A gorge hike at Hocking Hills needs a small pack, not a big one. Carry water, a snack, a light, a layer, a basic first-aid kit, an offline map and your phone, then add traction in winter and bug protection in warm months. This checklist is for people already staying nearby who are heading out for a few hours. For luggage and clothing for the whole trip, see our trip packing guide.
Pick the right pack
Any small pack with padded straps works. A chest or hip strap helps on stairs because it stops the bag from swinging. Make sure you can reach water without taking the pack off, and keep the weight low and close to your back. A heavy pack makes a staircase harder and the descent harder on your knees, so carry only what you will use.
The essentials
Everything in this list earns its place on a typical gorge hike.
- Water. Carry more than you think you will drink on a warm day. Do not count on finding water on the trail. Check the park's facilities when you arrive rather than assuming.
- Snack. Something easy to eat on a landing: nuts, a bar, fruit. A small snack helps you avoid the late-hike slump when you are tired and the stairs are still ahead.
- Headlamp or small flashlight. Ohio DNR says trails and picnic areas are open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, and gorges darken early. A light is a backup, not an invitation to stay late. See night hiking and after-dark safety.
- Offline map and photo of the trail map. Cell service is unreliable in the gorges. Our navigation guide explains how to prepare.
- Phone, with a power bank. Keep the phone charged and in low-power mode. Cold drains batteries faster.
- Extra layer. A light fleece or windbreaker. Gorges are cooler and damper than the parking lot.
- Rain shell. Weather can change quickly, and wet stone is slippery enough already.
- Basic first aid. Bandages, blister pads, tape, a few pain relievers if you use them, tweezers for splinters or ticks. Know how to use what you carry.
Small items that help
- A trash bag. Pack out what you carry in. Our Leave No Trace guide covers the details.
- Tissues or wipes. Restroom supplies at trailheads vary.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, even in the gorge, since you will be on open rims and parking lots too.
- Insect repellent. See the pest guide for ticks, chiggers and poison ivy.
- A small towel or bandana. For sweat, spills and wet hands on railings.
- ID and a card or some cash. Keep them in a zip bag with your keys.
- Whistle. Light, cheap, and loud if you need help.
Seasonal add-ons and optional gear
| Season | Add |
|---|---|
| Winter | Traction devices, gloves, hat, hand warmers, an insulating layer. Ohio DNR notes trails are often icy in winter and suggests ice cleats. See the traction guide. |
| Spring | Rain shell, spare socks, gaiters if you like them, tick prevention. |
| Summer | Extra water, sun protection, repellent, a cooling bandana. Summer heat calls for extra care. |
| Fall | Extra layer, headlamp, gloves for cold mornings, a small bag for wet clothing. |
Optional gear
- Trekking poles. Helpful for some hikers and a nuisance for others, so decide based on your knees and the route.
- Camera or binoculars. Keep them secured so they do not swing on stairs.
- A compact seat pad. Handy for breaks, though you should stay on the trail and off cliff edges.
What to leave in the car
- Large bags, heavy lunches, and extra footwear.
- Valuables you do not need. Hide or lock away anything you leave inside, and keep keys on you.
- Fragile gear like a big tripod, unless you plan to use it. A tripod is awkward on narrow stairs.
- Drones. Check the rules before you bring one.
Adjust for who is with you
- Children. Add extra snacks, a spare set of socks and a small first-aid supply for scrapes. Children need close supervision on the trails, as Ohio DNR advises, so keep one adult free of heavy gear. Our kids trail ranking helps you pick routes.
- Older hikers or anyone with mobility limits. Pack medications in a small, labeled bag, carry a seat pad for rests, and consider the accessible trails roundup for gentler options.
- Dogs. Bring water and a bowl, waste bags and a leash. Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve does not allow pets, according to Ohio DNR, so check each area's rules.
- Photographers. Pack camera gear in a way that keeps your hands free on stairs, and avoid setting up where you block a narrow one-way path.
Pack it so you can find it
Put the items you might need fast, such as the light, the first-aid kit and the rain shell, at the top or in an outside pocket. Keep electronics in a zip bag in case of spray or rain. Stash snacks where you can reach them without unpacking on a staircase. Before you head out, do a quick shake test: if the pack rattles or sags, tighten the straps and trim the load.
Before you leave the cabin or car
- Check trail status. Our closure-checking guide shows where.
- Check the sunset time for your date and plan to finish well before it.
- Tell someone your route and expected return time.
- Fill water bottles, charge your phone and put on trail shoes. See boots or trail runners.
- Know the direction of travel. Many trails are one-way, as Ohio DNR notes.
Keep it realistic. The point of a day pack is to be prepared for ordinary problems: a blister, a surprise shower, a dead battery, a late finish. It is not a survival kit. If the weather looks threatening or the trail is closed, change your plan rather than relying on gear to fix it. Repack after each trip so that the kit is ready for the next.
Bottom line
Water, light, layers, a map that works offline, first aid and a charged phone are the core. Add traction in winter and bug protection in warm weather, and leave the rest in the car. A light pack keeps you steady on the stairs and leaves room for what the day is really about: the gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I carry for a gorge hike?
It depends on the weather, your pace and your body, so there is no single number. Carry more in warm weather, and do not count on finding water on the trail. Check the park's facilities when you arrive.
Do I need a headlamp if I plan to finish before dark?
It is a good backup. Ohio DNR says trails close half an hour after sunset, and gorges get dim early. A light helps if you are delayed.
Can I use my phone as a map?
Only if you download the map beforehand. Cell service is unreliable in the gorges, so also photograph the trail map and tell someone your route.
What should I wear on my feet?
Shoes with real tread and a comfortable fit, plus traction devices if the trail is icy. Ohio DNR advises appropriate footwear and watching trail conditions.
What should I leave behind?
Leave heavy bags, valuables and anything you do not need in the car. Keep the pack light so stairs are easier and safer.
Sources and verification. Trail hours, the one-way note and winter ice guidance come from the Ohio DNR Hocking Hills State Park page, checked in October 2026. The checklist itself is general hiking guidance and not a medical or safety guarantee. I did not state amounts of water or specific gear brands because they vary by person and season.