexistence — bears that keep their natural fear of humans are healthier bears. If you encounter a bear near a cabin or campground, report it to the park office so ODNR can track population movements.