In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this nature-blessed region of Hocking Hills has mile after mile of hiking trails, with paths leading to sandstone rock pinnacles, echoing caves and waterfalls. You can speed above the tree canopy on a zipwire, paddle down a river in a kayak or scale a sheer cliff face. As night draws in, look up at star-spangled skies as you retreat to unique hideaways, from underground hobbit houses to luxe treehouses. Here’s how best to experience Ohio’s Hocking Hills.
What to do
Soar like a hawk among the treetops with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. Plunging you into the wilds of Hocking Hills, cables and sky bridges send you soaring above forest, cliffs, waterfalls and the rushing Hocking River. If you want to ramp up the adventure, go for the cross-country X-Tour or the head-first SuperZip, picking up speeds of up to 50mph.
For a deep dive into nature, Hocking Hills State Park beckons, with primeval forest that is a riot of colour in autumn and an impressive collection of caves. Top billing goes to the horseshoe-shaped Old Man’s Cave, where falls plummet into a crystal-blue pool. The cave takes its name from 18th-century hermit Richard Rowe, who lived in its depths. Alternatively, hike the five-mile loop trail to the Whispering Cave — a whisper is said to be heard 300 feet away on the other side of the cave. Trail maps and information on the park’s geology are available at the Old Man’s Cave parking lot.
Hocking Hills has extra sparkle at night, and the region draws keen stargazers with some of the country’s darkest night skies. The John Glenn Astronomy Park — around a mile west of Old Man’s Cave — is a great spot. On clear nights you’ll be dazzled by star clusters, bright planets, comets, meteor showers and the spray of the Milky Way. See the website for Friday and Saturday evening events, where you can peer through a giant telescope, with astronomers on hand to interpret.
Whether it’s a woodland cabin, a tiny house or a luxury home built into cave, lodging choices are as diverse as the Hocking Hills landscape.
Photograph by Hocking Hills
If you’ve ever fancied rock climbing, Hocking Hills is the place. Climbers are in their element, with sandstone cliffs rising high above the tree canopy. Rappelling and rock climbing are available here, with routes for all levels traversing cliffs and pinnacles, through narrow rock walls and over boulders. High Rock Adventures provides all the gear as well as professional guides.
Not all adventure is fast-paced. Bounded by lush forest, the gently flowing Hocking River sets the scene for mellow trips by kayak or canoe. Excursions from Hocking Hills Canoe Livery range from easy, family-friendly rafting trips to five- or seven-mile kayak and canoe paddles for groups, couples or solo paddlers. Listening to the splash of water and trill of birds as you float along offers peace and solitude.
If you have time, family-run distillery Hocking Hills Moonshine takes you back to the Prohibition bootlegger era with ‘shine that will knock your socks off’ (and tours to see how it’s made). Only the brave dare try the 151 proof Buckeye Thunder.
Where to stay
From back-to-nature campgrounds and riverside cabins to glamping tepees, Hocking Hills has plenty of unique places to bed down. For something special, the green-certified Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has yurts, luxury lodges and rustic cabins with porch swings and geodesic domes immersed in greenery. Elsewhere, at the Valley View Hills Winery, cabins come with hot tubs and firepits, and chardonnays and malbecs are paired with stone-fired pizza. For romance at a bird’s-eye level, opt for the architecturally striking Treehouse Cabins. Or for a hobbit fantasy, stay in a cave at the Magical Earth Retreat.
There’s an impressive cave system at Hocking Hills, from Old Man’s Cave to Whispering Cave.
Photograph by David Costa, Getty Images
Where to eat
Southern barbecue at Millstone and the famous hash, hand-cut noodles and all-day breakfast at old-school diner M&M — Hocking Hills’ food scene fires you up for the outdoors. The small town of Logan is a hub for gourmet coffee and freshly prepared paninis, stop by Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium for an authentic experience. Kindred Spirits restaurant at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers fine dining in 1840s log cabins and a seasonal menu of Italian-inspired dishes like steamed clams in tomato broth.
Plan your trip
The closest big airport to Hocking Hills is John Glenn Columbus, around an hour’s drive north. The airport has connecting flights to other cities in the US including Boston, New York and Chicago. Major airlines operating here include Delta and United. Car rental is available. For the inside scoop on Hocking Hills, visit explorehockinghills.com
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