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Hocking Hills, OH: Everything You Need to Plan a Visit
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items Hocking Hills is a must-visit spot in southern Ohio. This guide will help you find all the places to hike, where to stay, and what else to do while you visit the area.
Sections
6
Where to Hike
Where to Stay
Where to Eat & Drink
Where to Shop
Offseason Visiting
Other Things to do in Hocking Hills
Where to Hike
Most of the trails in Hocking Hills are relatively short, but the scenery is amazing. They do get busy in the summertime, but this area is a must-visit for hikers.
The hike to Ash Cave is easy, and the cave is even more impressive in person. It's hard to get a sense of just how big it is until you see it in person.
Ash Cave
Our pups had the best time exploring the trails in Hocking Hills, but they're not all dog-friendly. This article will tell you where to go and where to stay away from. As a general rule, avoid anything with “nature preserve” in the name with your pup...
Hocking Hills Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
You'll have to hike down some stone steps, but this spot is so beautiful and 100% worth it.
Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills State Park
This is probably the most popular hiking spot in Hocking Hills, so it will most likely be packed with people. We'd recommend visiting at the very beginning or very end of the day, or during the week.
Old Man's Cave
This hike is a little more difficult, so you'll want to make sure you have good secure footwear and you're up for the challenge.
Cantwell Cliffs at Hocking Hills State Park
This spot isn't dog-friendly, but there is a little terrain variety to make the hike a little more interesting.
Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve at Hocking Hills State Park
This was a super interesting hike, but we explored this area in the winter. It was so icy, and we didn't have our spikes, so we only explored a portion of it.
Rock House
This is a longer hiking route and mostly wooded, but there is an overlook where you can see out over the valley.
Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Visit in July for the best chance to see the rhododendrons bloom. The hike is out and back.
Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
Where to Stay
Almost all of the cabins have hot tubs, fire pits, and plenty of space to roam. Glamping at its finest!
We haven't stayed here yet, but it is well reviewed and on our list. Plus, the photos look absolutely stunning!
Treehouse Cabin in Logan, OH
We've visited multiple times and stayed in different areas. These cabins of various sizes are all pup friendly!
13 Beautiful Hocking Hills Pet-Friendly Cabins You'll NEVER Want to Leave
There are a few differeny accomodation styles here, and it's so close to all the good hikes.
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Where to Eat & Drink
We often cook over a fire when we're visiting, but these are a few of our favorite restaurants when we don't want to cook ourselves.
Everything is delicious, but make sure you get the spinach dip appetizer!
Ale House 1890
We grabbed a pizza after a day of hiking to take back to our cabin, and it was delicious!
Papa Dino's Pizzeria | Hocking Hills
Homestyle food, Amish cooking, and a buffet if you've worked up a hunger after a day of exploring.
The Olde Dutch
Small plates and pizzas to go along with their tastings, with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy during the summer.
Hocking Hills Winery
The menu mostly covers sandwiches, and they have a large dog-friendly outdoor space for warm weather. They also often have music!
Brewery 33 Hocking Hills
The space is super cool. If you like dry wines, they have some good stuff. Bring your own food!
Revolution Rockbridge (RXR) Winery
Where to Shop
Even though you'll want to spend all of your time outdoors exploring the beautiful scenery, don't skip over these great little shops!
There is a great selection of unique items at fairly reasonable prices.
Logan Antique Mall
If you forgot any essentials or need to restock food, this is the place to go. We grabbed some extra snacks for hiking and a few bites to make for dinner at our cabin.
Grandma Fayes Grocery and Deli - Hocking Hills
Offseason Visiting
Visiting during the winter is a completely different experience, but you can still enjoy the trails and surroundings. Just make sure you have spikes because the trails become extremely icy and dangerous!
Winter is beautiful in Hocking Hills when all the caves are blanketed with snow. There are a few things that you should know before you go, and things you'll want to pack. This guide will help you prepare!
Visiting Hocking Hills in Winter: Everything You Need to Know
We use these all the time on our winter hikes when the trails are frozen solid. You'll want to have these in your pack!
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
This is an organized hike and day of activities that happens once per year. This is a great way to be introduced to Hocking Hills in the winter.
Annual Winter Hike - Hocking Hills
Other Things to do in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills is more than just hiking and cabins. There are some unique spots if you really look, and these are some of our favorite quirky stops.
This is your go to for rock climbing and rapelling guides and tours. We haven't done this ourselves, but friends have and raved about the experience.
High Rock Adventures - Hocking Hills
This quirkly little stop is full of unique pencil sharpeners. Some are really antiques!
Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
For stargazing and astronomy events, this is the go to place for the best views.
John Glenn Astronomy Park
I love those glass blown pumpkins!
Jack Pine Studio: Glass Blown Art in Hocking Hills