We’re writing to urge the State of Ohio Government Agencies and ODNR to SAFELY and SOFTLY re-open the Hocking Hills State Parks for visitors and residents alike.  In addition, please re-word the messaging on the electronic ODOT traffic signs throughout the region so it’s welcoming and relocate those signs off of State Park property that is currently open.  (Lake Logan for example which gives mix-messaging)

When guests reserve a cabin in Hocking Hill’s they plan accordingly to enjoy respite and exercise during this health crisis.  These In-State travelers coming from areas that their parks remain open are confused and disappointed that the Hocking Hills State Parks (Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Whispering Cave, Rock House and Buckeye Trail) are actually closed.  With the current ODNR “until further notice” wording area lodging companies are experiencing cancellations as far out as November of this year.  Parks are closed with no end date of the closure.  All County Health Dept and Governor’s orders have included end dates, even if they were later extended or altered.  This open-ended closure is unnecessarily causing further damage to the regional businesses, our area economy and the untold visitors that are unable to plan their escape to the woods.

These closures not only affect the transient lodging industry it affects so many businesses that rely on guests coming to the region; park visitation, 2-3 night cabin or hotel rentals, spending their money at restaurants, attractions, retail, grocery, gas stations and even our local hospital for emergency room drop in’s.  The continued park closings will be the difference between the locally owned “Mom & Pop” businesses surviving or closing down for good.

The transient lodging industry also remits a substantial amount of money in lodging and real estate taxes that support multiple local associations and organizations.  Lodging taxes that transient lodging owners pay is a percentage of the guest bookings, hence less guest mean less lodging tax paid to our local county treasurers.  The lodging taxes paid out have already taken a huge hit due to the 8-week shutdown of transient lodging in Hocking County.  The lodging and real estate taxes support the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, various Township Municipalities, and etc. 

An unintended consequence of the State parks and trail areas being closed is that metro-parks, trails, and nature preserves that remain open are receiving an influx of visitors which makes it more difficult for guests to safely social distance at these locations.   In addition, some nature preserves are being harmed because of excessive/overflow traffic from the State Parks not being open.

Considering the fact that grocery stores, retail stores, pools, bars/restaurants, etc. are open or will be opening soon we believe that it is possible to open a 2,000+ acre-outdoor State Park and trails. We understand that there are narrow sections of trails and bridges.  We believe that ODNR can use signage to instruct guests to maintain safe social distancing while on the trails, signs at park entrances or trail heads saying “Please always maintain safe social distancing (6 ft.) when on the trails. At narrow sections of trails/bridges please coordinate with oncoming traffic to allow one-way traffic/safe passing.”  In addition, more State Park Ranger and law enforcement visibility will ensure guidelines are followed.  

The Hocking Hills region is one of the most popular tourist Areas within the State and the major economic driver for the whole region.  If it’s safe to go into a restaurant, retail and additional businesses we demand the Ohio Government Agencies and ODNR re-open the Hocking Hills State Parks immediately!  We also request that all ODOT traffic signage be changed in order to be more welcoming to guests in Hocking Hills.

Sincerely,
Hocking Hills Transient Lodging Group, area Businesses/Staff and Residents