11 Amazing Things to Do in Hocking Hills

By Alice Ross | NORTH AMERICA

Sep 15
things to do in hocking hills

For many years, the Hocking Hills have been a favorite destination for those looking to enjoy a quick getaway in Ohio, especially in the fall months. However, despite being a particularly popular destination in the autumn, this hidden gem in the mountains of Southeastern Ohio offers natural delights and attractions to those who want to visit at any time of the year and to experience all the fun things to do in the Hocking Hills.

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The interesting history of the Hocking Hills region can be explored either alone, or by hiring a guide who can share his knowledge and tell you everything you might want to know about this gorgeous nature preserve in Ohio. With many acres of unspoiled forest to discover, the Hocking Hills offer plenty of opportunities for exhilarating adventures year-round.

Top Things To Do in Hocking Hills

There is no shortage of things to do in Hocking Hills, but there are certainly a few standout activities that are really must-dos! Here is a list of what we think you should definitely put on your itinerary when you visit the area.

1. Go on a Hiking Adventure

There is no doubt that one of the main reasons why people go to the Hocking Hills is to hike. With the exceptional caves, rock formations, and forests that are sprinkled all over the area, the Hills are an exciting and very rewarding terrain for trekkers. Listed below are the main hiking trails you can follow around the area.

ash cave

Ash Cave

The hike to Ash Cave is the most popular trail in the Hocking Hills. This massive recess cave has a small waterfall plummeting from the top. The walk to Ash Cave is just under a mile long on a cemented path, which makes it accessible for almost everyone.

In order to reach the cave from the parking lot, you need to pass through a narrow canyon full of beech and hemlock trees that leads to the cave. It is a pretty fascinating sight!

Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio

Home to many beautiful lofty cliffs, rich biodiversity, deep gorges, and waterfalls, the Hocking Hills State Park is divided into five different areas: Cedar Falls, Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs.

These marvels were formed over 330 million years ago. Initially concealed under the Atlantic Ocean, they were revealed as the ocean level gradually rose over the years, eventually creating the Appalachian region. Today, this area gifts visitors with beautiful rivers, gushing waterfalls, and deep gorges and caves. With an area of over 10,000 acres, millions of tourists visit this forested area to enjoy the different activities if offers.

Old Man's Cave

Old Man's Cave

If you are big into landscapes and spectacular scenery, then the Old Man’s Cave trail is a great option for you. On the way, you will see a canyon, caves, forests, and waterfalls. How much better could it get?! You can choose between several paths of different lengths.

Cedar Falls

Passing by the Lower Gorge, not too far away from Old Man's Cave, is Queer Creek Valley. There, you will find Cedar Falls. The falls are in their full blast in the spring season. And when they are, it is fairly common to see people spending time soaking in the water.

Upper Falls at Hocking Hills State Park

Upper Falls at Hocking Hills

The six-mile trail to Upper Falls connects these falls to Cedar Falls through Old Man's Cave, which is a part of the Buckeye Trail of Ohio. This striking sight features the Upper Falls, which are just located on top of the Old Man's Cave. Richard Rowe, the "old man" in question, used to live on the property, making the most of the beautiful setting every day during his stay in the 1800s. At present, it's almost impossible to have this gorge to yourself, as thousands of visitors visit the park every day. 

2. Try Zip Lining and a Segway Tour

Zip Lining

Due to the natural topography of the Hocking Hills, this place is a perfect spot for zip lining - so it's no wonder many companies offer it! There are also Segway adventure tours being offered in the park. These are a great way to explore the entire park as well as the surrounding forest.

3. Spend Some Time with Horses

If you don’t want to spend your whole trip walking, then you may want to follow the trails through the Hocking Hills atop a horse with a trained guide instead. The park offers several horse-riding opportunities. Different basic equestrian camping spots are also easily accessible for those who are visiting with their horses and who want to go ride on specific trails on their own. 

horse riding

4. Try Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove

If you want to have a more laid-back trip, then you may want to visit the mini golf course at Rempel’s Grove. On-site, you will also get to experience the free petting zoo and even a snack bar! This area is located next to antique shops and many restaurants.

5. Check Out the Spirits of the Hills Gallery

In this gallery, you will find a series of artworks, wood sculptures, handmade furniture, architectural items, and other arts and crafts made by local artists.

6. Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours

Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours

Pack your camera and enjoy the real beauty of the Hocking Hills from above. If ever you happen to visit at a time when the trees aren’t too thick, you may get a stunning glimpse of the waterfalls that flow all over the rock cliffs underneath.

7. Ohio Belly Boat Fishing

You can join one of many guided tours that take you riding and fishing on a belly boat, one of the attractions that is offered all year round in the Hocking Hills. Rose Lake is a great fishing spot for anglers, so it's no wonder it's frequently visited by local anglers.

8. Try Some Hocking Hills Moonshine

If you like drinking, you can take a tour of the local distillery and see how moonshine is made. At the same time, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about Ohio’s moonshine-running era. And of course, don't forget the best part: tasting the spirits!

9. Taste Some Wine in the Hocking Hills

wine drinking

Not a fan of moonshine? Then maybe wine tasting is more for you! You must not miss going to the Hocking Hills winery. In our opinion, the best thing about going to this winery is that because they don't serve food aside from appetizers, they encourage visitors to order meals from the local restaurants or to use the grills located on the outdoor patio to cook their food. This creates a really cool and convivial atmosphere.

10. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Take a train ride through history while visiting the Hocking Hills. The railway makes a stop at the Robbins Crossing pioneer village on the Hocking College Campus. Special event train rides, such as the Christmas, Easter, wine tasting tour, and the Great Train Robbery encounter, are scheduled on a seasonal basis.

11. Stay in a Cabin

And of course, last but not least of our favorite things to do in Hocking Hills is simply to stay in a cabin in the middle of nature. There are many campsites located in the Hocking Hills State Park, and a lot of visitors choose to bring a campervan or even to pitch a tent for the weekend. But if you want to have a true Hocking Hills experience, you will have to experience renting a cabin in the woods for your stay.

cabin

It’s very easy to find cabin rentals in the region; a lot of them are just within a couple of miles' drive from some of the best hiking trails in the area. Most of them are equipped with a fire pit or even with a fully-functioning kitchen, and the best ones even have a bathtub.


As you can see, you will have a lot of things to do in Hocking Hills when you go there! You just have to decide which of our recommendations suit your interests best.

So, what do you think you will want to do when you go to the Hocking Hills? Do you think we missed something that should have been mentioned in this article? Let us know in a comment below. If you found this article helpful, then don’t hesitate to share it with your family and friends to help them plan their trip!

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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