Hocking River
About
Through Hocking and Athens counties, the Hocking River cuts 102 miles of Class I-II water averaging 680 CFS with an optimal range from 200 to 1,500. The river flows through sections of Wayne National Forest and past the Hocking Hills State Park corridor, where sandstone gorges and rock formations define the landscape. At gauge 03159500, paddlers can track conditions across a wide seasonal range — the river handles both low summer flows and substantial spring runoff without losing its character. Hocking Hills Canoe Livery and Hocking Hills Adventures provide access and shuttles for sections through the state park area, where the river's proximity to hiking trails and rock shelters makes it popular for combined paddling and hiking trips.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.