The Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park is a non-profit (501c3) membership organization for people who love the Hocking Hills and take special interest in improving Park features and preserving it for the enjoyment of future generations. Through fundraising and helping hands, the Friends work directly with the State Park staff to oversee a wide range of projects at the Park. Our Friends group is a member of the “Friends for the Preservation of Ohio State Parks”.

• Preserve and protect the natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park.
• Promote and support educational projects within the Park.
• Increase public awareness of Hocking Hills State Park.
• Fund projects like a new astronomical observatory, wildlife viewing blinds, trail updates and improvements, educational programs and much, much more.

The Friends Mission Statement is “To foster a partnership between outdoor enthusiasts and Hocking Hills State Park that ensures a better place for nature education, while setting high conservation standards and raising a strong sense of responsibility for future generations.”

The goals of the Friends group are set high. In the first quarter of 2007, the Friends are funding rope rescue safety equipment, playground equipment in the campground, and a new archery range opening at the Park. These improvements have been made without state funds or fees to users, through the generosity of people just like you who love the area and have donated to the Friends of the Hocking Hills. Future goals include the construction of an impressive Astronomical Observatory to be built at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge as well as an expanded Visitor Education Center at Old Man’s Cave.