This IBA is defined by the Tar Hollow State Forest at the intersection of Hocking, Ross, and Vinton counties. Tar Hollow is Ohio’s third-largest state forest and surrounds the Tar Hollow State Park’s 620 acres, including a 15-acre lake. The majority of the forest is wooded with a variety of forest communities, including planted pine plantations and native stands of Virginia and pitch pine. Access to the forest is available through 22 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of gravel forest roads, and 17 miles of paved forest roads.

Good numbers and diversity of neotropical migrants are found in both spring and fall migrations. Breeding woodland species include priority Cerulean Warbler, as well as Hooded Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, and Worm?eating Warbler. Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated Warblers, and Louisiana Waterthrushes breed along the riparian corridors. Pine Warblers are found in the pine stands. Ohio’s only confirmed nesting record of Red Crossbills occurred here in 1973.

1,700 acres have been set aside as a Ruffed Grouse management area to improve grouse habitat. Native stands of Virginia and pitch pines may attract winter specialties such as Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins.