Hocking Hills State Park is one of Ohio’s most remarkable natural areas. Located about an hour southeast of Columbus, this park is known for its deep gorges, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and caves. Visitors come year-round to hike, explore, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this unique landscape.
The park spans more than 2,000 acres and is part of the larger Hocking Hills region. Over time, water and wind carved the land into the dramatic shapes you see today. The park offers a wide range of trails and features that appeal to hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend, a few hours, or several days, Hocking Hills State Park offers plenty to explore. Here is a guide to the key highlights and helpful tips for your visit.
Top Trails of Hocking Hills State Park
Old Man’s Cave
One of the most popular attractions in the park is Old Man’s Cave. This deep gorge features tall sandstone walls, flowing streams, waterfalls, and a large recess cave. The site is named after Richard Rowe, a hermit who once lived in the cave in the early 1800s.
The main loop trail through Old Man’s Cave is about 1.5 miles long. It takes you past several points of interest, including Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls. The stone bridges, shaded paths, and cool air of the gorge make this trail one of the most scenic in Ohio.
Expect uneven ground, steps, and narrow sections along the way. Take your time to enjoy the surroundings. Many visitors consider this trail a must-do when visiting Hocking Hills State Park.
Ash Cave
Ash Cave offers a different kind of experience. This large horseshoe-shaped cave is known for its wide, sandy floor and tall waterfall that drops from the cliff above. The trail to Ash Cave is short, flat, and paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
The cave is named after the piles of ash found here by early settlers, likely from Native American fires. When the water flow is strong, you can walk behind the waterfall for a unique view. Even when the waterfall is thin, the scale of the cave itself is impressive.
Picnic areas near the parking lot make this a good spot to take a break during your visit. The ease of access also makes it a great choice for families with young children or anyone looking for a shorter walk.
Rock House
Rock House is the only true cave in Hocking Hills State Park. Unlike the open recess caves at Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, Rock House is a tunnel-like cave set high in a sandstone cliff. The cave stretches about 200 feet and features large window-like openings that overlook the forest.
The trail to Rock House is a 0.6-mile moderate trip and includes some climbing. Inside the cave, you will see natural columns and archways shaped over thousands of years. The space is dark in places, so take care when exploring.
Rock House has a rich history and once served as a shelter for Native Americans and travelers. The views from the openings and the sense of exploring a true cave make this a favorite stop for many visitors.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Hocking Hills
Beyond the hiking trails and caves of Hocking Hills State Park, the surrounding region offers more ways to enjoy the outdoors. Many of these attractions are well-suited for families, giving them a chance to experience the area from new perspectives.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers one of the best zipline experiences in Ohio. Just outside the park, this reputable operation provides guided tours through the forest canopy.
You can choose from several tour options, ranging from beginner runs to longer zipline routes that pass over rivers and through the treetops. The Original Canopy Tour remains a favorite, featuring multiple ziplines and sky bridges. Other tours, such as the Segway Tour or The Rockbridge Encounter, add even more excitement. The experience offers a thrilling way to see the Hocking Hills landscape from a completely new perspective.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
For a relaxing experience, take a ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Departing from Nelsonville, this historic train offers excursions through the surrounding countryside.
Throughout the year, the railway hosts themed trips. Families enjoy the Santa Train during the holidays, while fall brings the Halloween Train and the All Caboose Train experience. The New Year’s Eve Train offers a festive ride to welcome the new year. For those seeking a special night out, the Elegant Dinner Train combines scenic views with a full-course meal served on board.
These rides offer a fun way to explore the region and are a great choice when you want a break from hiking the trails.
Lake Logan
Just a few miles north of the park, Lake Logan offers a peaceful place to unwind. This beautiful lake is ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. In the warmer months, visitors can rent kayaks, pontoons, pedal boats, or paddleboards from the marina. There is also a small swimming beach and several shaded picnic areas.
Lake Logan is a good option for those seeking quieter moments during their trip. Whether you spend an hour or an afternoon here, the setting invites you to slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings.
John Glenn Astronomy Park
Located just minutes from Hocking Hills State Park, the John Glenn Astronomy Park offers an experience that connects visitors with the night sky. The park was built to take advantage of the region’s dark skies, which are ideal for stargazing.
The facility includes an open-air observation area and a large telescope housed in a domed observatory. Visitors can attend public programs where experts share insights about stars, planets, and distant galaxies. On clear nights, these programs offer a memorable way to explore the universe.
Even when no program is scheduled, the park remains open. Bring a blanket and watch the stars with your family. The simple act of looking up at the vast night sky is a fitting complement to a day spent exploring the landscapes of Hocking Hills. The John Glenn Astronomy Park adds yet another layer to the region’s appeal, making it a destination where both natural beauty and cosmic wonder come together.
Accommodations
Whether you prefer rustic camping or a comfortable lodge, the Hocking Hills region offers a wide range of lodging options. Staying nearby allows you to enjoy the area at a slower pace and explore beyond the main park sites.
Hocking Hills State Park Lodge
The newly rebuilt Hocking Hills State Park Lodge offers a modern and convenient lodging option right inside Hocking Hills State Park. The lodge features comfortable guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and cozy gathering spaces with beautiful views of the surrounding forest. Guests at the lodge enjoy direct access to several park trails, making it an ideal base for exploring. It’s a good choice for families, couples, or anyone looking for comfort while staying close to nature.
Cabins
The region is known for its large selection of cabins. Many are located within minutes of Hocking Hills State Park. Options range from simple, budget-friendly cabins to luxury rentals with hot tubs, full kitchens, fire pits, and forest views.
Cabins provide a great way to relax in nature after a day of hiking. Many are family-friendly, and some are pet-friendly as well. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the fall foliage season and holiday weekends.
Campgrounds
For those who enjoy camping (like us!), the Hocking Hills State Park Campground is an excellent choice. The campground offers electric and non-electric sites, heated showers, playgrounds, and a camp store. Staying at the campground provides easy access to the park’s main trails. Many campers enjoy the quiet mornings and clear night skies that the campground offers.
In addition to the state park campground, several private campgrounds in the area provide additional options, including RV hookups, tent sites, and cabin rentals.
Where to Eat Nearby
You will find several good places to eat near Hocking Hills State Park, which provide a warm welcome after a day spent outdoors.
- Olde Dutch Restaurant in Logan is a local favorite (and our favorite, too!). It offers a buffet with comfort foods, including fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and homemade desserts.
- Millstone BBQ serves smoked meats, ribs, and hearty sides in a casual setting.
- Hungry Buffalo offers burgers, wings, steaks, and craft beers, with an ax-throwing game.
Tips for Your Visit
Hocking Hills State Park is open year-round. Each season brings something new: spring wildflowers, lush summer greenery, brilliant fall colors, and striking ice formations in winter.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and download a trail map ahead of time. Cell service is limited in many areas of the park.
If you visit after a rainy day, the waterfalls are especially beautiful. The increased water flow makes them more dramatic and scenic. However, the trails can get muddy and slippery, so be sure to wear shoes that can handle wet and uneven ground.
On weekends, it’s best to arrive early. Early mornings offer a quieter experience at popular sites like Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. Parking lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Whether you visit for the first time or return again and again, Hocking Hills State Park offers countless opportunities to enjoy Ohio’s natural beauty. With its caves, cliffs, waterfalls, scenic train rides, cabins, and campgrounds, it is a place that invites exploration in every season.