THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hocking Hills (2025)

Overview

Hocking Hills, Ohio, offers a variety of outdoor and cultural attractions, with a focus on natural landscapes and recreational activities. This guide covers the top attractions and activities to explore in Hocking Hills as rated by visitors.

Top Attractions

1. Hocking Hills State Park

• Type: State Park
• Rating: 4.7 (1,521 reviews)
• Features: Diverse hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, lodging, outdoor activities.

2. Old Man's Cave

• Type: Caverns & Caves
• Rating: 4.8 (415 reviews)
• Features: Waterfalls, caves, rock formations, historical insights, visitor center.

3. Ash Cave

• Type: Caverns & Caves
• Rating: 4.8 (598 reviews)
• Features: Majestic rock formations, serene waterfalls, expansive cave, historical significance.

4. Rock House

• Type: Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Rating: 4.8 (594 reviews)
• Features: Scenic views, rocky trails, flashlight recommended for interior exploration.

5. Cedar Falls Hiking Trail

• Type: Hiking Trails
• Rating: 4.7 (536 reviews)
• Features: Natural stone steps, picturesque waterfall, suspension bridge.

6. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve

• Type: Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Rating: 4.8 (383 reviews)
• Features: Gorge Trail and Rim Trail, diverse landscapes, wildlife viewing.

7. Cantwell Cliffs

• Type: Geologic Formations
• Rating: 4.6 (295 reviews)
• Features: Scenic towering cliffs, rocky trails, moderate hiking.

8. Hocking Hills Winery

• Type: Wineries & Vineyards
• Rating: 4.5 (233 reviews)
• Features: Varied wine selection, live music, relaxing ambience.

9. Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum

• Type: Speciality Museums
• Rating: 4.3 (134 reviews)
• Features: Unique collection of pencil sharpeners, located near the visitor center.

10. Whispering Cave Trail

• Type: Hiking Trails
• Rating: 4.5 (41 reviews)
• Features: Scenic forest trails, waterfalls, wooden guardrails, Hemlock Bridge.

11. Lake Hope State Park

• Type: State Parks
• Rating: 4.1 (143 reviews)
• Features: Backpacking, hiking, biking, nature-focused activities.

12. Hocking Hills Moonshine

• Type: Distilleries
• Rating: 4.7 (77 reviews)
• Features: Moonshine tours, tasting, learn the distillation process.

Tips from Travelers

• Hiking Experience: Trails range from easy to difficult with diverse scenic views including waterfalls and cliffs.
• Trail Maintenance: Generally well-maintained with several informational plaques about the area's history.
• Seasonal Considerations: Waterfalls may have reduced flow in drought conditions.
• Visitor Centers: Offer bathrooms and historical information.

Popular Cities in Hocking Hills

• Logan, Ohio
• Rockbridge, Ohio
• Nelsonville, Ohio
• Laurelville, Ohio

Recommended Duration

• Full Day: To explore Hocking Hills thoroughly.
• Specific Trails: 30 minutes to 4 hours based on trail difficulty and personal interest.

Noteworthy Considerations

• Some attractions may have limited water flow depending on weather conditions.
• Unique experiences like the Pencil Sharpener Museum and Hocking Hills Moonshine distillery add cultural value to visits.
• Lodging options available at places like Hocking Hills State Park for extended visits.

Note: Attraction descriptions are AI-generated based on common user reviews.