The Ultimate Canyon Adventure In Ohio Most People Don’t Know About

Sometimes, adventure is a lot closer than you think.

While most people are familiar with the Old Man's Cave trails and other areas of the Hocking Hills, there's a little known canyon on private land that's now open to the public to explore via guided tours. At High Rock Adventures and Hocking Hills Ecotours in Rockbridge, you'll see a whole new side to this beautiful region of Ohio few people know about. The rock challenges, rappelling, rock climbing and eco-adventures you'll find here are perfect for a weekend adventure with family and friends in your favorite state.

You'll find the High Rock Adventures house at 10108 Opossum Hollow Rd., Rockbridge, OH 43149. This is where your adventure begins.

Be sure to schedule your tour in advance, as reservations here are highly recommended. All tours can be booked online and rates depend on the adventure you choose. Group rates and family discounts are also available.

The guided Eco-Nature Tours will immerse you in the geology and history of the southeast Ohio region. You'll learn just how special your home state truly is.

There are two different Eco-Nature tours you can take. The Natural High Tour combines nature and adventure. In addition to learning about the area's plants and wildlife, you'll have the option to explore some rock halls, squeezes and other rock challenges. This tour lasts approximately 2 and a half hours. The High Rock Highlights Tour features the highlights of the Natural High Tour and lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Along your Eco-Nature tour, your guide will point out the different wildlife, plants (both native and non-native) and insects you'll encounter during your journey.

You'll learn everything from what types of leaves and mushrooms are best used for brewing tea to what certain plants were actually used for back in the 1800s. And you might even get to taste an edible plant or two.

Pictured below are Turkey Tail Mushrooms, which are commonly found in the Hocking Hills area.

You'll encounter several of these colorful mushrooms at High Rock. And you'll learn that the tasty tea that can be brewed from this tough mushroom actually has medicinal properties.

One of the most impressive sights you'll see along your Eco-Nature Tour are the ancient sandstone rock formations.

Undisturbed and well-preserved, the colorful rock almost looks like coral from the ocean. It's estimated that many of the rock formations at High Rock Adventures are about 300-million-years-old and once upon a time fully submersed underwater.

Many of the rocks reach breathtaking heights. From down below and up above, you won't find views like this anywhere else in Ohio.

Pictured above is Monster Rock, which is about 90 ft. high. It's an overhang rappel featured in the advanced Rappelling 201 Tour.

You'll also see several faces and unique formations in the rocks along your tour, so be on the lookout.

(What does this one look like to you?)

You'll love exploring the canyons, which can feel like a natural refrigerator. (They're worth the squeeze to get to!)

The High Rock Challenge is unlike any other tour in Ohio. You'll encounter rock halls, squeezes, tunnels, narrows, ascents, descents and scrambles without harnessed climbing or rappelling.

You can also opt to take on some rock challenges during the Natural High Eco-Tour. (Please note: Your clothes will get slightly dirty, but the adventure is always worth it.)

Pictured above is the entrance to "Triangle Rock", one of the rock squeeze challenges along the Natural High and Rock Challenge tours.

If you are new to rappelling but want to try it out, the Rappelling 101 Tour is a great option. (Allow about 2 and a half hours for this tour.)

Along this tour, you'll experience 35 ft. high cliffs (pictured above) all the way up to 90 ft. hight cliffs, depending on your comfort level. Your guides will give you the time and training you need to feel comfortable.

Please note: Each guest must be at least 6 years of age to participate in the rock climbing and rappelling.

If you have an adventurous child looking to learn rock climbing or rappelling, High Rock Adventures is the perfect place to start.

During all of the rappel tours, (even the Night Rappel), you'll also get to experience Ohio's only canyon rappel.

Down below, your group will await your descent into the moss-covered, 60ft. canyon.

You'll want to take your time on this rappel to look around. This canyon rappel is one of the most unique cliffs at High Rock Adventures.

Rappelling through the canyon is an unforgettable experience you just can't get anywhere else in Ohio.

If you're looking for real adventure, then High Rock Adventures and Hocking Hills Ecotours belongs at the top of your bucket list.

Pictured above: Pride Rock, which is featured on both the Rappelling 101 and 201 Tours.

High Rock Adventures is located at 10108 Opossum Hollow Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149. Have you ever been here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

As a visitor to Only In Ohio, you can get 10% off if you are interested in one of these tours. Just click here to select your tour and enter "OIYS10" in the promo/discount field. The spots are limited, so check it out!