10 Fun Things to Do Near Hocking Hills State Park
Discover the irresistible charm of one of the most popular state parks in the nation and see why this Ohio gem has people flocking to it. If you enjoy nature, a road trip to Hocking Hills State Park is a must!
There's a ton to do at Hocking Hills, so you'll definitely want more than a day to take it all in. And don't worry about food – there's enough good food nearby that you won’t be wanting for culinary delights during your stay.
Whether you want to hike through forests, check out waterfalls, or just soak in the beauty of the massive rock formations shaped over time by nature, here are 10 of the best things to do near Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.
Editor’s Note: We’ve got a special blog post for you today! This is written by RTL Intern Landon Brown. Landon is an undergraduate student studying Professional Writing and Information Design at Cedarville University in Southwest Ohio.
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Best Time of Year to Visit Hocking Hills
A road trip through Ohio isn’t complete without a visit to Hocking Hills, but one thing people tend to joke about in Ohio is the weather… and how it’s something different just about every day. This is true in Hocking Hills, too, particularly during the fall and spring seasons when you’ll want to be prepared for anything.
That said, Hocking Hills is one place that deserves to be visited year-round because each season has its lures.
The winter season provides frozen sights dazzling the eyes, turning flowing waterfalls into crystalized sculptures and decorating the caves with a coat of white. Visit in the winter to enjoy Hocking Hill’s silent and less crowded winter wonderland.
The spring season is when the wildlife begins to wake up, and the flowers bloom, granting hikers additional views besides the falls and caves.
The fall season is an excellent time to enjoy the change in the color of leaves throughout the park and enjoy cool temperatures for hiking.
And finally, the summer season provides lots of daylight to explore, and the trees are generally their most vibrant shades of lush green. However, as is true for many popular places, summer is also typically the most crowded time to visit Hocking Hills, so plan to arrive early and/or stay late to increase your chances of finding parking at the various trailheads.
Author’s note: I went in the summer and didn't mind the crowd, but if you want the perfect pictures… forget about it. The nice thing is that most of the trails are shaded, even on the hottest days, protecting you from the heat.
Where to Stay Near Hocking Hills
There are many places to stay near Hocking Hills, from nature-inspired cabins to secluded retreats to luxurious short-term rentals and even the Hocking Hills State Park Campground. (The latter of which was once ranked as the best campground in the nation… ranking higher than places like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks!)
My recommendation is the Silver Wolf Cabin since it's right in the middle of Hocking Hills. It’s also pet friendly, the price is reasonable, and the lodge has good reviews and ratings. If you are traveling with a pet or a big group and don't want to be around other groups, this is a great option.
10 Fun Things to Do Near Hocking Hills State Park
Here are some of the best things to do and see during your trip to Hocking Hills State Park.
1. Hike Old Man’s Cave
Old Man’s Cave is one of the most popular trails at Hocking Hills. This is one of the hikes I recommend you do first and start earlier than you might think! I started around 10:10 AM, and there was already a large crowd.
The iconic Old Man’s Cave Trail leads you through the heart of Hocking Hills State Park, passing by Old Man's Cave, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and several stunning rock formations. The trail combines the allure of the forest with the captivating sights of waterfalls and caves.
[Interested in the history of Hocking Hills? The Hocking Hills region had been inhabited by several Indian tribes and was known as Hockhocking, meaning "the bottleneck river." Over time, it was taken over through a treaty that allowed settlers to establish their homes in the area. During the Civil War, this specific region played a crucial role in supporting the Union's efforts due to the abundant iron resources present. Another fun fact: Old Man's Cave derived its name from the local legend suggesting that Richard Rowe was laid to rest there.]
No trip to Hocking Hills is complete without a visit to one of the many caves inside the park. In addition to Old Man’s Cave, consider hiking Ash Cave Trail, Rock House Trail, Cantwell Cliffs Trail, Whispering Cave Trail, or Hemlock Bridge Trail.
Note: Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow are wheelchair-accessible locations.
Old Man’s Cave
Whispering Cave
2. Hike to Cedar Falls
In addition to many caves found throughout Hocking Hills, you’ll also have access to beautiful waterfalls. Cedar Falls is one of the most popular waterfall destinations in Hocking Hills State Park. The trail winds through lush forested areas and offers scenic views along the way.
The falls in Hocking Hills vary in size, but out of the ones I saw, Cedar Falls was the biggest. (And bonus: If you hike Old Man’s Cave, you’ll also see Upper and Lower Falls, bringing your total to three waterfalls with just these two hikes.)
If you’re looking for a shorter hike that’s fun and good for when you’re looking to explore without a large time commitment, I highly recommend Whispering Cave in addition to Cedar Falls and Old Man’s Cave.
There are also plenty of dog-friendly trails in Hocking Hills. Some of the best ones for dogs are Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, and Old Man’s Cave (yet another reason to do that one early in the day; it gets busy with people and pups!).
Cedar Falls
3. Drive Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, following Ohio State Route 374, is a great driving route taking you through the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills region.
This 26.4-mile byway winds through many of the most popular Hocking Hills attractions, such as Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, the iconic Old Man's Cave, the Hocking Hills Visitor Center, John Glenn Astronomy Park, Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs.
Along the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, there are also many designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks to pause, take in the views, and snap some pictures. This is one of the best ways to spend a day in Hocking Hills State Park. Start at Ash Cave or Cantwell Cliffs and stop at any or all of the attractions along the way.
4. Boat or Kayak the Hocking River
The variety of activities within Hocking Hills makes a road trip to this state park worth the travel. In fact, there is so much you can do in Hocking Hills that you can't do it all in a day.
At the Hocking Hills Main Lodge, there is a pool you can swim in, or you can check out nearby areas where you can go boating and kayaking. Some of these places include the Hocking River, Lake Logan, and Lake Hope.
Kayaking on the Hocking River can be a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills region from a different perspective. The Hocking River winds through beautiful forests, rock formations, and serene landscapes, offering both recreational and scenic opportunities for kayakers.
The Upper Hocking River is known for its calmer waters and is ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed paddle. The Middle and Lower sections provide a mix of calm stretches and small rapids, adding a bit more excitement to your kayaking adventure.
There are several outfitters in the Hocking Hills area that offer kayak rentals and guided trips. They often provide the necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and safety instructions. (The kayaking season on the Hocking River typically runs from spring through early fall, depending on weather conditions. Spring and summer offer dense foliage and pleasant temperatures, while the fall season treats you to the stunning colors of autumn.)
5. Hike at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve offers a deep and narrow gorge with towering sandstone cliffs. Consider hiking the Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the gorge's grandeur, or the Gorge Trail, which takes you into the heart of the terrain.
Throughout the year, Conkle's Hollow showcases its beauty, with wildflowers in spring, cool gorge shade in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and serene tranquility in winter. The preserve also hosts diverse plant and animal species adapted to this environment.
6. Relax at a spa or in a salt cave
If your arms or legs are sore from all the hiking, exploring, and activities above, and you’re ready to relax, consider one of the spas in Hocking Hills. Get a massage to relax those muscles, book one of the sauna pods seating up to four people, or visit the salt cave just outside of the state park.
In addition to great hiking, the Hocking Hills area is known for its relaxation and wellness offerings, including various spa and wellness facilities. This is a great place to unwind and rejuvenate!
7. Bike or Go Horseback Riding
Besides the various hiking trails, Hocking Hills also features some biking trails and has an area where you can ride horses. A long time ago, my parents and I rode horses in Hocking Hills, and I still look back on that day fondly.
Biking and horseback riding are popular outdoor activities in the Hocking Hills region, offering visitors the chance to explore the landscape and scenic trails in a different way. There are a couple of mountain biking trails suited for different skill levels and horseback riding trails that often pass through wooded areas, open meadows, and serene vistas.
Learn more about mountain biking in Hocking Hills State Park here.
For horseback riding, check out Hocking Hills Horse Rides or one of the many other horseback riding guides in Hocking Hills here.
8. Rock Climbing, Zip Lining, and Mini Golf
For the more adventurous at heart, enjoy a day of rock climbing and ziplining within Hocking Hills. The massive state park is already fantastic on the ground, so be sure to take in the view while zipping through the air, too.
Almost 100 acres have been set aside specifically for rock climbing and rappelling in the Hocking State Forest. You’ll find a parking area located on Big Pine Road a mile east of Conkles Hollow. Of course, only head there yourself if you’re an experienced rock climber with the right equipment or a guide. To book a rock climbing or rappelling adventure, check out High Rock Adventures here.
For those who like golf, you’re in luck. There are a few golfing places near Hocking Hills, including some mini golf places that are great for adults and kids alike.
9. Go back in history at Robins Crossing Historic Village
Another fun place to visit is just down the road from Hocking Hills State Park called Robins Crossing Historic Village.
During my short detour to Robbins Crossing, I explored the various buildings people used to live in during the 1800s. I had a blast walking into the homes and seeing how everything was made and how much smaller the doors, stairs, and beds were compared to today. The settlers of the time were smaller than most people today!
I also got to see the barber’s house who, fun fact, back in the day, fixed both your hair and your injuries. There was also a blacksmithing building with various metalwork projects and a school utilizing stone tablets and chalk for writing things down.
You can also attend classes and events at Robbins Crossing, including blacksmithing workshops, basket weaving classes, and log cabin building techniques. Learn more here.
Robbins Crossing Historic Village School
Robbins Crossing Historic Village School
10. See wildlife at Hocking College Nature Center
Because it was within walking distance to the Robbins Crossing Historic Village, I also visited the Hocking College Nature Center to see some Ohio wildlife. (Real live animals and real live snakes - so be careful!)
I also saw various fish, a snapping turtle, non-snapping turtles, a large owl, and a few reptiles. There are also educational displays featuring the geology of the area and various animal skins. It’s worth a stop if you’re already in the area and interested in wildlife.
Food Near Hocking Hills
You will not yearn for food in Hocking Hills! The Hocking Hills Main Lodge has a restaurant and bar inside. I enjoyed the Catfish Po Boy, a breaded fish sandwich. My parents, whom I dragged along, also had the Yardbird. We all filled up on food after two hikes and were ready for more walking quickly afterward.
Traveling the roads in Hocking Hills allowed us to see other places and restaurants in the state park, like Treehouse Treats & Treasures, where you can get yourself a sweet treat and soft-serve ice cream.
There are tons of restaurants within Hocking Hills and around it, so definitely explore and then share your dining experience below!
There’s also a nearby Hocking Hills Winery if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind with a glass of wine.
1 to 2-Day Hocking Hills Itinerary
The first and biggest recommendation I could give for the best Hocking Hills experience is to visit for more than one day because there's no way to experience the whole state park in one day. Visit multiple times for the full experience.
But while I highly recommend multiple days in Hocking Hills, you can experience a little bit of this state park in just one day.
For my 1-Day Hocking Hills Itinerary, I started with hikes to Old Man’s Cave and then Whispering Cave.
Along the way to Old Man’s Cave, I had to cross the Stone Bridge, and I got to see the Devil's Bathtub, although it looked more like the Devil's Toilet. I also got to see the Upper and Lower Falls while on the Old Man’s Cave trail. For your day in Hocking Hills, I recommend you hike Ash Cave next and take the loop route instead of going back the way you came.
After my hike, I ate at the restaurant in the main lodge, then took a short detour to Robbins Crossing Historic Village and Hocking College Nature Center. After the detour, I went back to Hocking Hills to hike Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. It was a great, full day, and I went home satisfied and tired!
Here are my recommendations for those who have more time to explore Hocking Hills State Park.
For your second day in Hocking Hills, I highly recommend horseback riding and also think ziplining or rock climbing through the park sounds like a fantastic way to see some of the park’s famed features in a new way.
After a nice break from exploring by foot, hit the trails again. I would recommend hiking the Rock House trail next to view more caves. Then, fuel up at the Rock House Restaurant with a hearty meal, and rest in one of the various cabins in Hocking Hills. (Just be sure to book them well in advance.)
Having visited the Historic Village, I do recommend it, particularly if you’re interested in history. It’s interesting to see what the buildings and furniture were like back in the day, and to think about what life was like back then. You can also walk a very short distance to see some wildlife at the Hocking College Nature Center.
Author’s Note: Depending on when you get to Hocking Hills will determine how you start the experience. I would recommend a summer trip because I like the heat, but keep an eye on the temperatures and weather because Ohio weather, as mentioned above, does what it wants. If you arrive early, say around 9:00 or 10:00 AM, then you can probably do some of the more popular hikes like Old Man’s Cave, but if you come later, then I would recommend one of the longer hikes to kick off your day instead.
Happy Road Tripping!
If you're roadtripping around Ohio or just passing through, be sure to stop by Hocking Hills State Park! It’s one of the best road trip destinations in Ohio.
Make the experience your own, and let us know below what you enjoyed most. We always enjoy hearing from people and their experiences.
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