First time there, we hiked with 2 twelve-year old boys and our 5- year old daughter. Gorgeous setting! The trail gets quite steep, but my daughter was still able to keep up. It starts as gravel, then gets more rugged. Lots of rocks, so good hiking shoes and a dry day will help! We had a fantastic time and the view at the top is breathtaking!

Im not really a hiker, but I really enjoyed it. We went on a brisk, rainy October morning and loved it. There was a good mix of up and down hill, level trails, wide, well maintained trails, and narrow muddy paths. We had no troubles with mud or navigating any of the trails and were able to see every trail even in the rain. The views on the orange trail were amazing for someone who grew up in a flat area!

A very pretty and quiet trail. We were there Saturday at 9am and only passed by a few people. There is a parking lot and a quick walk to the trail head. Your options are to follow the orange trail, blue trail or both! The one takes you up Jacobs Ladder which is a short, but steep climb. Totally manageable but will get your heart rate up. You can definitely skip right past it if youd like and head down the Christmas rocks path. Path is primarily shaded.

Autumn is when Christmas rocks is glowing of red, orange and yellow hues. When the sun sets before 6pm, you will have a golden view.Tip: Some areas are private property, so follow the signs to the trail. The climb is moderate/difficult so pace yourself :)

This was by far one of our favorite hikes in Ohio!! Great little hike with a big reward along the orange route for a spectacular view. If going when wet or rainy, be advised it gets pretty steep before you hit the summit and will be slippery.

Nice little hike about 45 mins from Columbus. The parking area is about a quarter mile from the trail head up a gravel road. Pets are prohibited but it is a nature preserve after all.There are two connected loops, you can do the first one for about 3 mile round trip or both for maybe 4.5 mile.The first loop has a nice view of surrounding hills, could be nice for a picnic.Enjoyable hike and could be a good trail run.

Beatiful preserve! 2 loops. We did both. Some steep inclines so can be strenuous. Parking is limited so be warned. No restrooms and no pets allowed (nature preserve). One of my favorite hikes in central OH.

Four or so miles with main trail following a creek. Two loops off the main trail take you up and around a couple knolls that add some elevation. Loop nearest trailhead offers scenic overlook of nearby hills that makes for a great fall photo.

Very long steep hike. Spots where you will cross some mud so wear the right shoes. Walk up those stairs toward the end to get to the top. Winter time with snow would be beautiful. Nice spot towards the end to dip your feet in at the creek but dont let the ranger catch you

Beautiful and great place to explore. Feels far away, yet so close to Cbus. Worth the short drive.

This is a very challenging hike but definitely worth it. Such a beautiful park

This place is amazing! Be sure to do both loops if you can trek the 4.5 miles! Definitely going back here!!!

Long walk on a gravel road to get to the trail. Pretty steep, rugged path to the top.

Great place for a fall hike. Trails are easy to follow.

Some big trees and beautiful rock formations.

TL;DR this place has a great view and you should definitely check it out if youre prepared for a somewhat challenging hike.Long version: Before you go here, make a couple preparations so youll have a good experience. Know this isnt an optimal hike for small kids due to steep grades and sheer cliffs with no guardrail. You may want to wear long pants or tall socks as there is a bit of poison ivy in spots along the trail. I highly recommend bringing the following:*Sturdy shoes or hiking boots*Bug repellant (during warmer months)*Trekking pole*A hat*A liter of waterThe parking area is located at a covered bridge, about a half mile from the official trailhead. Youll follow a well maintained gravel road (Oil Mill Road) until it splits, then go right. Then it becomes an abandoned road grade that is fairly wide but rocky and rutted. After another half mile, youll get to where the orange trail splits. If you dont mind a very steep climb (30% grade), go left and it will take you directly to the overlook at Jacobs Ladder.However, I would recommend going straight and looking for the stairs to catch the other side of the orange trail. While this is a longer walk, its not nearly as steep and will still take you to the fantastic overlook at Jacobs Ladder.The overlook area actually has three outcroppings so make sure you check each one out. As mentioned, theres no fall protection so use caution in the area, especially if its wet.There is also a blue trail further beyond where the orange trail splits off, but I didnt take it this time.Other things to know: theres no restroom or drinking water here. Cell service is decent though. Sunset pictures will probably be best in the fall. During summer, a morning visit will be optimal because youll want to spend some time at Jacobs Ladder taking in the view, and the afternoon sun will make it less comfortable. When youre not going up or down a steep hill, youll probably be holding your trekking pole in front of you to catch the unbelievable number of spider webs that go across the trail. You should also apply bug repellant to your ears as the insects here really seem to go for them.Even with the things to be aware of, I loved going to this place and will definitely be back.

One of the best views of Ohio that Ive seen so far!

What a beautiful place to stumble across and explore!!

Yikes! Avoid. Lots of gravel and mud. Very steep. No view. Definitely not going back.

Fairly strenuous hike, but worth it!

4 mile loop with a few very strenuous elements. Mostly forest hiking - largely deciduous, but quitea few pines - but one really nice overlook. A fine Ohio hike.

Christmas Rocks is a short drive from the city, and boasts a nice double loop trail that can get your heart rate up if that’s something you’re interested in. Bonus, it’s usually fairly empty. After your hike, you can have a picnic at the park next to the trailhead. Or, you can hit up Rockmill Brewery in Lancaster or Brew Dog in Canal Winchester on your way back to the city. Lots of options, and worth your time!

Christmas Rocks was beautiful. We did the longer trail first which was very quiet and peaceful, we didnt pass any other hikers but there wasnt much of a view. We debated doing the other trail on our way out since it was a pretty steep uphill climb but figured we were already there and we were very glad we did when we got to the top. The view was incredible. Id suggest hiking the shorter trail first or just that one for the views.

Hidden gem. Nice trail, decent length. Worth the trip.

Always a great hike at Christmas Rocks. Be ready for some hills. Yet to see another hiker, great hike if youre looking for hills, and some solitude!

With 3 little kids in tow it was an easy walk but we had trouble finding the trail. There are no trespassing signs for the private property that is next to the trail and we thought we missed the trail so we walked back to the parking lot and then had to go back to find the trail. There should be a sign at the private owners drive directing hikers to the trailhead

Lovely trail with lots of wildlife to see.

ENTRANCE IS LOCATED ON MEISTER ROAD, NOT CHRISTMAS ROCK ROAD. Apple GPS takes you down to a PRIVATE driveway/property on Christmas Rock Road, which is INCORRECT. YOU MUST take Hamburg Road to Hopewell Church, then to Meister Road. PRESERVE IS NOT ON CHRISTMAS ROCK ROAD!!!!

Beautiful.

Pretty rigorous hike off the beaten path. Id give it 4 out of 5 for strenuous. No toilet/outhouse. The view was astounding!

This place is Awesome!! Loved Jacobs ladder hike!!

The trail seems nice enough but had to turn back because of the no pets policy.

Whats not to love? Do this one you wont regret it.

Our new favorite Nature Preserve

Very average and overrated trail. The 1st mile of the orange trail was very annoying trying to avoid the mud (hadnt rained in 2 days), would suggest laying down gravel or wood. The view at the top of the orange loop was nice, but nothing overwhelming. The blue trail loop was a little better. If youre traveling far and looking for a nice hiking trail, I would suggest going to a different one. If youre doing it to knock it off your hiking list, then its not a bad place to do it 1 time.

Great hike with unexpected views. Made for a great start to a long weekend in the hocking hills area.

Great trail

Nice short hike with STEEP CLIMB to a GREAT overlook!

Great place to get your heart rate up. The view at the top is awesome. Trails are well marked

Beautiful hike. The view from the top of the orange trail was worth the climb.

This is a hidden gem close to Columbus. It was a great afternoon hike, an easy to moderate 5 miles. Its a great way to get to out of town and into the hills without dealing with the crowds at Hocking Hills.

It worth the walk on the gravel road. The view from the top is awesome! Very serene and peaceful. Loved the hike once we got into the park. Please preserve this location.

Remote and beautiful

Awesome get away with nice views. The trail is rated as hard, but it wasnt very bad. A few steep inclines but thats to be expected while hiking. I saved the main view for the last part of the hike as a treat.

Secluded, hidden gem preserve with 3.3 miles of trails. Nestled in Christmas Rocks is Jacobs Ladder, a 1200ft high knob towering 250+ feet above Arneys run, boasting an impressive overlook on top. Also Mink hollow covered bridge near trailhead

Great place with an incredible view.

Moderate to difficult hike with an amazing view on the orange trail

Nice place to hike.

A challenging, remote and absolutely gorgeous hike.

Amazing hidden hike. If you like the Hocking Hills youll love this place. Its a nature preserve so NO PETS on the trail. There is also a covered bridge here.

Great hiking spot.

This is a nice quiet spot just on the edge of town

Great little known preserve with great views, skunk cabbage, salamanders.

Favorite hike this year!! Great veiw!

It is a pretty cool trail with an old covered bridge in the vicinity!

Short hike overall but beautiful views.

A little hard to find, but a great hike with an awesome view.

A hidden gem, about 4 miles of beautiful forest trail.

Absolutely gorgeous and secluded nature preserve with challenging hiking trails, especially Jacobs Ladder

You wont believe your in Ohio when you get to the top!

My wife and I found crop of rare Ladys-Slipper here at Christmas Rocks!

Good hike, awesome view on Jacobs Ladder trail. Saving the blue trail to take my second boy

Its beautiful and not at all crowded.

Nice view on little loop

Beautiful hike.

Nice place to go for a walk

No view from Christmas Rocks but from Jacobs Ladder the view is great!!