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Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure to Hocking Hills

Old Man's Cave boasts one of the best waterfalls in the state park | Photo via CBUStoday

Old Man’s Cave boasts one of the best waterfalls in the state park | Photo via CBUStoday

Table of Contents

We’re kicking off our summer road trip seriesHit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Hocking Hills. With hiking trails and water adventures, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.

Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.

Drive time: ~1.25 hours

Avg. annual visitors: 5+ million

Avg. high in June: 83º

🥾Things to do

Explore Hocking Hills Region Parks

  • Hike for miles on trails like Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Rock House + enjoy scenic views with waterfalls, massive rocks, and greenery.

Get out on the water

  • Float in a tube along Hocking River, rent a canoe or pontoon boat + go fishing on Lake Logan, one of the top fishing lakes in Ohio.

Go ziplining

Shade Winery has a large outdoor patio with peaceful views | Photo via @shadewinery

Shade Winery has a large outdoor patio with peaceful views | Photo via @shadewinery

🍽️ Fuel up after hiking

Hungry Buffalo, 12762 Grey St.

  • There’s a little bit for everyone here, like wings, steaks, burgers, and salads + you can reserve a spot to axe throw at the restaurant.

Shade Winery, 401 Gilkey Ridge Rd.

  • Enjoy vineyard views while you sample wine by the glass + snack on a charcuterie board or entrees like salmon and flatbreads.

Brewery 33, 12684 College Prospect Dr.

  • Sip on homemade, locally brewed beer and try rotating food trucks that come through every week. The brewery also has live music, outdoor games, a children’s playground, and a dog park.
The Hocking Hoot is one of the newest rentals at Hocking Hills | Photo via Airbnb

The Hocking Hoot is one of the newest rentals at Hocking Hills | Photo via Airbnb

🏕️Cozy cabins

The Hocking Hoot

  • Located five minutes from Rock House, this brand-new cabin is made of two, 40-ft containers and is on five acres of scenic land. Equipped with a grill, arcade games, a fire pit, and hot tub, this modern spot sleeps six.

The Canopy Treehouse

  • Elevate your experience by sleeping 20-ft high in the trees on Goosecreek Road. This cozy cabin sleeps four + fills up quickly, so you’ll want to book in advance.

Double Pine Lodge

  • If you’re traveling with a group, this cabin sleeps 16 and is only a half mile from Old Man’s Cave. The interior features woodwork, cathedral ceilings, and hardwood floors + the outdoor space has seating areas, a porch swing, hot tub, grill, and fire pit.
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