19 Best Things to Do in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills, Ohio, is a true haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, foodies, and anyone just looking to have a slower pace of life. Whether it’s biking, boating, or breweries, Hocking Hills has you covered.
Whether you've already booked or are considering booking one of our cozy vacation lodges and cabins, we want to help you have the best time possible! let’s dive into a friendly guide to the best things to do in Hocking Hills!
Exploring Hocking Hills State Park
1. Wander Down Hiking Trails
Photo Credit: Kenneth Keifer
Let's start with one of Hocking Hills' strongest points: its nature. You can spend hours exploring the network of hiking trails in Hocking Hills State Park.
- Old Man's Cave: This is perhaps the most famous trail in the park, named after a hermit who lived in the large cave. The trail is divided into the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls, each showcasing breathtaking waterfalls and rock formations.
- Ash Cave: One of the most famous features in the entire park, this hike will lead you to a massive recess cave. Named after a huge pile of ashes found in the cave by early settlers, hiking here will definitely give you a chance to marvel at nature!
2. Get a Rush With Canopy Tours and Zip Lining
Photo Credit: Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
For those seeking an exhilarating experience, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers adrenaline-packed zipline adventures that will leave you feeling weightless.
Whiz through the treetops and enjoy bird’s eye views of the lush forest as you get to appreciate nature from this new angle. Age restrictions start from age 5 (they even have a dedicated zipline for children called the Dragonfly), so this can truly be a family-friendly activity!
3. Test Your Limits Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Photo Credit: Krista H.
The rugged terrain of Hocking Hills is perfect for rock climbing and rappelling. High Rock Adventures offers a dedicated spot for rappelling and can be a great option if you're not too familiar with the basics of rock climbing or rappelling but still want to try.
Once you finish your safety briefing and get strapped in, you'll experience three different types of terrain, making sure you get a great mix of nature and adrenaline!
Water Activities
4. Splash Around Kayaking and Canoeing
Photo Credit: Mathieu Thouvenin via Flickr CC2.0
Take a relaxing 7-mile trip down the Hocking River in more ways than one! Did you know that Hocking is the Tubing Capital of Ohio? If inflatables sound a bit too unstable, you can rent a canoe or kayak. If weather permits, this is one of the most peaceful ways to get close to nature and enjoy the beauty of the open, calm waters.
Caving Adventures
5. Explore the Rock House
Photo Credit: arthurgphotography
The Rock House is a highlight of exploring Hocking Hills' nature. It’s the only real cave in the park that you can venture into, making it a must-see. What’s even more exciting is its natural "windows" that offer stunning views of the forest. Plus, the fact that it used to be a hideout for bandits just adds to the charm and mystery!
6. Meander Through Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve
Photo Credit: Kenneth Keifer
Any nature lovers in your party will love exploring this stunning gorge, which happens to be one of the deepest in Ohio! You have a choice between two trails at Conkles Hollow. The Gorge Overlook Trail is the most popular and will lead you through a winding path at the foot of the cliffs.
The Conkles Hollow Rim Trail will lead you to stunning views from above, but it's quite dangerous in all seasons. There's even a local legend that a great treasure is hidden somewhere within the hollow, although the map has long since been lost to time.
Wildlife and Nature
7. Enjoy Bird Watching
Photo Credit: SarahLRGraham
For a peaceful daytime activity, go to Hocking Hills State Park for some prime birdwatching. According to the Ohio Ornithological Society, spring and summer are the busiest seasons with the most birds of interest, but there are species to see all year round. So get your binoculars ready and enjoy a lovely afternoon with feathered friends!
8. Wonder at Butterfly Ridge
Photo Credit: Butterfly Ridge Butterfly Conservation Center
This is your chance to get close to some of the prettiest winged insects around! Butterfly Ridge is a delightful conservation center focused on preserving and enjoying butterflies and other pollinators. Stroll along approximately 1 mile of pathways (prepare for hills), and discover all about the different species and their important roles in our ecosystem.
Historical Sites and Fun Museums
9. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Logan
Photo Credit: Wendy van Overstreet
If you want to pop over for a slightly busier taste of small-town life, the quaint historic downtown of Logan, Ohio, is a cute spot for an afternoon stroll. Pass beautiful historic homes, learn something new at the Hocking County Historical Museum, or grab some classic American food at the M&M Family Diner.
10. Play at the Hocking Hills Children's Museum\
Photo Credit: Tracie Cowgill
If you're traveling with little ones, you should add this family-friendly Hocking Hills activity to your list! The Hocking Hills Childrens' Museum was crafted especially for kids aged 0-8. Explore the tons of hands-on, interactive exhibits, especially a saving grace if the weather turns sour.
11. Visit the Pencil Sharpener Museum
Photo Credit: Wendy van Overstreet
This quirky, bite-sized museum is a unique add-on to your Hocking Hills itinerary. The Pencil Sharpener Museum has been growing its collection for over 20 years and houses over 3,400 pencil sharpeners of all shapes and sizes. From automobiles to famous landmarks to cartoon characters and everything in between, take a quick 15 minutes or so to spot the most unique sharpeners you've ever seen!
Unique Experiences in Hocking Hollow
12. Cheers at Hocking Hills Winery
Photo Credit: Eric Glenn
A cherished family dream long in the making; Hocking Hills Winery gives you a chance to relax and unwind with locally produced wines. Take in the beautiful vineyard views as you enjoy a tasting session of award-winning wines that are produced with care. Enjoy a tasting session featuring a selection of locally produced wines, and take in the beautiful vineyard views.
13. Grab a Souvenir at the Wind Chime Shop
Photo Credit: Dee R.
Music to our ears! The Wind Chime Shop is a rustic cabin filled to the brim with over 45 brands of wind chimes. Stop by and find a musical souvenir or gift to take home! If you have extra time, head next door and browse the offerings of the Christmas Shop and the connected Candle Shop.
14. Spot Constellations at a Night Sky Viewing
Looking for an after-hours activity during your Hocking Hills vacation? Hocking Hills is actually an excellent spot for stargazing, thanks to its low light pollution and clear skies. The John Glenn Astronomy Park puts on weekend programs where visitors can use telescopes to explore the wonders of the night sky.
15. Watch Glass Blowing
Photo Credit: Shon Lang
Heading to the Jack Pine Studio is almost like watching magic in action. Stop by to catch daily glass-blowing demonstrations! And if you'd like to get hands-on, you can even sign up for a glass-blowing class and learn the basics of how it's done! Maybe you'll even take one of the delicate works of art home for a souvenir (we recommend the iconic glass pumpkin!).
Seasonal Activities in Hocking Hollow
16. Hand Feed Hummingbirds at Lake Hope State Park
Photo Credit: RogerChi
Summertime is a great time to get up close and personal with nature by hand feeding hummingbirds at The Nature Center at Lake Hope State Park. You can find this rewarding activity less than an hour's drive from Hocking Hills, and you'll be able to soak in beautiful views of nature along the way. Hold your tube of nectar high and watch the delicate creatures come to you for a magical moment!
17. Get Spooky at the Haunted Moonville Tunnel
Photo Credit: Zack Frank
Are you ready for a spooky day trip? The Haunted Moonville Tunnel is an hour's drive out of town and is steeped in local legend. The once-booming town of Moonville dried up when the coal mining industry died, and now all that's left of this ghost town is a schoolhouse foundation, a community cemetery, and, of course, the famous tunnel.
Legend has it that you can still see the spirits of workers who were caught unawares by trains, waving their lanterns to and fro. You can take a horseback riding tour along the trail--maybe you'll even spot a ghost!
Family-Friendly Activities
18. Explore Hocking Hills Adventure Park
Photo Credit: LaMonica Jones
The Neville Billie Adventure Park offers adrenaline-packed fun for the entire family! From navigating the giant ropes course to dodging friendly opponents in paintball to zooming through their over 16 miles of private wooded trails on side-by-sides, you can be sure you'll have plenty of family fun.
19. Enjoy Horseback Riding
Photo Credit: Kristi Evans
Explore the trails of Hocking Hills from another angle: on horseback! Uncle Buck's Riding Stable offers various guided trail rides, from (allegedly) haunted ghost towns to hidden forest creeks. Book your ride in advance and clip-clop through the natural beauty of Hocking Hills. Afterward, stop by the Lady Buck Saloon for refreshments!
Stay in Hocking Hills, OH
Hocking Hills is a charming spot that really caters to all kinds of visitors! Whether you’re on the hunt for some thrilling adventures, a peaceful retreat, or a delightful mix of both, you'll definitely be able to fill out your itinerary in this beautiful Ohio region.
From adrenaline-packed outdoor activities to peaceful nature to small-town charm, we can’t wait for you to book your getaway and explore everything Hocking Hills has in store for you!