Hocking Hills is a charming place, located in the heart of Ohio that has been endowed with numerous attractions and natural marvels. It offers a mixture of experiences from waterfalls to forests and lots of adventurous activities as well as peaceful getaways. If you are an outdoor adventurer, a history lover or just looking for peace; then this magical region has something special for you. Here is the list of 13 Things To Do in Hocking Hills.
Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills
1. Old Man’s Cave
Discover the Legends
Old Man’s Cave is one of the most famous sites in Hocking Hills, named after its hermit resident in the 19th century. It is a lovely walk-through of beautiful rocks, waterfalls, and lush vegetation ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Highlights
* Devil’s Bathtub: This unique swirling pothole has always puzzled people because of its shape and depth.
* Lower Falls: Complete your walk by going down to Lower Falls which gives you a chance to sit back silently for some time.
2. Ash Cave
A Scenic Wonder
Breathtaking Ash Garden features a massive overhang and a waterfall that cascades down it. This means the short trail for wheelchairs is available to everybody who wants to go on an adventure.
Highlights
* Waterfall: You can visit during the spring season or after heavy rainfall and see the beautiful sight of water flowing all around.
* Cave Exploration: The vast cave is worth exploring, especially because of a natural theatre that has been formed by rock that hangs above it.
3. Cedar Falls
Nature’s Symphony
Cedar Falls, one of Hocking Hills’ most picturesque waterfalls, is surrounded by towering hemlocks and rock formations. The noise from falling water creates music which calms your nerves back to normalcy.
Highlights
* Hiking Trails: Walking through scenic woodlands and rocky terrain is how you reach these falls in a moderate hike.
* Picnic Spots: Prepare lunch before seating near the falls so you enjoy nature in its best form.
4. Conkle’s Hollow
Explore the Depths
Hocking Hills boasts one of the most dramatic sceneries with Conkle’s Hollow as a deep gorge having some 200-foot-high cliffs. In the 1800s, an early settler by the name of W.J. Conkle scratched his name on these precipices.
Highlights
* Gorge Trail: For stunning views of the cliffs and luxuriant vegetation, follow this challenging trail which takes you deep into the gorge.
* Rim Trail: On less tough journeys, enjoy panoramic views from above along the Rim Trail.
5. Rock House
An Intriguing Cave
Rock House is Hocking Hills’ only genuine cave featuring a tunnel-like hallway with natural “windows” carved into its rock. This cave has been employed by Native Americans and early settlers before you arrived; hence an element of history attaches to your visit.
Highlights
* Historical Significance: Discover various groups that have used this cave over a long period as well as its history.
* Scenic Views: The lush woodland below can be looked down at from the beautiful perspectives of the cave openings.
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6. Cantwell Cliffs
A Wonderland of Ruggedness
Cantwell Cliffs offers a rugged and adventurous experience with its sharp precipices, hard rocks, and narrow passages. While having to follow one switchback after another through this trail, viewers are exposed to superb scenery along with hidden crevices.
Highlights
* Challenging Hike: Prepare for a challenging hike with steep inclines and narrow pathways.
* Spectacular Views: Reach the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
7. John Glenn Astronomy Park
Touch the skies
This park, named after astronaut and Ohio native John Glenn, offers visitors a fantastic stargazing experience. Equipped with telescopes and an observatory, the park allows people to enjoy the night sky to the fullest.
Highlights
* Stargazing Events: Attend one of the park’s stargazing events for guided tours of the night sky.
* Educational Programs: Learn about astronomy and space through the park’s educational programs and exhibits.
8. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Soar Above the Trees
If you want to get your heart racing check out the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. Travel through the canopy and feel like you are soaring above the trees and the ground below with ‘Zip lines’.
Highlights
* Zipline Tours: Immerse yourself in a variety of zipline adventures. Enjoy the classic canopy tour during the day, or try night zipping for a magical, unique view of the forest after dark.
* Rappelling and Rock Climbing: For more adventures, there are other activities such as heart-stopping activities like repelling, and rock climbing among others.
9. Lake Logan State Park
Relax by the Water
The best thing that can be observed in the Lake Logan State Park is the quiet nature of this place boosted by the lake and related activities. It is such a perfect location for shooting, fishing, boating, having a picnic, and so on.
Highlights
* Fishing: Throw out your fishing gear and attempt to get bass, catfish, as well as bluegill from the developed lake.
* Boating: Go for a boat ride in a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat and take a leisurely tour of Logan Lake.
10. Butterfly Ridge Conservation Centre
A Haven for Butterflies
Although Butterfly Ridge Conservation Centre may not be a well-known organization, it is a valuable organization that is devoted to the butterfly and its habitation. It has education schemes and they have attractive acknowledged and botanical gardens at the center.
Highlights
* Butterfly Gardens: Take a walk in one of the gardens and watch the butterflies of different sorts freely flying in their natural environment.
* Educational Programs: The programs offered at the centre are meant to increase one’s knowledge of butterfly conservation and the contribution of native plants.
11. Hocking Hills Winery
Savour Local Wines
A visit to the Hocking Hills Winery is a pleasant experience, especially for lovers of wine. Taste a selection of wines produced in the region in a beautiful environment on comfortable pavements.
Highlights
* Wine Tasting: Indulge yourself in a wine tasting and find out the best Hocking Hills wine.
* Live Music and Events: Go to one of the winery’s events such as musician’s live music, and food trucks.
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12. Moonville Tunnel
A Hauntingly Beautiful Tunnel
Moonville Tunnel is a Hocking Hills railroad site whose gloomy legends and apparitions make it a popular destination for fans of the paranormal. Ideal to both history lovers and those fascinated by the paranormal, this tunnel is truly historic.
Highlights
* Haunted History: Discover the myths, legends, and tales that are associated with Moonville Tunnel.
* Scenic Hike: Have a walk in the nearby forest, come back, and dive into the tunnel experience you will never forget.
13. Hocking Hills Market
Shop Local Treasures
Hocking Hills Market is a row of shops and stimulators of foodstuffs, local crafts, antiques, and various souvenirs. Yet, thanks to its special organization, it is an ideal place to look for a gift or a souvenir.
Highlights
* Local Crafts: Shop for locally made artwork and souvenirs; the place is well-ventilated and well-lit to make shopping pleasant.
* Antiques and Collectibles: Explore the market and its stores for some of the vintage pieces that the market may offer.
Concluding Words
As it has been described, Hocking Hills is a gem of Ohio with its natural sceneries and interesting things to do from beautiful caves and waterfalls to soaring through the treetops or watching the stars at night in this fairytale-like scenery. Slip into your hiking shoes, and let’s explore some of the best of the Hocking Hills with these 13 kinds of off-the-beaten paths.
