Hocking Hills State Park Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Hocking Hills State Park with this comprehensive tour guide, featuring the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay, eat, and shop.
- Introduction to Hocking Hills State Park
- List of Places to Visit in Hocking Hills State Park
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Hocking Hills State Park
- Best Things to Do in Hocking Hills State Park: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Hocking Hills State Park
- Food and Drink Scene of Hocking Hills State Park
- Where to Stay in Hocking Hills State Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Hocking Hills State Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Hocking Hills State Park
- Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills State Park
- Do’s and Don’ts of Hocking Hills State Park
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Hocking Hills State Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Hocking Hills State Park
- Where to Go Next from Hocking Hills State Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Hocking Hills State Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Southeast Ohio. With miles and miles of scenic trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and fascinating rock formations, Hocking Hills is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and families alike.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long getaway, this comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your Hocking Hills experience.
Introduction to Hocking Hills State Park
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Hocking Hills State Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore some of Ohio’s most dramatic natural wonders. The park is home to six distinct areas, each with its unique geological features, including Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave.
List of Places to Visit in Hocking Hills State Park
When planning a trip to Hocking Hills State Park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions worth checking out:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Columbus Washboard Company Museum & Gift Shop
- The Bowen House Community Center
- Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
- Robbins Crossing Historic Village
Natural Attractions of Hocking Hills State Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Old Man’s Cave
- Rock House
- Ash Cave
- Cedar Falls
- Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hocking Hills State Park
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park is to hit the trails. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes to explore:
- Hocking Hills State Park Rim Trail
- Cedar Falls Loop Trail
- Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave Trail
- Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail
Best Things to Do in Hocking Hills State Park: Activities and Tours
Aside from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other great things to do in Hocking Hills, including:
- Zipline Tours
- Horseback Riding Tours
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Wildlife Watching Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Hocking Hills State Park
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Hocking Hills, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:
Day 1: Explore Old Man’s Cave Day 2: Visit Ash Cave and Cedar Falls Day 3: Take a scenic drive through the Hocking Hills region Day 4: Go ziplining or horseback riding Day 5: Check out the Columbus Washboard Company Museum & Gift Shop Day 6: Take a hike in Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Day 7: Relax and soak up the natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park
Food and Drink Scene of Hocking Hills State Park
No trip to Hocking Hills would be complete without sampling some of the regions’ best cuisine. Here are some of the top dishes to try, as well as where to find them:
Must-Try Dishes
- Buckeye Candy
- Home-style cooking at Lake Hope Lodge
- Breakfast at Grandma Faye’s
Local Beverages
- Hocking Hills Winery
- Brewery 33
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills State Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of options, from luxurious resorts to rustic cabins. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hocking Hills:
- Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
- Hocking Hills Cabins
- The Lodge at Lake Hope
- Hocking Hills Serenity Cabins
What to Buy in Hocking Hills State Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
When it comes to souvenirs, Hocking Hills has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top products to bring home:
- Handmade pottery
- Locally-raised honey
- Antiques and collectibles from the Bowen House Community Center
Local Culture and Customs of Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is a region rich in history and tradition. Here are some of the local customs and traditions worth learning about:
- Johnny Appleseed
- The Story of the Buckeye
- Appalachian music and culture
Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills State Park
The best time to visit Hocking Hills State Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hocking Hills State Park
When visiting Hocking Hills State Park, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Do:
- Take plenty of water and sunscreen when hiking
- Respect nature and wildlife
- Check the park’s website for updated information before your visit
Don’t:
- Litter or leave trash behind
- Disturb or damage the natural surroundings
- Feed or approach wildlife
Safety and Health
Visiting Hocking Hills State Park can be a safe and enjoyable experience, as long as you take the necessary precautions.
Safety in Hocking Hills State Park
- Stay on marked trails
- Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing
- Don’t climb on rocks or cliffs
Health in Hocking Hills State Park
- Check for ticks after spending time outdoors
- Stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion
- Avoid touching or ingesting poisonous plants
Getting to Hocking Hills State Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
Hocking Hills is located in Southeast Ohio, about an hour’s drive from Columbus. Here are the best transportation options to get you there:
Airports Near Hocking Hills State Park
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Bus Stations Near Hocking Hills State Park
- Athens Bus Station
Other Options
- Rental Car
How to Get Around in Hocking Hills State Park
The best way to get around Hocking Hills State Park is by car or bike. However, there are also many hikes and walking trails worth exploring.
Where to Go Next from Hocking Hills State Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re looking to explore more of Southeast Ohio, here are some nearby destinations worth checking out:
- Marietta, OH
- Athens, OH
- Shawnee State Forest
Conclusion
From scenic hikes to fascinating cultural attractions, Hocking Hills State Park has something to offer every visitor. Plan your trip today and get ready to discover the natural beauty and rich history of this remarkable region.
