Gem Mining in Hocking Hills — A Hidden Treasure at Fox’s High Rock Farm
Most families visit Hocking Hills for the hiking trails, the waterfalls, and the stunning rock formations. But tucked along Route 664 in Logan, Ohio, there is a hands-on activity that keeps kids talking long after the drive home — gem mining at Fox’s High Rock Farm. Whether your children are five or fifteen, sifting through mining rough to uncover real gemstones, fossils, and even shark teeth is the kind of experience that turns a good family vacation into an unforgettable one.
Gem mining in Hocking Hills is not something most visitors expect to find, and that element of surprise is part of what makes it so special. At Fox’s High Rock Farm, the gem mining station sits right alongside one of the region’s most beloved petting zoos, so families can pair two genuinely unique activities into a single stop. Here is everything you need to know before you visit.
How Gem Mining Works at Fox’s High Rock Farm
If you have never tried gem mining before, the process is simple enough for even the youngest treasure hunters to enjoy. At Fox’s High Rock Farm, guests choose a bag of mining rough — a mixture of sand, stone, and hidden gems — and carry it to the sluice station. Running water washes away the sand and sediment as kids sift through their tray, revealing colorful gemstones, polished rocks, real fossils, and shark teeth buried inside.
There is no digging into the ground or hauling heavy equipment. The sluice does the work, and kids get the thrill of discovery with every pass through their tray. Most children want to go slowly, examining each stone and holding it up to the sunlight. Parents often say the gem mining station is where their kids wanted to spend the most time.
The gems and fossils are real, and every piece goes home with your family. Kids love sorting their finds, identifying stones with the help of the farm’s friendly staff, and adding to their collection on repeat visits.
What Will Your Kids Find?
One of the best parts of gem mining at Fox’s High Rock Farm is the variety. Each bag of mining rough contains a different mix, so no two experiences are exactly alike. Here is a sample of what families commonly discover:
- Gemstones: Amethyst, quartz, jasper, agate, and other colorful polished and rough stones
- Fossils: Real fossilized specimens that spark curiosity about the natural world
- Shark teeth: A consistent crowd favorite — kids love finding authentic shark teeth hidden in the rough
- Unique minerals: Interesting rocks and minerals with different textures, colors, and patterns
The excitement builds as kids work through their tray. Every handful of washed material might reveal something new, and the surprise factor keeps even the most restless young visitors focused and engaged. It is genuinely educational, too. Many parents say their children go home and spend hours reading about the gemstones they found.
Why Gem Mining Pairs Perfectly with the Petting Zoo
Fox’s High Rock Farm is best known as a petting zoo where families can get truly hands-on with the animals. Visitors can pet, hold, feed, and brush alpacas, goats (including baby goats in season), donkeys, mini pigs, sheep, horses, and friendly barn cats. The animal feed is served in edible ice cream cones — a zero-waste detail that kids think is hilarious and that parents appreciate.
Adding gem mining to the visit creates a full morning or afternoon of activities without needing to drive anywhere else. The flow works naturally: families often start with the animals, take a break at the gem mining station, and then circle back for more brushing and feeding before heading to the gift shop. Or they do it the other way around. Either way, both activities are included in the same location, making it easy to keep everyone entertained.
For families with kids of mixed ages, this combination is especially valuable. Toddlers gravitate toward the baby goats and gentle alpacas, while older kids dive into the gem mining with the focus of seasoned prospectors. Everyone stays busy. Everyone has fun.
The Perfect Activity for a Hocking Hills Family Trip
Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s most popular destinations for family vacations, weekend getaways, and day trips from Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The state parks and hiking trails are the main draw, but families with younger children quickly learn that not every Hocking Hills attraction is toddler-friendly. Long hikes with steep steps and rocky terrain can be challenging for little legs.
That is where Fox’s High Rock Farm fills a real gap. Gem mining and the petting zoo are completely accessible for children of all ages, including toddlers. The farm is flat and easy to navigate, the animals are gentle and accustomed to small visitors, and the gem mining station is set up so even very young kids can participate with a little help from mom or dad.
If you are planning a trip to Hocking Hills with kids, building in a stop at Fox’s High Rock Farm gives everyone a break from the trails and a chance to enjoy something different. Many families say it ends up being the highlight of the whole trip.
Tips for Your Visit
A few things worth knowing before you head to the farm:
- Season: Fox’s High Rock Farm is open April through October, rain or shine. The gem mining station and petting zoo operate throughout the season, so you do not need to worry about weather canceling your plans.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes that can handle a little farm dust. Sunscreen is a good idea in the summer months. The farm provides everything you need for gem mining and animal encounters.
- Time to plan: Most families spend one to two hours at the farm. That gives plenty of time for gem mining, the petting zoo, and a stop in the gift shop (where kids can pick up a smashed penny as a souvenir).
- Location: Fox’s High Rock Farm is located at 14977 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138 — right in the heart of the Hocking Hills area and easy to reach from Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and other popular trailheads.
- Private tours: Visiting between November and March? Fox’s High Rock Farm offers private farm tours during the off-season that include a side-by-side ride around the property. It is a completely different experience from the summer season and well worth booking if you are in the area during the colder months.
A Family-Owned Farm That Feels Like Home
Fox’s High Rock Farm is not a corporate attraction or a theme park side show. It is a small, family-owned farm where the owners and staff genuinely love the animals and enjoy sharing them with visitors. That warmth shows up in every detail — from the way the goats nuzzle up to guests, to the patient staff members who help kids identify their gem mining finds, to the well-maintained grounds that feel welcoming the moment you pull into the parking area.
The farm holds a 5.0-star rating on Google, and the reviews tell the story. Visitors consistently mention the friendly staff, the well-cared-for animals, and how much their kids loved the experience. One recent reviewer called it a “10/10 petting zoo” and highlighted the opportunities to pet, hold, feed, and brush the animals. Another noted that it is “especially good” for younger kids, with the gem mining option adding an extra layer of fun.
Plan Your Gem Mining Adventure
Summer is the busiest time at Fox’s High Rock Farm, and for good reason — the weather is warm, the baby animals are out, and gem mining season is in full swing. If you are looking for the best things to do in Hocking Hills with kids this summer, a visit to Fox’s High Rock Farm should be at the top of your list.
Bring the family, dig for treasure, meet the alpacas, and find out why so many visitors call this their favorite stop in Hocking Hills.
Fox’s High Rock Farm
14977 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
(740) 370-0800
foxshighrockfarm.com
Open April – October