The Hocking Hills is the perfect 1-hour drive vacation destination for Columbusites.
Did you just drive in the car for over 8 hours on your way home from the beach? Can you still feel a crick in your back and rug burn from the seat belt rubbing your neck the whole car ride? When you start planning your next vacation, paradise doesn’t have to be that far away.
The Hocking Hills is a beautiful region full of amazing landscapes, activities, and places to stay. Once you’ve taken a look at the best cabins, cottages, or cave houses the Hocking Hills has to offer, you’ll be planning your next vacation.
Cozy stays
The Lily Pad
Snuggle up on 13 acres of gorgeous Hocking Hills scenery. The Lily Pad is a modern home with all of the upgrades and amenities you could want. Just 2 miles from the Old Man’s Cave entrance, you can spend the whole day hiking then come back to this cozy spot for a glass of wine on the outdoor swing bed or a dip in the hot tub.
This is a romantic retreat, perfect for a weekend getaway to celebrate an anniversary or other big life occasion.
Website: The Lily Pad
Dunlap Hollow
Dunlap Hollow is a charming cottage surrounded by a beautiful forest and some impressive sandstone cliffs. Having had the opportunity to stay there myself, I can tell you without hesitation that this cottage is amazing. There’s tons of hiking on the property, so much so that we didn’t even make it to the park on our visit.
After hiking up to the stunning overlook at the top of the property, ending the evening in the hot tub was truly superb. The cottage was built in the 1920s, but after an extensive remodel, it’s ready to offer you all the comforts of home. This cabin has one bedroom and two beds perfect for older kiddos in the loft.
The BoxHop and Boho Boxhop
These storage container rentals are arguably the most popular stays in Hocking Hills right now. They’re booked solid for months, but don’t let that dampen your excitement. Some things are worth waiting for and a visit to these modern cabins definitely qualify.
Whether you’re visiting in the summer and you’re looking forward to cocktails on the rooftop patio of the BoxHop, or you’re planning to cozy up to one another in the winter at The BoHo, I’m certain you’ll appreciate the attention to detail at both properties. Like I mentioned earlier, these can be tough to book, but you can sign up for a waitlist where you’ll be notified when the property becomes available.
You can read more about our stay at the BoxHop here.
The Ivy Cottage
Ivy Cottage probably isn’t what you think of when you first hear the words “barn renovation”. With it’s black metal exterior and it’s bright, white oak beams, it’s truly a marvel. Ivy Cottage is designed for a small group of 6 or less.
There’s a large front porch with beautiful scenery and a back deck that has a hot tub. Watch the sunset over the property while you cuddle up near the outdoor firepit. You’re in for one relaxing weekend getaway.
Website: The Ivy Cottage
Blue Bird Tiny House
Clearly, shipping container units are having a moment right now in Hocking Hills, and we’re here for it. This home is 20 ft. by 8 ft., and every square foot is used with purpose. Outside, there’s a large deck that has outdoor seating, the hot tub, a fire pit, and a gas grill. you can even sit on the rooftop deck if you’re looking for a better view.
This home is tiny, but it comes with all of the amenities you’ll need, like a kitchenette, and there’s a common area pole barn on the property where guests can play pool, shuffleboard, darts, and more.
Website: Blue Bird Tiny House
Unique properties
The Cave
If you’re looking for a majestic stay in the region, you can’t get any more interesting than the Cave House at Dunlap Hollow.
The 1500 square foot cave house sleeps 6 guests with two bedrooms, each with a king bed, and two additional twin beds in one of the bedrooms. It features a full kitchen, a pool table, access to Dunlap Hollow’s private hiking trails, a hot tub, and an incredible patio space.
You can read more about the cave right here.
Hocking Hills Tiny Houses
Hocking Hills Tiny Houses has a few properties to choose from, most of which are considered tiny homes. If you’re searching for a little more space, The 180 Barnhouse Suite has one bedroom, a large private hot tub, and scenic views.
Each tiny house sleeps up to four adults comfortably, with a full-size loft bed and seating area that converts into a second bed. The three tiny homes are all nestled along Lake Logan, with relaxing sunset views and heated floors to keep you warm and cozy.
Read more about the Hocking Hills Tiny Houses here.
The Canopy Treehouse
The Canopy Treehouse is an all-season log cabin that rests high in the trees of Hocking Hills. The home opened back in 2017 and features tons of modern amenities you may not expect to find in a treehouse.With a fully equipped kitchen (including granite countertops) a large walk-in shower, a gas fireplace, and a king size bed, this treehouse definitely has elements of luxury.
Outside, guests will find a large wrap-around deck, a hot tub, and outdoor shower, and a firepit. I’m so ready to head to the canopy!
Website: The Canopy Treehouse
Hummingbird & Cardinal Yurts
Ready to see what yurt life is all about? This gorgeous accommodation is 20 feet in diameter and includes a modern bathroom, kitchenette, and a queen sized bed. The hot tub outside has beautiful views of Hocking Hills.
Once again, guests can find additional entertainment in the shared common space. The pole barn has a pool table, shuffleboard, darts, corn hole, yardzee, and more.
Website: Hummingbird & Cardinal Yurts
The Hocking Hills Caboose
This is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in the Hocking Hills. The Caboose itself was built around 1950 by the International Car Company of Kenton, Ohio. In 1995, the caboose—and several others just like it—was bought by the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.
John Holt, a member of the HVSR, decided to take this caboose and convert it into a quaint cottage for people to stay. The Hocking Hills Caboose was just renovated in 2016 and it sleeps five.
You can read more about the Caboose here.
Sandstone Cliffs Bungalows
From Cantwell Cliffs to Rock House, the bungalows at The Cliffs are located just a short drive from all of your favorite Hocking Hills spots. Each bungalow has two bedrooms and one bathroom. Perfect for a romantic getaway, you don’t even have to leave the property to have fun.
The gorgeous Sandstone Falls is a natural swimming pond is built into the sandstone cliffs, accessible to guests staying at the bungalows. But if a hot tub is more your style, don’t worry, each cabin has one of those too!
More info: These Bungalows In Hocking Hills Overlook A Stunning Sandstone Swimming Hole
Green Cabin
Looking for an old-school cabin vibe? Green Cabin is a fantastic log cabin tucked up against a beautiful pine forest. Gaze for shooting stars from the hot tub or snuggle up in front of the beautiful sone fireplace.
There’s a lot to love about this classic cabin, but I especially love that the porch is screened. The summer stay will be a whole lot more romantic with screens to protect from pesky bugs. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, mention it when you book. Soy candles can be provided to help set the mood.
Website: Green Cabin
Lodges for the whole family
Meadows Lodge
With 6,000 square feet, there will be plenty of room for your whole family to get together for a weekend retreat. This property sleeps up to 28 guests in 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
Outside, guests will find a heated swimming pool and plenty of wonderful spaces for your whole group to gather. Inside, there’s a state-of-the-art theater room and an awesome owner’s suite that has its own fireplace and jacuzzi tub.
Website: Meadows Lodge
Blissful Ridge Lodge
Sleeping up to 32 people, Blissful Ridge Lodge has breathtaking views. The lodge is one-of-a-kind, perfect for family reunions or weddings. It’s secluded, but not too far away from Hocking Hills tourist attractions. There are two hot tubs, a swimming pool, a game room, and a trail that leads to waterfalls, caves, and remnants of the original Hocking Canal and Lock.
I feel like I barely know 32 people, but I feel like I could come up with a few guests if I got the opportunity to stay at this gorgeous spot.
Website: Blissful Ridge Lodge
River Rock Lodge
This luxurious Hocking Hills lodge has 8 bedrooms, 5+ bathrooms, and plenty of upgrades throughout. River Rock Lodge sits on 12 wooded acres.
Activities while visiting the lodge include taking advantage of the game room, visiting the basketball quart, catching and releasing fishing at the pond, and enjoying the hot tub.
Website: River Rock Lodge
Cantwell Lodge
The Cliffs is truly unlike any other property in Hocking Hills. The lodge itself is quite large, with a modern kitch, cozy living spaces, and plenty of places to fall asleep at night. But the real jaw-dropping moment on this property comes from the incredible waterfall.
There is a seasonal waterfall mere steps from the lodge with a cozy swimming hole at the base. The waterfall is heated (May-October) with temperatures hovering between 68-72 degrees in May and October, and around 80 degrees from June through August. Absolutely dreamy.
Website: Cantwell Lodge
Featured image via Dunlap Hollow Facebook.