Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills region is a scenic area in Southeast Ohio centered on Hocking County, best known for Hocking Hills State Park — the crown jewel of the Ohio State Park system. The deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and massive recess caves offer some of the best hiking in the entire state, drawing visitors year-round. The park's most famous features include Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Cantwell Cliffs, each showcasing dramatic sandstone formations carved over millennia.

The surrounding region is very rural, with small towns like Logan, Laurelville, and Nelsonville dotting the rolling hills. The area was historically shaped by coal mining and logging, and remnants of these industries are visible in the landscape. Today, Hocking Hills has become one of Ohio's premier outdoor recreation destinations, with vacation rental cabins, ziplining, horseback riding, and canoeing adding to the hiking and nature experiences.

The best times to visit are spring, when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and waterfalls flow at their fullest, and autumn, when the hardwood forests erupt in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Summers are warm and humid, ideal for water activities and hiking in the shade of the deep gorges. Winters bring quiet beauty with frozen waterfalls and occasional snow, though some trails may be slippery. The area is popular with hunters in fall, so wear bright clothing in the woods during hunting season.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH IATA), approximately 60 miles northwest, about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. For general aviation, Hocking County Airport (HOC) in Logan is a small local field.

By Car / Road

Hocking Hills is best reached by car. From Columbus, take US-33 south to SR-664, then follow signs to Hocking Hills State Park. The drive from Columbus takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Athens, take US-33 west to SR-664. The winding, narrow roads through the hills are scenic but require careful driving.

A car is essential for exploring the Hocking Hills region. The park's trailheads are spread across a wide area and not connected by public transit. Within the state park, short drives connect the various trailheads. Golf cart and bicycle rentals are available in some areas. The roads are paved but narrow and winding — stay on marked routes and be cautious on logging or coal mine roads, which may have potholes, mud, and no cell phone coverage.

• Old Man's Cave — The park's most popular trail, featuring a deep gorge with dramatic sandstone ledges, waterfalls, and the iconic cave. The trail is about 1 mile round trip with moderate difficulty.

• Ash Cave — The largest recess cave in Ohio, with a 90-foot waterfall cascading over the rim. The trail is wheelchair-accessible for the first portion.

• Cedar Falls — One of the largest waterfalls in Ohio, a 50-foot cascade into a deep pool surrounded by hemlock trees.

• Cantwell Cliffs — A less-crowded trail featuring narrow passages through dramatic sandstone formations.

• Conkle's Hollow — A deep, narrow gorge with towering cliffs, considered one of the most scenic areas in the park.

• Rock House — A unique cave-like formation with windows overlooking the gorge, accessible via a moderate trail.

• Hiking — Miles of trails ranging from easy, paved paths to rugged backcountry routes through gorges, over ridges, and past waterfalls. The Buckeye Trail passes through the region.

• Horseback Riding — Several stables near the state park offer guided trail rides through the forests and hills.

• Ziplining — Multiple outfitters offer zipline tours through the canopy, with varying lengths and difficulty levels.

• Canoeing and Kayaking — Several canoe liveries along the Hocking River offer rentals and guided trips.

• Camping — Hocking Hills State Park offers campgrounds with modern and primitive sites.

• Hocking Hills Canopy Tours — Guided zip-line adventure through the forest canopy.

Dining options in the Hocking Hills area are primarily casual, country-style restaurants and diners in the surrounding towns.

Budget: Local diners in Logan and Laurelville offer hearty American breakfasts and lunches at affordable prices.

Mid-range: The restaurants in the Hocking Hills area specialize in comfort food and regional favorites. Several establishments offer outdoor seating with views of the surrounding hills.

Local establishments serve craft beers from Ohio breweries. The area's wineries, including Hocking Hills Winery, offer tastings and tours with scenic views of the rolling hills. Tap water throughout the region comes from clean mountain sources.

Budget: Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers modern and primitive campsites with full amenities.

Mid-range: Buffalo Lodging Company, 27740 Risch Road, Rockbridge, toll-free: +1 (855) 442-2246 — Offers a variety of vacation rentals in the Hocking Hills, from cozy cabins to larger group lodges. From $149/night.

Upscale / heritage: The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, a boutique property offering luxury cabins and a full-service spa in a woodland setting. Additional upscale cabin rentals are available through local vacation rental companies, many featuring hot tubs, fireplaces, and deck views of the surrounding hills.

The towns surrounding Hocking Hills offer a variety of local crafts, artisan goods, and antiques. Logan, the region's main town, has several antique shops and galleries. Local artisans sell handmade pottery, woodwork, and other crafts at roadside stands and in small shops throughout the area. The Hocking Hills region is also known for its locally produced maple syrup and honey.

• Athens (40 miles southeast, ~50 min) — Home of Ohio University with a vibrant downtown dining and nightlife scene.
• Columbus (60 miles northwest, ~1 hr 15 min) — Ohio's capital with COSI science museum, Short North Arts District, and Arena District.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (150 miles north, ~2.5 hr) — Ohio's only national park with hiking, waterfalls, and the Scenic Railroad.
• Cincinnati (150 miles southwest, ~2.5 hr) — Over-the-Rhine historic district, Cincinnati Zoo, and vibrant food scene.
• Wayne National Forest (surrounding) — Over 240,000 acres of public land for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation.