The Complete Insider's Guide to Things to Do in Hocking Hills
- May 21
- 7 min read
From the moment the trees close in around you on the drive, your mood starts to shift. Here's everything worth doing once you get there.
There's a point on the drive in. Maybe you're talking to someone in the car. Maybe you're jamming to your music. The thoughts in your head are still going a mile a minute. And then the hills and the trees start to demand that the noise quiets down by their sheer presence.
The roads get more and more hilly, winding through trees and nature, offering their own mini adventure that feels completely different from your everyday commute. By the time you pull into the property, you're surrounded by serenity. And immediately, you just want to settle in and figure out how to best relax or unwind.
You should trust this guide because we were guests to this area once too. The nature, the trails, the roads, the community... it's so magical that it drew us in to finding ways to share those same experiences with you. When you love a place as much as we love Hocking Hills, you can't help but want to make every guest's stay as incredible as possible.
The Hikes
Before we get into specific trails, here's the best advice we can give you: check in with yourself and how you're feeling that day. Start with an easier hike, especially if you're with a group that needs that. As you gauge how your body feels on the easier trails, you can commit to the harder ones.
Weather is a big factor in Hocking Hills. Summers get hot, so bring water with you. Winters can get icy, so make sure you have the right shoes for slippery trails, dress in layers, and bring gloves and a hat. And one thing that surprises most visitors is the balance on the trails. You'll see other people out there, which feels good, but it never feels like you're on top of each other or in anyone's way.
This is the one we recommend to everyone, no matter your fitness level. The trail from the parking lot is paved, short, and accessible enough for strollers and young kids. But don't let "easy" fool you. The cave itself is massive and beautiful in any condition. Depending on the type of weather Ohio is having the day you visit, you might see water, ice, or fog, and each one makes it a completely different experience. It's also one of the most popular elopement spots in Hocking Hills, and photographers love it for good reason. This cave is stunning any time of year with or without the waterfall.
The iconic one. The gorge, the Upper Falls, the Devil's Bathtub. There's a reason this is the most photographed spot in Hocking Hills. Our advice: go early on a weekday morning. On a Saturday afternoon in October, you'll share the trail with hundreds of people. At 8am on a Tuesday, you might have it to yourself. The trail also connects to Cedar Falls if you want to extend the hike, about three miles one way.
A short, shaded walk to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the park. This one is easy and always worth the stop, especially if you're already hiking the Old Man's Cave trail system. After a good rain, the falls really come to life.
This one is special. The gorge trail at the bottom is flat and shaded, a walk between towering sandstone walls that makes you feel like you stepped into a completely different world. If you're feeling strong and want the full experience, the rim trail above is more challenging and rewards you with some of the best overlook views in the entire park. If you only do two hikes on your trip, make this one of them.
The only true enclosed cave in the park system. A cavern with window-like openings carved into the cliff face. The hike is moderate with some stone steps, and the cave itself is unlike anything else in Hocking Hills. It tends to be less crowded than Old Man's Cave, especially during the week.
The least visited of the major trail areas, and the most adventurous. The trail drops through a narrow slot canyon that gets tight enough you'll need to turn sideways in spots. This is the one for the people who want to feel like they discovered something. The solitude alone makes it worth the drive.
Beyond the Trails
Hocking Hills has so much more than hiking. But honestly? The first thing we recommend is to enjoy where you're staying.
Every property has a pool and a hot tub. The pools are open from late spring through early fall, and the hot tubs are ready year-round. Spend the morning by the pool. Soak in the hot tub in the afternoon. Play games, unplug from technology, meditate on the deck, or just sit and listen to the sounds of nature around you. When the sun goes down, stargaze from the hot tub or the fire pit. You don't need a plan. You don't need to be anywhere.
The best Hocking Hills trips start with slowing down at the cabin before you ever get in the car.
When you are ready to explore, here's what we recommend:
This one catches people off guard. After spending the day on the trails, you don't expect to come across a lake. Guests are always surprised when we tell them they can hike and boat in the same day, all within a few minutes of where they're staying with us. Lake Logan is what's called a dry lake, which in local terms means alcohol isn't permitted on the water. That keeps it calm, quiet, and family-friendly. You can rent boats, kayaks, and paddle boards at Lake Logan Marina right on the lake.
If being near water on-property matters to you, both Loch Llyn and The Johnny have a small lake in the backyard. You can wake up, pour your coffee, and walk to the water without ever getting in the car.
If your group loves being on the water, a canoe or kayak trip on the Hocking River is one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon. It's the kind of activity where everyone comes back to the cabin sunburned, happy, and ready for the hot tub.
A local favorite with award-winning wines and live music on weekends. Great for couples looking for a date night or groups who want a relaxed evening out. Several of our properties are just a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy the evening and still be back at the cabin before it gets too late.
If you're staying near Dunkle Creek, Le Petit Chevalier is close by and worth the visit. It's a beautiful spot to unwind with a glass of wine after a day of exploring.
Walking into Coffee Emporium feels like stepping into a little storybook. It's unique and charming in a way that matches how relaxing Hocking Hills already is. You can hang out there for hours or just stop in and get on your way. Either way, there's a sense of community while you're there that makes it feel like more than just a coffee shop. It's a short drive from most of our properties and makes for a perfect low-key morning before a hike.
Oasis gives you that same warm feeling, and it's right next to a strip of shops that makes it easy to turn coffee into a full afternoon. There's mini golf and activities for younger kids, so the little ones are entertained while mom and grandma browse the antique shops. We almost always find something to bring back home with us. If you're visiting in the fall, this is a great spot to start your Christmas shopping for the moms, grandmas, and aunts on your list.
A lot of guests don't realize how close Athens is to Hocking Hills. It's a college town with its own energy, great restaurants, and plenty to explore. We also host families visiting for Ohio University graduations and events, and our properties give them a place to stay together that's so much better than a hotel block.
When to Visit
Every season in Hocking Hills feels like a completely different experience. That's one of the things that keeps guests coming back more than once.
Spring
The waterfalls are at their fullest and the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers. Everything is green and lush and the air smells different out here in spring. Trails can get muddy, so wear real hiking boots. This is one of the best seasons for photography.
Summer
Long days, warm nights, and fireflies in the trees. The pools are open, the river activities come alive, and evenings around the fire pit feel endless. If your crew is the type that turns every gathering into a tournament, Pickle Hill and The Farm at Nickel Plate were built for you. Pickleball, cornhole, basketball, room to run. This is peak family travel season and our larger properties fill up fast, so book early if summer is on your radar.
Fall
This is the season that draws millions of visitors to the area, and for good reason. The foliage is some of the best in the Midwest, peaking mid to late October. The trails are stunning but weekends get busy. If your schedule allows a midweek stay, that's the sweet spot. All the color, a fraction of the crowds. And the evenings are cool enough that the fire pit and hot tub feel essential.
Winter
This one might surprise you. Frozen waterfalls, snow on the trees, and trails with almost no one on them. You come back to a warm cabin, a fireplace, and a hot tub with steam rising into the cold night air. Make sure you have the right shoes and layers, but don't skip Hocking Hills in winter. Some of our guests say it's their favorite season to visit.
Ready?
Enough reading about it. It's time to make your own memories with your loved ones. At the foundation of it all, it's not the trails or the waterfalls or the perfect cabin. It's who you experience this magical place with. We just make sure the comforts are memorable too.
Hocking Hills Hosting is a small family business offering premium vacation rentals near Hocking Hills State Park. Book direct for lower prices, personal service, and every detail taken care of before you arrive.
