17 Best Things to Do in Hocking Hills Ohio for an Unforgettable Trip

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio, you’re in the best place.

Known for its waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and peaceful forest trails, Hocking Hills feels completely different from anywhere else in Ohio. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking through caves and the evening relaxing in a cabin surrounded by nature.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio, from iconic spots like Old Man’s Cave to quieter trails, outdoor adventures, and a few experiences you might not expect.

It’s the perfect place for a Midwest road trip .

Tall waterfall in green forest spilling over rocks to water below. The article is about things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Where is Hocking Hills Ohio?

Hocking Hills is located in southeastern Ohio, centred around the small town of Logan, Ohio. It’s best known for its stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls, caves, and forested hiking trails.

The area is an easy getaway, just over an hour’s drive from Columbus, Ohio, making it perfect for a weekend trip. Most of the main attractions are clustered close together, so it’s easy to explore multiple spots in a single day.

Why Visit Hocking Hills?

If you’re looking for something a little different, Hocking Hills offers some of the most unique scenery in Ohio.

Think dramatic rock formations, hidden caves, and waterfalls tucked into the forest. It’s a place with so much to offer.

Whether you’re after adventure or just a slower pace, Hocking Hills feels like a proper escape from everyday life.

Waterfall surrounded by trees and rocks going into a pool below. The article is about things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills Ohio

Hocking Hills is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something slightly different.

Spring is one of the best times to visit if you want to see waterfalls at their strongest after the winter thaw.

Summer brings lush greenery and long days, although it can be busy, especially at popular spots.

Fall is the most popular season, with vibrant autumn colours making the trails even more scenic.

Winter is quieter and more peaceful, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see frozen waterfalls and icy cave formations that completely transform the landscape.

Best Things to Do in Hocking Hills Ohio

Explore Hocking Hills State Park

If you’re planning a trip, this is where it all begins.

Hocking Hills State Park is the heart of the region, home to the most famous caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It’s the place that gives Hocking Hills its reputation, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why.

The park is made up of several separate areas, each with its own unique landscape. From towering cliffs to quiet forest paths, every stop feels a little different.

If you only have time for a few things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio, this is where you should focus your time.

If you love hiking you will love hiking in Hocking Hills.

Three hikers with backpacks on trail surrounded by trees, one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills.

Hike to Old Man’s Cave

Old Man’s Cave is easily one of the most popular spots in Hocking Hills, and it more than lives up to the hype.

The trail takes you through a series of dramatic rock formations, bridges, and waterfalls, all carved out over thousands of years. It’s one of those places where you’ll want to stop often, not just to catch your breath, but to take it all in.

Despite being one of the busiest areas, it still feels surprisingly peaceful once you get into the trail.

Hiking to Old Man’s Cave is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

If you are looking for more hikes in Ohio look through my 1 5 Best Hikes in Ohio For You To Discover

Old Man's Cave rock bridge and water flowing below into a pool surrounded by rocks. The article is about things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Visit Ash Cave (The Largest Recess Cave in Ohio)

Ash Cave is one of the most impressive sights in Hocking Hills.

As the largest recess cave in Ohio, it has a huge, open, amphitheatre-like shape that feels almost unreal when you first see it. The sheer scale of it makes it stand out from the other caves in the area.

A short, easy walk leads you straight to the cave, making it one of the most accessible stops in the park.

If you’re looking for something both dramatic and easy to reach, Ash Cave is a must-visit.

Ash Cave is a huge cave with a waterfall in the background.

See Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls is often considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hocking Hills.

Surrounded by moss-covered rocks and forest, the setting feels quiet and tucked away, even when there are other visitors around.

The walk to the falls is fairly short but includes a few uneven sections, so it’s worth taking your time.

After rainfall, the waterfall is at its most powerful, making it an even more rewarding stop.

Explore Rock House

Rock House offers something completely different from the other sites in Hocking Hills.

Instead of a wide open cave, this one feels more enclosed, almost like stepping inside a natural tunnel carved into the rock. Small openings in the stone let light in, creating a slightly eerie but fascinating atmosphere.

The hike to reach it is a bit steeper than some of the others, but the experience at the top is worth it.

It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio and definitely stands out.

Gap in rocks called Rock House the photo is taken from inside.

Visit Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs is one of the more rugged and adventurous areas in Hocking Hills.

The trail here is a bit more challenging, with steep sections and narrow paths, but that’s part of what makes it so memorable.

As you make your way through, you’ll pass towering rock walls, deep valleys, and hidden corners that feel far removed from the busier spots in the park.

If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded and more adventurous experience, Cantwell Cliffs is well worth adding to your list.

Large rocks rising from the ground with path leading through them. The article is about things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Visit Rockbridge State Nature Preserve (Natural Bridge)

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is home to one of the most unusual natural features in the area.

Instead of a cave or waterfall, the highlight here is a natural rock bridge, the largest of its kind in Ohio. Formed from Blackhand sandstone, it stretches across a small ravine and feels surprisingly solid as you walk across it.

The hike to reach the bridge is short but includes a steady uphill section, so it’s worth taking your time on the way up.

Once you reach the top, you can walk across the bridge itself and take in the surrounding forest views.

It’s a quick but memorable stop, and one of the more unique things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Discover the Devil’s Bathtub

The name alone begs you to pay it a visit, doesn’t it?

While the name might be eerie the place is stunning. The Devil’s Bathtub is a gem and well worth the time to visit.

The bathtub is a fascinating piece of the stream bed with the sides consisting of a unique tiered waterfall.

The tub is essentially a bowl-shaped, basin of weak Blackhand sandstone eroding from the water.

The Devil’s Bathtub is located in the Hocking Hills State Park on the Old Man’s Cave hiking trail. And searching it out is one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

visiting this water swirling into gorge with greenery is one of the fun things to do in Ohio.

Chase Waterfalls in Hocking Hills

With vast gorges, valleys cliffs, and lakes it’s no surprise there are several waterfalls in the Hocking Hills area that are well worth a visit.

Cedar Falls has the biggest volume of water, a rather unique cascade, and a large rocky beach area at the base.

Rockbridge Falls the waterfall flows under a natural bridge and it only flows occasionally but when it does it is beautiful.

You will find it in Rockbridge State Nature Preserve where the area is beautiful even without the falls.

Cantwell Cliffs are one of the more difficult to get to the cliffs are over 150 feet tall and overlook Buck Run. The water tumbles over the cliffs and it’s quite magical.

Ash Cave is perhaps the most well-known. The 700 -foot long cave has a stunning waterfall in its center. It freezes in the winter and is absolutely breathtaking.

Conkle’s Hollow also boasts many small waterfalls and is absolutely beautiful.

Old Man’s Cave is a popular hiking trail and will treat you to several popular waterfalls in the Midwest located in Hocking Hills State Park.

Waterfalls cascading down brown rock formations into pool of water below are one of the fun things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Go Ziplining in Hocking Hills

If you like the idea of flying through the trees on a zipline then you are in luck. Here you will find Ohio’s first zipline attraction. And you can also take moonlight tours which are very exciting.

From the height of the platforms in the canopy, you get to the breathtaking landscape from a very different viewpoint.

One of the ziplines in this area is named Top 10 Amazing Ziplines in the World by Discovery Channel so you know you are in for a great time.

There are three large companies offering canopy tours in the area so check before you go or book when you get there.

Caucasian girl zip lining, waving and smiling. A really fun thing to do in Hocking Hills.

Take a Canoe or Kayak Trip on the Hocking River

If you are a water baby and looking for some time in the water there are lots of things to do in Hocking Hills OH.

You can swim in one of the lakes, rent a canoe or kayak, and explore at your own leisure. Or just lazily float down the river in a tube.

You will find class 1 rapids perfect for a relaxing tube float.

Lake Logan has scenic picnic and swimming areas.

There are countless other areas to explore and lots of local companies run tours for those that feel safer in a group.

You can also camp or stay in cabins along the banks of the Hocking River. And, moonlight and torchlight tours are available, which sound amazing.

Young blonde woman sitting in canoe holding paddle riding calm water with trees on either side of river. The article is about things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.

Go Horseback Riding in Hocking Hills

If you don’t fancy hiking why not take to the trails on horseback.

There are many choices from small indoor riding locations to longer guided tours and private farms.

Horseback trail riding is one of more relaxing things to do in Hocking Hills!

If you have time, visiting Amish Country Ohio is always an interesting thing to do.

Brown horse with blonde mane and white stripe down its snout in pen with green trees in background.

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

If the weather isn’t in your favor You might want to get in the car and go for a scenic ride. The scenery looks incredible from the car and in fall the colors are magical.

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway takes you deep into the hills and you will see some of the region’s hidden gems. The byway is small at 26.4-mile but it’s well worth the trouble.

The top things you can see on your driving tour are Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Rock House, and Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.

Go Stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park

The John Glenn Astronomy Park in the Hocking Hills State Park inspires visitors to look up into the night sky.

This region is one of the few areas left in Ohio where the night sky can be seen without light pollution.

Visitors can experience the night sky through a large telescope in the observatory or simply with the naked eye. You can take your own telescope into the area too.

Except when they have special events the site is open 24/7. Camping is not permitted. However, you could stay under a blanket looking at the stars all night if you wish.

Stargazing is a great way to spend an evening and one of the unique things to do in Hocking Hills.

Inky black Night sky full of white stars over trees.

Ride the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Did you know there are train rides in Ohio?

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers a variety of train rides on the weekend from Nelsonville Depot on Hocking Parkway.

It’s a great way to sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside that is even more stunning in the fall.

Look out for the special events they hold like a family-friendly train robbery when a group of horseback bandits holds up the train

Riding the train is really one of the fun things to do in Hocking Hills!

Take a Scenic Air Tour Over Hocking Hills

There is nothing like seeing the Hocking Hills area from the sky and there are several companies in the area that are willing to show you the sights from the air.

Seeing the topography from above really is a treat. Most flights are between 20-60 minutes long taking in the main areas. Some will even customize the flight to show you what you want to see.

The pilots are generally local and happy to share their local knowledge with you pointing out points of interest.

Visit the Hocking County Historical Society Museum

And when it comes to museums, Hocking Hills, Ohio has lots to offer. The region has a rich heritage including the Civil War, coal mining, and producing moonshine in World War II.

You can visit the birthplace of the Civil War legend, General William Tecumseh Sherman in Lancaster.

The Hocking Hills Historical Society & Museum Complex in Logan celebrates the history of the region and its links to World War II.

If you fancy a museum that’s a little more unique how about The Columbus Washboard Factory or the Pencil Sharpener Museum?

The Columbus Washboard Factory in Logan is the only remaining washboard manufacturer in the U.S.A.

The Pencil Sharpener Museum also in Logan houses Reverend Paul Johnson’s 3,400 pencil sharpeners and is believed to be the largest collection in America.

Visiting museums is one of the very interesting Hocking Hills activities! And is a wonderful Midwest weekend getaway.

Explore Lake Logan State Park

While most come and spend their time in the beautiful Hocking Hills State Park there are other parks that are worth a visit.

And Lake Logan State Park is one. It’s a day-use park and has scenic picnic areas, and secluded woodland walks.

One of the coolest caves in Ohio is located here.

Lake Logan State Park lies in the Hocking Valley, which was formed by the Hocking River. It is considered one of the best state parks in Ohio to explore.

The forest is for the most part an oak-hickory combination. The forest floor is dotted with a variety of wildflowers. The park is also teeming with wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

This is a great place to come and relax for a bit and explore nature.

If would like to explore National Parks in Ohio, read 12 Coolest National Parks In Ohio next.

Tan welcome sign with green letters "Welcome to Lake Logan State Park' surrounded by dried brush.

Packing List For Visiting Hocking Hills, Ohio

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Ohio, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting Hocking Hills, Ohio. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies with all those nature shots while visiting Hocking Hills.

Hydration is so important when hiking. You want to remain hydrated throughout your hikes to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.