It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Hocking Hills around here.
Columbus has some truly incredible parks and pieces of nature, but within a short drive, you can be transported to a wild wonderland.
The state bought its first 146 acres here in 1924 to protect Old Man’s Cave, and Ohioans have been enjoying the beauty and serenity of the place for a century since. Whether it is your first visit or you’ve been going for years, planning a trip to Hocking Hills can be a little overwhelming.
There’s so much to do and see that even a weekend trip can leave you feeling like you didn’t get to see everything that the area has to offer. But with a little planning, you can have an incredible visit that will leave you counting down the days until you return. Let’s dive in!
Getting To Hocking Hills From Columbus
The drive is easy: US-33 south to Logan, then SR-664 into the park. It’s about an hour (roughly 55 miles) from downtown Columbus to Old Man’s Cave. Cantwell Cliffs sits on the north edge of the park, so it comes up about 15 minutes sooner; Ash Cave is the farthest south.
One thing the postcards don’t mention: the Old Man’s Cave lot fills by 9 or 10 a.m. on summer and fall weekends. Get there early, start at a quieter area like Cantwell Cliffs, or ride the free weekend shuttle. It runs Saturdays and Sundays from late May through late October, with one loop connecting downtown Logan to Old Man’s Cave and another circulating between the lodge, Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. It’s free, wheelchair-accessible, and dogs ride too.
MORE: Say Goodbye to Parking Woes: Hocking Hills’ Free Shuttle Is Here
Quick Facts About Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills State Park sits in the foothills of the Appalachians, and it’s the centerpiece of the region. The park features towering cliffs, waterfalls, and hemlock-shaded gorges that are perfect for a hike in every season.
Hocking Hills State Park consists of six separate areas encompassing more than 2,300 acres. The newest, Whispering Cave, opened in 2017 and hides a 105-foot seasonal waterfall behind the second-largest recess cave in the region. There’s an additional nearly 10,000 acres of state forest that surround the park.
The park is open year-round to visitors, from dawn to dusk, and there are frequent events like special hikes and seasonal celebrations. A few rules that catch first-timers: no swimming or wading in the waterfalls and creeks, dogs stay on a 6-foot leash (and aren’t allowed at Conkle’s Hollow or Rockbridge at all), the gorge trails are one-way, and vehicles need to be out of the parking lots by dark.
Where To Stay in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills State Park is certainly a doable day trip from Columbus. But if you want the full experience, giving yourself enough time to see all of the sights and enjoy the nature, you’ll probably want to stay overnight.
Hocking Hills Park Lodge
Hocking Hills Lodge and Conference Center opened in October 2022, and it filled a real gap: for decades the original 1972 dining lodge sat where this one now stands, and after it burned down in 2016, the park had no lodge at all. Today you’ll find 81 guest rooms plus 40 cabins, indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Rock House Restaurant and Pub. Rooms book out months ahead for fall weekends. You can learn more or book your stay at hockinghillsparklodge.com.
Camping
The campground at Hocking Hills State Park is located right next to Old Man’s Cave. You’ll find full hook-up sites, electric sites, and non-electric sites at the campground. Each site has a paved pad, a fire ring, and a picnic table, plus, pets are allowed.
If you are looking for a more rustic experience, you can take advantage of the park’s hike-in campsites. If you want to make a whole trip of it, this is one of the best places to go camping in Ohio. There are no roads to these campsites, just a 1/2 mile hike with all of your gear.
Cabins & Unique Accommodations
In addition to the cabins that are available to rent through the campground, there are also some amazing private cabins and Airbnbs you can stay at.
The range out here is wild: a lodge-style retreat with its own private heated waterfall, a modern A-frame, tiny houses, even an underground earth home.
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READ MORE: The Best Cabins In Hocking Hills
The Best Places To Eat & Drink In Hocking Hills
For an exceptional dining experience, stop by Glenlaurel Inn. The restaurant at the inn does a candlelit six-course prix fixe ($85 a person, with a seven-course version on Saturdays). The Scottish inn is cozy, inviting, and romantic.
If you’ve come to the hills to enjoy local libations, you’re in luck. Hocking Hills is home to several wineries and breweries and even a moonshine distillery.
Although there are some great places to eat, the area is fairly rural. Additional dining can be found in the nearby towns of Nelsonville, Logan, and Lancaster.
READ MORE: The Best Hocking Hills Restaurants
Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills
Nature Preserves and State Parks: The main feature of Hocking Hills is the great outdoors. In addition to Hocking Hills State Park, you can also visit Hocking State Forest, Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, Lake Logan State Park, and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. Top highlights of Hocking Hills State Park include Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Rock House, Cedar Falls, and Whispering Cave. Three of those highlights even connect: the six-mile Grandma Gatewood Memorial Trail links Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave by way of Cedar Falls, named for Grandma Gatewood, the Ohio grandmother who was the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail.
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- The Star Of Rockbridge Nature Preserve Is The Impressive 100-Foot Natural Bridge
Lakes: Lake Logan, the 400-acre centerpiece of neighboring Lake Logan State Park, was built in 1955 for recreation and it still delivers: a 527-foot swimming beach on the north shore, boat rentals at the marina, and some of the best fishing in the state.
Boating: Throughout the state park, there are various places where visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and rafting.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Within Hocking State Forest, almost 100 acres of forest land have been set aside for rock climbing and rappelling.
Air Tours: For a different view of Hocking Hills entirely, Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours flies small-plane rides over the gorges from its grass airstrip in New Plymouth.
MORE: Take To The Skies For A Stunning Hocking Hills Fall Adventure
Horseback Riding: Bring your own horse or book a guided ride with a local stable like Spotted Horse Ranch or Uncle Buck’s. There are plenty of trails you can enjoy on horseback.
Train Rides: The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway gives visitors a glimpse into the transportation and industrial history of the Hocking Hills area. It’s a great tour to take when the leaves begin to change, as the area is totally transformed.
MORE: This Train Through Hocking Valley Is The Perfect Way To Experience Fall In Ohio
Canopy Tours: Hocking Hills Canopy Tours has been running ziplines here since 2007. The Original Canopy Tour is the classic, the SuperZip hits 50 mph on a quarter-mile run, and the DragonFly course lets kids zip while you watch from below.
Astronomy: One of the most amazing things about Hocking Hills has to be the John Glenn Astronomy Park. Named after Ohio’s own astronaut and US Senator John Glenn, the astronomy park opened back in 2018 and frequently hosts special events. Stargazing is unparalleled there, due to the low light pollution of the region.
Relax: You’ve earned it after a day on the trails. Book a massage at Glenlaurel or spend an afternoon sweating it out in a sauna pod.
MORE: These Amazing Sauna Pods Are A Fantastic Way To Relax In Hocking Hills
Featured image: Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills State Park. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
