🌲🐾 Gorge Overlook Loop to Buckeye Trail - Dog-Friendly Hocking Hills Adventure with Simba the Adventure Pup ⛰️🍂

Hey there, trail friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I hit the beautiful woods of Hocking Hills State Park near Logan, Ohio for a hike that delivered on views, forest serenity, and golden retriever trail magic. 🐶💛

We tackled the Gorge Overlook Loop to Buckeye Trail, a scenic 6.3-mile route that blends cliffside overlooks with shady ridgeline hiking — and of course, plenty of opportunities for Simba to sniff, explore, and lead the way like a pro. 🥾🐾

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Hocking Hills State Park – Logan, OH
Route: Gorge Overlook Loop → Buckeye Trail
Distance: ~6.3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (some elevation, forest terrain)
Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba loved every step!
Trail Style: Loop + out-and-back section along the Buckeye Trail
Highlights: Overlooks, sandstone ridges, peaceful woodland

🥾 Our Experience on the Trail

We kicked things off from the Upper Falls trailhead, where the Gorge Overlook Loop begins. The trail quickly climbs to cliffside vantage points, offering sweeping views into the gorge below — a preview of the beauty Hocking Hills is known for.

From there, we connected with the Buckeye Trail, a legendary long-distance trail that winds across all of Ohio. This section was peaceful and quiet, winding through hardwood forest, dotted with mossy boulders and occasional breaks in the canopy for sunbeams and squirrel sightings 🐿️🌞

Simba was in his element:

• Trot, sniff, pause, repeat
• Navigated roots and rocks like a seasoned trail pup
• Took water breaks like a biscuit-demanding diva (he earned it)

🌄 Trail Highlights

✔️ Gorge Overlooks – jaw-dropping views that make you pause
✔️ Forested Ridges – soft, pine-covered terrain with few crowds
✔️ Buckeye Trail segment – peaceful and scenic, with well-marked blazes
✔️ Dog-Friendly – wide trails, plenty of shade, Simba-approved

Bonus: While Hocking Hills’ main attractions like Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls are beautiful, they can get very crowded. This loop gave us solitude without sacrificing scenery.

🐶 Simba’s Trail Report

✔️ Trail joy level: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
✔️ Favorite moment: Climbing up to the overlook and striking a pose
✔️ Least favorite: When Ash said “no” to jumping in the mud puddle 😂
✔️ Biscuit count: 3 (earned every one)

🚐 RV & Travel Tips

• RV-Friendly Parking: Yes, several large lots available — best to arrive early
• Restrooms + Water: Available at visitor center and trailheads
• Nearby Campgrounds: Hocking Hills State Park campground offers electric and non-electric sites — a solid home base
• Best time to hike: Spring through fall for foliage, shade, and color

🎥 Watch Our Full Hike


In this week’s video:

🎬 Trail footage from the overlook and forest
🐶 Simba navigating like a four-legged trail guide
🌲 Peaceful nature shots + travel tips
🍪 Biscuit breaks and bonus tail wags

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✨ Final Thoughts

Hocking Hills is known for its iconic rock formations and waterfalls — but this loop reminded us there’s just as much beauty in the quiet forest paths and cliffside ridges. The Gorge Overlook to Buckeye Trail route was the perfect blend of challenging, rewarding, and calming — with plenty of golden retriever energy to keep things light and joyful.

If you’re traveling through Ohio and looking for a dog-friendly trail that offers space to roam, scenic moments, and a break from the crowds — this one’s for you.

Until next time — happy trails, peaceful views, and biscuit-powered adventures!
– Ash & Simba 🐾🌲⛰️

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