Hocking Hills State Park

OIt's tick season here in Ohio!

Ohio is home to three common tick species: American dog ticks, black-legged (deer) ticks, and lone star ticks. Black-legged and lone star ticks can carry diseases that affect people, so it’s important to take precautions any time you’re hiking, hunting, or spending time outside.

Help prevent tick bites by:
• Wearing long pants and tucking them into your socks or boots
• Using a permethrin-treated repellent on clothing and boots
• Checking yourself, your family, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors
• Removing ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers

If you find a tick and aren’t sure what it is, you can submit it to your local health department for identification.
Remember, deer are not harmed by Lyme disease, and Lyme disease cannot be spread by eating venison. However, hunters should be especially careful when dressing deer, as ticks may still be present.
A few simple precautions can help you enjoy Ohio’s outdoors while reducing your risk of tick bites.

Learn more about ticks at Ohio.Gov/Tick

🌻🐝 The Friends of Hocking Hills Pollinator Garden is in FULL, GORGEOUS bloom right now! 🌸🦋

The garden is bursting with color and buzzing with life — perfect timing to catch it at its peak.

Pollinator gardens like this one are more than pretty flowers. They provide critical food and habitat for native bees, butterflies, and moths, many of which are struggling due to habitat loss. Native plantings support local biodiversity and keep our ecosystem thriving!

Come on out to the park and see it for yourself — it's located right next to the Visitor Center. Bring your camera!

Happy Fourth of July from the Naturalist Team at Hocking Hills State Park!

We're showing off our best patriotic hats this year — check out the photos and vote for your favorite in the comments!

Have a fun and safe holiday!

Last week of June and first week of July's program schedule. Make sure to dress for the weather!

Hocking Hills State Park Naturalists are at the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum today at 10:30 AM with an interactive herpetology program! 🐸🐍

Stop by to meet live animal ambassadors, play games, and learn about amphibians and reptiles!