Rich with history

Before the first white settlers came to the Hocking Hills there were three Native American Tribes living in the area. The Delaware, Shawnee, and Wyandottes often went to the Hocking River to catch turtles, fish, clams, frogs and clayfish. These creatures were a vital food supply to the Indians living in the Hocking Hills. Not surprisingly the river was named from the Indian name Hokhochen, which meant "bottle-shaped" and referred to the configuration of the river at the present-day Rock Mill in Lancaster Ohio. The name Hokhochen carried on until the 1800s in which it became shortened to "Hocking" river. More then likely it became Hocking because of the difficulty of pronouncing Hokhochen. The area eventually took the name of the river as today the surrounding area is known as the Hocking Hills.

The Hocking River starts in Lancaster Ohio and flows south east until it reaches the Ohio River. It has an average depth of 3-4 feet, but there are areas up to twelve feet deep. The Hocking is calm class I river with very few big rapids or rocks to be worried about.

Our trips run on the best canoeing section of the Hocking River, starting at Sugar Grove and all trips conclude at the Canoe Livery. This 15 mile stretch of river is known for is for its natural beauty and secluded isolation as well as the opportunity to see the Natural Rockbridge and remnants of the old Hocking Canal. The Hocking Canal ran close to the Hocking River, it was destroyed by flooding in 1889 and never rebuilt.

Wildlife

In addition to being a great river to canoe, the Hocking is also known for its abudant wildlife. Deer, beavers, Leatherback Turtles, Kingfishers, Great Blue Heron and small mouth are just a few that call the Hocking home.

Did you know?

It takes 400 years for a plastic 6 pack ring to decompose? During this time, fish and other wildlife may easily become entangled in the rings; monofilament fishing line also poses a threat to wildlife who may become entangled in it. Styrofoam, plastics, fishing line, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and other debris pose a threat to wildlife and the natural habitat. Join Hocking Valley Canoe Livery in our continuing efforts to keep the environment pristine for generations to come. Please leave only your footprints behind; remember to bring trash bags to pick up litter along the way. Glass containers and STYROFOAM COOLERS are not allowed on the river.