Welcome to the Hocking Hills in Ohio.
If you are looking for all the best things to do in Hocking Hills, you’ve come to the right place.
We list the best adventurous, cultural, relaxing, and food activities!
Let’s get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-
🏞️ Adventurous: ATV/UTV rides, scenic air tours over the Hocking Hills, canoeing, rock climbing, and ziplines.
-
🎨 Cultural: Historic train rides, the Washboard Factory museum, local art exhibits, and family‐run winery tastings.
-
🌿 Relaxing: Stargazing at John Glenn Park, spa treatments at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, and bird-watching around Lake Logan.
Hocking Hills: an introduction
The Hocking Hills is a rugged, forested region covering much of Hocking County in southeastern Ohio,.
It sits 55 miles (89 km) southeast of Columbus.
Unlike much of the state, known for its flat farmland, Hocking Hills lies within the Allegheny Plateau, meaning it was never flattened by ancient ice sheets.
That’s why the landscape is filled with deep gorges, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, caves, and steep wooded ridges.
The region’s center is the Hocking Hills State Park, which spans over 2,300 acres (930 hectares) and connects to more than 9,200 acres (3,724 hectares) of surrounding state forest.
The entire area draws over 5 MILLION visitors each year, according to the Hocking Hills Tourism Association. Most of these people visit the area for its amazing hiking trails.
Best things to do in Hocking Hills: an overview
Before diving into each specific activity, you can find a short overview of all the different activities in Hocking Hills.
| Activity | Booking Link | Price |
| Hiking at Cedar Falls | https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park | Free |
| Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours | https://hockinghillstours.com/air | $110 (20 min) / $160 (30 min) / $205 (45 min) |
| Exploring Old Man’s Cave | https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park | Free |
| Rock Climbing & Rappelling | https://highrockadventures.com/ | $99 per person |
| Canoeing trips on the Hocking River | https://hockinghillscanoeing.com/ | $60 per two-person canoe |
| Wine Tasting at Hocking Hills Winery | https://hockinghillswinery.com/ | $10 per tasting flight |
| ATV & UTV Riding in Nelsonville | https://adventureprooutdoors.com/ | $299 weekdays / $329 weekends |
| Discovering Hidden Caves and Waterfalls | https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park | Free |
| Sledding at Lake Hope State Park | https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-hope-state-park | Free |
| Wellness Retreats and Spas (Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls) | Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls | Free |
| Stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park | https://john-glenn-astronomy-park.com/ | Free |
| Scenic Ride on the Hocking Valley Railway | https://hockingvalleyrailway.org/ | $22 adults / $15 children |
| Local Dining in Logan and Surrounding Towns | N/A | $15–$25 per person |
| Camping and Cabin Stays in Hocking Hills State Park | N/A | $30–$50 campsites / $150–$250 cabins |
| Family Fun at Petting Zoos and Nature Centers | http://foxshighrockfarm.com/ and https://lakehopenaturecenter.com/ | Free–$8 per person |
| Exploring Art and Culture in Logan | https://hockinghillsvisitor.com/ | Free–$10 |
| Bird Watching in Lake Logan State Park | https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-logan-state-park | Free |
Hiking at Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is one of the most popular hiking spots in Hocking Hills, known for its rock formations and the LARGEST WATERFALL by volume in the park.
The short loop trail offers a forest hike with cliffs, stone steps, and a powerful waterfall after rain.
Practical details:
- Trail type: 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes
- Location: Cedar Falls Trailhead, Hocking Hills State Park
- Cost: Free (parking included)
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Restrooms: Available near trailhead
- Best time to visit: Spring or after rain for the strongest waterfall flow
👉 INSIDER TIP: Skip the overflow lot and head straight to the lower parking area near the trailhead. It’s closer, and the restrooms are better maintained.
Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hocking Hills from above with a scenic flight that takes you over amazing rock formations, beautiful waterfalls, and cliffs.
Practical details:
- Operator: Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours
- Location: Lancaster–Fairfield County Airport (LHQ), 415 Airport Rd, Lancaster, OH
- Aircraft: Cessna 172 & Piper Cherokee (3 passengers + pilot)
- Tour types & cost (for two people):
- 20-Minute Economy Fare: $110
- 30-Minute Greater Value: $160
- 45-Minute Sweet Value: $205
- Season: Mid-March through November (weather permitting)
- Booking: via Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours
- Gear included: Noise-reducing headsets and safety briefing provided
Exploring Old Man’s Cave
Old Man’s Cave is the center of Hocking Hills State Park and one of the best hiking trails in the Hocking Hills, so you should definitely include it in your visit to Hocking Hills.
The trail winds through tunnels, over stone bridges, and past waterfalls in deep gorges.
Practical details:
- Trail type: 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop
- Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs and elevation changes)
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
- Location: Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, State Route 664
- Cost: Free (parking included)
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Restrooms: Available at the visitor center
- Best time to visit: Early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds
👉 INSIDER TIP: Start your hike clockwise from the visitor center so you descend the central staircases rather than climb them.
Rock climbing and rappelling near Rockbridge
Rock climbing in the Rockbridge area is a unique way to experience the vertical side of Hocking Hills, with natural sandstone cliffs everywhere.
High Rock Adventures is the region’s go-to outfitter for guided rock climbing and rappelling tours. It offers beginner-friendly climbs, intermediate routes, and combo packages that include both activities on private cliffs.
Practical details:
- Operator: High Rock Adventures
- Location: 10108 Opossum Hollow Rd, Rockbridge, OH
- Tour types: Rock climbing, rappelling, or combo tours
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Cost: $99 per person (16 years+ +)
- Gear included: Yes, helmet, harness, and ropes
- Season: April through October
- Booking: via highrockadventures.com
Canoeing trips on the Hocking River
Canoeing along the Hocking River is one of the most relaxing and scenic activities in Hocking Hills, especially in spring and early fall.
Hocking Hills Canoeing and Adventure Pro Outdoors are the two foremost outfitters offering canoeing, kayaking, and tubing trips on the Hocking River.
You can choose from various routes ranging from short 5-mile (8 km) paddles to full-day options, with shuttle service included.
Practical details:
- Operators: Hocking Hills Adventures (Logan), Adventure Pro Outdoors (Nelsonville)
- Trip lengths: 5 to 15 miles (8 to 24 km)
- Duration: 1.5 to 5 hours, depending on the route
- Cost: USD 60 per canoe (seats two adults + 1 child) or USD 50 for a single-seat canoe, depending on the length of your canoe tour!
- Season: Late April through mid-October
- Life jackets: Provided and required
- Booking: Recommended online via hockinghillscanoeing.com or adventureprooutdoors.com
👉 INSIDER TIP: Choose the Natural Rockbridge route (7 miles / 11 km) for a paddle that ends with a short hike to a HIDDEN rock arch, one of the best-kept secrets along the river.
Wine tasting at Hocking Hills Winery
If you’re looking for slower-paced, cozy things to do in Hocking Hills, wine tasting at Hocking Hills Winery is a great way to unwind after hiking.
This family-run vineyard in Logan produces various wines, including dry reds, semi-sweet whites, fruit blends, and has won multiple awards at national wine competitions.
Practical details:
- Location: 30402 Freeman Rd, Logan, OH
- Tasting options: Flights (4 wines) or full glass pours
- Cost: USD 10 (€9) for a tasting flight
- Hours: Open daily from 12 p.m. (closed Mondays)
- Food: Local cheese plates and snacks available, or bring your own picnic
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on the patio
- Reservations: Not required for small groups
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening
👉 INSIDER TIP: On weekends, arrive before 5 p.m. to grab a patio table, local musicians often play live sets, and the sunset over the vines is worth it.
ATV and UTV riding in Nelsonville
ATV and UTV riding is one of the most adventurous things to do in Hocking Hills, and it provides an adrenaline-filled break from hiking.
Adventure Pro Outdoors in Nelsonville offers guided and unguided rentals on rugged hiking trails through Wayne National Forest.
Practical details:
- Operator: Adventure Pro Outdoors
- Location: 1299 E Canal St, Nelsonville, OH
- Rental types: Single and multi-passenger ATVs and UTVs
- Cost: $299 for weekdays and $329 for weekends for 2–4 hours between June and September
- License: Driver’s license required
- Age limit: Minimum age 21 to drive
- Gear included: Helmet and safety gear provided
- Booking: Required via adventureprooutdoors.com
Discovering hidden caves and waterfalls
Beyond the main trails, Hocking Hills hides dozens of lesser-known spots that feel completely untouched.
Exploring these hidden caves and waterfalls is one of the BEST things to do in Hocking Hills.
Some of the best off-the-radar spots include ROCK HOUSE, a tunnel-like cave you can walk through, and BROKEN ROCK FALLS, a waterfall tucked just off the main trail near Old Man’s Cave.
Practical details:
- Locations: Rock House, Whispering Cave, Broken Rock Falls
- Trail type: 0.5 to 1.5 miles (0.8 to 2.4 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time needed: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours per trail
- Cost: Free (all within Hocking Hills State Park)
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Best time to visit: Early morning or weekdays for fewer people
- Parking: Available near most trailheads
👉 INSIDER TIP: Bring a small flashlight when visiting Rock House, parts of the cave are pitch dark, and you’ll spot carvings on the walls dating back over a century.
Sledding at Lake Hope State Park
When winter hits, sledding at Lake Hope State Park becomes one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills.
Practical details:
- Location: Lake Hope State Park, 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, OH
- Hill access: Near the main lodge and picnic areas
- Cost: Free
- Sled rentals: Not available, bring your own
- Restrooms: Limited in winter, check with the park office
👉 INSIDER TIP: Stop by the Lake Hope Lodge for hot cocoa and wood-fired pizza after sledding.
Relaxing at wellness retreats and spas
If you need a break from hiking boots and trail dust, relaxing at a wellness retreat or spa is one of the most relaxing things to do in Hocking Hills.
The region is home to several spots that focus on wellness, offering offerings such as hot stone massages, private saunas, and forest-facing hot tubs.
One of the best places to do this is the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, a cozy spot with couples massages and seasonal aromatherapy sessions.
Practical details:
- Location: Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (Logan)
- Services: Massages, facials, body treatments, infrared sauna
- Cost: $90–USD 150 (€85–€141) per session
- Duration: 60–90 minutes
- Booking: Required, weekends fill up fast
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon after a morning hike
- Couples welcome: Yes (advance booking recommended)
You can use our map below to find the best accommodations in the Hocking Hills region!
Stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park
With minimal light pollution and wide open skies, stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park is one of the BEST things to do in Hocking Hills, especially for night owls and families.
The park features a 540-square-foot observatory, public-use telescopes, and programs led by astronomy volunteers.
On clear nights, you can spot Saturn’s rings, the Milky Way, and meteor showers without special equipment.
It’s located just across from the Old Man’s Cave parking area, making it easy to combine with a late afternoon hike.
Practical details:
- Location: 20531 State Route 664, Logan, OH (near Old Man’s Cave)
- Admission: Free
- Best nights: Fridays and Saturdays from March to November
- Programs: Free telescope viewings and night sky talks after dark
- What to bring: Blanket, flashlight with red filter, bug spray
- Parking: On-site, fills up quickly on event nights
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths and restrooms
👉 INSIDER TIP: Check the official park website for moon phase calendars before you go, as new moon weekends offer the darkest skies and the best visibility.
Scenic ride on the Hocking Valley Railway
The ride on the Hocking Valley Railway is one of the most charming things to do in Hocking Hills.
This historic train leaves Nelsonville and runs through wooded hills, river crossings, and remnants of coal country. It features vintage passenger cars and narration along the route.
In winter, the railway also offers themed rides, such as the Fall Foliage Train, Easter Bunny Express, and Santa Train.
Practical details:
- Location: 33 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH
- Departure: Nelsonville Depot
- Route length: 22 miles (35 km) round trip
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Cost: USD 22 (€21) for adults, USD 15 (€14) for children, depending on the route and train.
- Operating days: Select weekends (March–December)
- Booking: Recommended via hockingvalleyrailway.org
👉 INSIDER TIP: For the best views, sit on the right side of the train (facing forward) during the outbound trip; you’ll get the best river and forest views.
Local dining in Logan and surrounding towns
Sampling the food scene is one of the most satisfying things to do in Hocking Hills, especially after a long day on the trails.
Logan and nearby towns offer a small but solid mix of local diners, family-run restaurants, and rustic spots with big flavors.
Favorites include The Hungry Buffalo, a lively restaurant with smoked meats and local beers, and Millstone BBQ, known for its slow-cooked brisket and wood-fired wings.
For something quieter, Home Tavern and Kindred Spirits at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls serve up cozy meals with Appalachian flair.
Practical details:
- Top picks: The Hungry Buffalo (Logan), Millstone BBQ (Logan), Kindred Spirits (Cedar Falls), Home Tavern (Logan)
- Cuisine: BBQ, American, vegetarian-friendly options available
- Cost: $15–USD 25 (€14–€23) per person
- Hours: Most open for lunch and dinner; some close by 9 p.m.
- Reservations: Recommended for Kindred Spirits and weekend dinners
- Parking: Free at most locations
👉 INSIDER TIP: Try the mac and cheese at Millstone BBQ. It’s baked with a crispy topping, and we swear by it as a side worth the trip.
Camping and cabin stays in Hocking Hills State Park
Staying overnight in the park is one of the most adventurous things to do in Hocking Hills.
We have even listed this park as one of the best places to stay in Ohio!
You’ll find a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and fully equipped cabins throughout the park.
Practical details:
- Locations: Hocking Hills State Park Campground, Cedar Grove Lodging, Getaway Cabins
- Options: Primitive camping, electric RV sites, cabins with kitchens, and hot tubs
- Cost: $30–USD 50 (€28–€47) per night for campsites, $150–USD 250 (€141–€236) for cabins
- Booking: Required via ohiostateparks.gov or individual cabin websites
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, fire rings, picnic tables
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather
Family fun at petting zoos and nature centers
If you’re visiting with kids, one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills is to visit local petting zoos and nature centers.
Popular choices include Fox’s High Rock Farm, where kids can meet goats, alpacas, and donkeys, and the Lake Hope Nature Center, which has exhibits, trails, and wildlife talks.
Practical details:
- Locations: Fox’s High Rock Farm (Rockbridge), Lake Hope Nature Center (McArthur)
- Activities: Petting zoo, guided nature walks, seasonal programs
- Cost: Free to USD 8 (€7.50) per person, depending on location
- Best age range: Toddlers to pre-teens
- Restrooms: Available on site
- Hours: Vary by season, check websites before visiting
- Parking: On-site and free
👉 INSIDER TIP: Call ahead at Fox’s High Rock Farm. It’s family-run and sometimes closes early due to weather or private groups.
Exploring art and culture in Logan
For a break from the adventurous, exploring art and culture in Logan adds a different element to your Hocking Hills visit.
Stop by the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center to view rotating exhibits by local artists.
The Washboard Factory, the last of its kind in the U.S., also offers a quirky museum tour and a shop filled with handmade washboards and folk art.
Practical details:
- Locations: Hocking Hills Welcome Center and Columbus Washboard Factory
- Activities: Gallery viewing, art workshops, museum tours
- Cost: Free to USD 10 (€9.40) depending on activity
- Best time to visit: Midday to late afternoon
- Booking: Not necessary
- Parking: Free public lots in downtown Logan
Bird watching in Lake Logan State Park
If you enjoy quiet mornings at a slower pace, bird watching in Lake Logan State Park is one of the most peaceful things to do in Hocking Hills.
The park’s mix of wetlands, woodlands, and open water attracts a wide variety of birds year-round, from blue herons and kingfishers to woodpeckers and warblers.
The south shore trail and marshy inlets near the boat ramp are especially good spots for early-morning sightings.
Practical details:
- Location: Lake Logan State Park, 30443 Lake Logan Rd, Logan, OH
- Best birding times: Early morning and just before sunset
- Species to watch for: Herons, warblers, owls, wood ducks, ospreys
- Cost: Free
- Trail access: Easy, flat terrain
- Gear: Bring binoculars and a field guide, or use the Merlin Bird ID app
- Restrooms: Available at picnic areas and near the beach
- Parking: Free, multiple lots around the lake
👉 INSIDER TIP: Visit between late April and mid-September during spring or fall migration for the best diversity.
One Response