HOCKING COUNTY, Ohio — Cleanup efforts at the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center are extending into their second week, with officials confirming the facility will remain closed through the week of April 27, 2026.
The closure follows a structural fire that broke out at the Old Man’s Cave facility on the evening of Wednesday, April 22. While the blaze was extinguished quickly, the building requires professional remediation before it can safely reopen to the public.
A Narrow Escape for “Old Man’s Cave”
The fire was reported at approximately 7:10 PM on April 22, shortly after the center had closed for the day. While initial reports of a structure fire drew multiple departments and water tankers, park officials now clarify that the “small fire” was successfully contained to a single office.
Thanks to the rapid response from the Laurelville Volunteer Fire Department and mutual aid from Hocking and Pickaway counties, the flames were prevented from reaching the main gallery or other critical park infrastructure. No injuries occurred during the incident.
Current Park Status
While the building itself is shuttered, the park’s natural wonders remain accessible to the thousands of tourists who visit each week.
- Building Status: The Visitor Center is CLOSED for the remainder of this week (April 27–May 3) to address smoke and water damage.
- Trails & Access: All hiking trails, including the path to Old Man’s Cave, remain OPEN to the public.
- Facilities: To accommodate visitors while the main building is out of commission, park staff have positioned portable toilets outside the center for public use.
Looking Ahead
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and local fire investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire.
In a statement released this week, park officials thanked the community for their patience. “Our team is working hard to get the space ready for visitors again. We’re aiming to reopen very soon and will post an update when a reopening date is set.”
Visitors planning to attend the nearby Jack Pine Glass Garden Art Festival this weekend (May 1–3) should be aware that while the Visitor Center is closed, all local businesses and outdoor park areas are operating as usual.
