Hocking Hills, Ohio, offers an amazing choice of eco-adventure that many adventure-seekers long for. There are loads of trails, prehistoric caves, and waterfalls, as well as remarkable cliff-top views. There are several surrounding natural wonders that can be an inspiration to the artistic community. You have a great choice of music and art to enjoy and there are many family-friendly festivals held during the year.
In short, Hocking Hills provides a range of recreational activities in a lovely natural setting. It serves as a backdrop to good facilities and accommodations, including some nearby cabins and other pet-friendly accommodations. Read on and start planning your getaway with a little help from this list of the top things to do in Hocking Hills, Ohio, USA.
1. Go on a long hike on the Buckeye Trail
The Buckeye Trail is one of Ohio’s premier long-distance hiking trails and spans approximately 1,444 miles (2,323.89 kilometers), making it one of the longest circular trail systems in the United States. The trail came into being in the 1950s and is maintained by the Buckeye Trail Association, a nonprofit organization.
This hiking and trekking spot gives you access to a diverse range of landscapes, including forests, farmlands, parks, and scenic natural areas. Hikers on the trail can experience the beauty of Ohio’s countryside, encounter various wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking vistas. The trail is divided into several sections, each with its own unique character and challenges, and it offers opportunities for day hikes, backpacking trips, and outdoor adventures.
Buckeye Trail
Website: Buckeye Trail
2. Visit Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is a split / non-continuous state park, home to spectacular cave formations, gorges, waterfalls, and some of the best scenery in the country. The park is free for everyone, and it closes in the dark. However, if you wish to hike at night, you can check out the naturalist’s program schedule.
If you wish to stay near this attraction in Hocking Hills, there is a variety of cottages, cabins, and lodges in the vicinity. You will also find vacation rentals with private pools surrounding Hocking Hills State Park should you plan to splurge on your accommodation.
3. Explore Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
Within Hocking Hills State Park you can find the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. It is a deep gorge that is approximately only 100 feet (30.5 meters) wide at certain spots. It is said to be one of the deepest gorges in Ohio. If you are the most adventurous kind, we recommend the rim trail at the top of the cliff. This is one of the highest points in the area, and offers views of some stunning scenery. That said, you need to exercise caution when on this trail because it can be dangerous at any time of the year.
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4. Learn about the history of Rock House
Rock House is an indelible part of the Hocking Hills region, it is said to be the only “true” cave in the park. It has a tunnel-like corridor located halfway up the 150-foot (45.7-meter) cliff of Blackhand sandstone. Folklore has it that Rock House earned its reputation as a “Robbers Roost” because it was frequented by robbers, murderers, and bootleggers.
5. Check out Cedar Falls Hiking Trail
There are several hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park. Among these, Cedar Falls has one of the largest waterfalls in the entire Hocking Hills region. You can see moss-covered cliffs and explore rugged trails. The trails are open all year round, dawn to dusk. What more could hikers ask for?! You can also find several rock formations at the falls. The trails have steps and bridges, making them pretty adventurous. You can even take your dog on the trails.
6. Snap a photo of Ash Cave
Ash Cave is located in the southernmost part of Hocking Hills. This attraction is, beyond doubt, the most remarkable feature of the whole park. Ash Cave is the largest, most striking recess cave in the state. You can find hemlocks and beech trees, and the valley floor gives you brilliant displays of wildflowers such as trillium, breeches, and trout lily to name a few.
7. Hike the trail to Cantwell Cliffs
Gifted with abundant nature, one of the best Hocking Hills activities is hiking. Cantwell Cliffs is famous for its deep valleys, rock shelter, and cliffs. You can choose to hike the trail or follow the narrow passageway along the valley floor. One interesting feature of these cliffs is the “fat woman’s squeeze”, a narrow passage that visitors must access to reach the bottom of the gorge. The Cantwell area is said to be the most picturesque place in Hocking County. The erosion caused by Buck Run accounts for the deep valley, steep cliffs, and rock shelter under the cliff.
8. See the collection at Paul A Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
This unique museum came about as a home to display more than 3,000 pencil sharpeners that Paul A Johnson collected over 20 years. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through to Saturday, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Entry is free, and so is parking. It’s definitely somewhere different to visit when in Hocking Hills!
9. Take the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour
Zipline adventures are always fun when you don’t know what to do in Hocking Hills, Ohio. A course at the Zipline Canopy tour showcases the natural beauty of the park. You can immerse yourself in an environment that boasts unique geographical features such as recessed caves, sandstone rock cliffs, the winding Hocking River, and not to forget the generous variety of trees and vegetation. Through each tour learn about the local geology, history, and flora and fauna. The course and trails are well-kept and highly-maintained.
10. Enjoy a scenic ride on Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a not-for-profit tourist railroad attraction run by volunteers, operating out of Nelsonville, Ohio. It is also located near the popular Hocking Hills State Park. Each train ride lasts for about two hours. All train rides are round trips that return back to the Nelsonville Depot, unless stated otherwise. The train only stops once along the way for a very short time to prepare for the trip back to the depot. Kids usually have a great time on the train, enjoying the ride to the maximum. If, however, you think your child cannot handle a 2-hour journey, it might be best to skip this.
Food and drinks are not available on the train so you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Tickets are available for purchase online as well as at the station.
11. Go wine tasting at Hocking Hills Winery (from USD 264)
One more interesting thing to do in Hocking Hills is to taste the regional wines. You can tour the vineyards by driving around. A trip to the Hocking Hills Winery is a wonderful way to spend the day in Ohio. Whether you are a connoisseur of wine or just a layman that is looking to enjoy the fresh air, a visit to Hocking Hills winery is simply a lovely way to spend a morning, an afternoon or even spend the night at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls!
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Address: 21190 State Route 374
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests
12. Explore the beauty of Hocking Hills on horseback
If you’re fond of horses, Blue Moon Acres would easily be the best place to visit in Hocking Hills. Their horse riding mainly caters to those adults and teens with some riding experience. The well-cared-for horses and owners make for a delightful outing. Get paired with a horse that suits your temperament and set off to explore the area. Ride through the valleys, see waterfalls, and stop at a stream.
Rides of different lengths can be arranged. If you love animals, you’ll be happy to see the horses are loved and looked after properly. As you ride along, your guide is open to questions about the area you pass through which makes it interesting. Many people say they will go back and ride there again.
Blue Moon Acres
Address: 18920 Keifel Rd, Laurelville, OH
Website: Blue Moon Acres
13. Kayak the Hocking River
Explore the Hocking River with Hocking Hills Canoe Livery. You’ll see the zipliners and the canopy tours as you twist and turn your way along. There are two different lengths of trips offered. Allow a minimum of two hours for the shorter river tour. Kids get to ride on their own special kayaks. After exploring the scenic river you can warm up and relax those muscles with a shower.
Browse around the gift shop and pick up some snacks and souvenirs. It’s a fun way to explore the outdoors with experienced guides. If you want more river fun, they offer camping and cabins.
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
Address: 12789 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH
Website: Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
14. Play mini-golf at Adventure Golf at Rempel's Grove
Love the idea of playing mini-golf? Visit Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove and try their 18 challenging yet exciting mini-golf course. Some courses feature lovely flowers, while others showcase a waterfall and a cave, so the place will definitely be entertaining. Bring your family along and have fun as you challenge one another. Be sure to visit Ruby’s Petting Zoo while you are here to see the wonderful pygmy goats and fallow deer. If your kids are with you, you can even get them to feed these beautiful animals. With so much to do, you will surely have a great time at Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove!
Adventure Golf at Rempel's Grove
Address: 12793 State Route 664 S; Logan, Ohio
Website: Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove
15. Enjoy the fragrant candles of Hocking Hills Candle Works
With over 170 scented candles to choose from, it will definitely be easy to find something you will love at Hocking Hills Candle Works. In fact, you might find much more than you were expecting. They have a number of collections, including one called “The Great Outdoors.” Check it out if you want to get that feeling of being outdoors without actually having to go out. Smell fresh pine trees, or even get the whole camping vibe with their “Roasted Marshmellow” candle. Do you find yourself always craving the smell of your favorite drinks? Try their hot chocolate candle for a great fragrant experience without all the calories. They also have coffee and wine candle options all made for your olfactory pleasure.
Hocking Hills Candle Works
Address: 29205 Ilesboro Rd. Logan, OH 43138
Website: Hocking Hills Candle Works
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Things to do near Hocking Hills
16. Discover the beauty of glass art at Ohio Glass Museum
Learn all about the different techniques used in glass art. Ohio Glass Museum features exhibits of finely crafted glass art. An expert will gladly explain to you everything you need to know about glassblowing. The best part about the visit is that you can take one of their classes and choose which design you want to create.
Your visit will surely be a memorable and educational one, especially if you’re on the lookout for things to do near Hocking Hills besides hiking and outdoor fun.
Ohio Glass Museum
Address: 124 W Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130, United States
Website: Ohio Glass Museum
Opening hours: Nov - Feb: Tue - Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon); Mar - Oct: Tue - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 - 6 USD
Have a great time at Hocking Hills, Ohio
From this list, you must have realized that Ohio’s Hocking Hills has activities for all ages and is a real adventure spot. Be it canopy tours, ziplining, or hiking trails, you name it, it is all there in Hocking Hills. It’s a one-stop destination for fun!