3-Day Hocking Hills Itinerary: Best Things to Do

Welcome to Hocking Hills – a hidden gem nestled in southeast Ohio. With its stunning landscapes, lush forests, and captivating rock formations, this region offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers. 

This itinerary is created with a weekend getaway in mind, assuming you’ll depart from home on Friday, arrive in the Hocking Hills area, and have all day Saturday to explore, as well as some precious time on Sunday before heading back home. This setup allows you to make the most of your limited weekend break and immerse yourself in the natural wonders that Hocking Hills has to offer. 

While designed for a family weekend escape, you can easily adapt it to fit your schedule and needs, adding or subtracting activities to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable trip that perfectly suits your timeframe. Shorter and more family-friendly hikes are highlighted, so if you are looking for longer hikes, be sure to check out the Other Hocking Hills Activities to Consider at the end of this post.

Be sure to check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Hocking Hills State Park website, where you can access and print a Hocking Hills State Park Map. This map will help you understand the park’s layout and the location of various attractions in relation to one another. Scroll down and it’s available on the right-hand side of the page under “Downloads”.

Accommodations

Not sure where to stay? Look on sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo for rental options within Hocking Hills State Park and the surrounding area.

Hocking Hills State Park

There are many cabins in Hocking Hills State Park to choose from. They range in size and amenities, some offering hot tubs, and some are even pet-friendly. They fill up quickly, so you will want to book well in advance. Sometimes the cabins are booked months in advance, especially during the fall foliage season.

There is also a Lodge that features 81 rooms and amenities such as a restaurant, pools, and veranda. Check out Hocking Hills Lodge and Conference Center for more info and to make a reservation.

Nearby town of Logan

The town of Logan, Ohio, is very close to the Hocking Hills region. Logan serves as the central hub for visitors exploring Hocking Hills State Park and the surrounding attractions. It is situated just a few miles from the entrance to Hocking Hills State Park, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Whichever route you go, make sure you’ve made prior reservations.

Hocking Hills Itinerary

FRIDAY

Depart from Home: 

Start your journey as early in the day as possible to maximize your time in Hocking Hills.

Arrival: 

Check into your chosen accommodation.

Visit the Hocking Hills Visitor Center:

You can find the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center within the Old Man’s Cave parking lot, conveniently situated off State Route 664. Inside the center, you’ll discover engaging interactive displays, exhibits, and wildlife showcases that provide insights into the Hocking Hills region. Operating hours for the visitor center are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. You can reach out to the camp office at (740) 385-6842 if you need more information.

Dinner:

To save money, you can plan ahead and bring your own dinner. If you are looking to eat out, there are several options close by. Note that most of these restaurants also serve breakfast and lunch.

• The Ridge Inn Restaurant: Located near Logan, this cozy restaurant serves up classic American fare and is known for its hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and homemade pies.

• Millstone BBQ: A popular spot for barbecue lovers, Millstone BBQ in Logan offers a mouthwatering selection of smoked meats, ribs, and tasty sides in a rustic setting.

• Hocking Hills Dining Lodge: Situated within Hocking Hills State Park, this dining lodge provides a convenient and picturesque spot to enjoy a meal. They serve a variety of dishes, including burgers, salads, and regional specialties.

• Olde Dutch Restaurant: Located in Logan, this family-owned restaurant specializes in Amish-style comfort food, including fried chicken, broasted pork chops, and homemade pies.

• Pearl’s Diner: For a classic diner experience, visit Pearl’s Diner in Logan. They serve up breakfast favorites, burgers, and classic American dishes.

• Ale House 1890: Located in Lancaster, just a short drive from Hocking Hills, Ale House 1890 offers a diverse menu with craft beer and a selection of upscale pub-style dishes.

• Pizza Crossing: If you’re in the mood for pizza, Pizza Crossing in Logan is a local favorite. They offer a variety of pizzas and subs with fresh ingredients.

• Jack’s Steak House: Known for its steaks and seafood, Jack’s Steak House in Logan provides a fine dining experience with a menu that includes a range of delicious options.

• Maya Burrito Co.: If you’re craving Mexican cuisine, Maya Burrito Co. in Logan serves up flavorful burritos, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

• Urban Grille on Main: Located in downtown Logan, Urban Grille on Main offers a diverse menu with options like steak, seafood, and pasta dishes in an upscale setting.

SATURDAY

Be sure to start the day off with a hearty breakfast. Bring your own breakfast items or grab breakfast from one of the nearby restaurants listed above. 

Visit Ash Cave:

Ash Cave is one of the most iconic and family-friendly destinations in Hocking Hills. It is an enormous recess cave with a horseshoe-shaped overhang that measures approximately 700 feet from end to end, making it one of the largest recess caves east of the Mississippi River. The cave’s towering sandstone cliffs reach a height of nearly 100 feet, creating a sense of grandeur that is awe-inspiring.

There is a short, flat, paved trail that is wheelchair-accessible and leads directly to Ash Cave, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are benches along the way to provide places to rest and take in the scenery. This short trail, less than a quarter mile long, allows you to approach the cave and waterfall, offering an up-close encounter with its grandeur.

For those seeking a longer hike and different perspectives of Ash Cave, the Rim Trail is an excellent option. This trail provides elevated views of the cave and the surrounding gorge, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur from above.

Ash Cave Fire Tower

If you’re not quite ready for lunch after you’ve explored Ash Cave, make the short drive to the nearby Ash Cave Fire Tower.

Starting in the 1920s and 1930s, wildfire lookout towers played a crucial role in Ohio’s fire prevention efforts. These towers were manned by vigilant fire wardens and foresters who relied on binoculars, maps, radios, telephones, and an alidade—a specialized tool for accurately determining the location of wildfires—to detect and track blazes on Ohio’s lands.

To reach the Ash Cave Fire Tower, you can park at the designated area situated to the north, at the intersection of OH-374 and Chapel Ridge Road. From there, it’s a roughly 550-foot hike south along the Grandma Gatewood Trail to reach the tower.

When weather conditions permit, visitors have the option to climb the tower’s stairs at your own discretion. Once at the top of the tower, you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the encompassing forests and hills. 

Lunch: 

Pack a picnic lunch or grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Go canoeing or kayaking

Spend the morning paddling on the Hocking River or Lake Logan. You can rent equipment from a local outfitter such as Hocking Hills Canoe Livery or Hocking Hills Adventures and enjoy the peaceful waterways. You’ll want to research your options and choose your tour ahead of time. Note that depending on what you choose to do, there may be an age limit. 

Return to Accommodation: 

Head back to your accommodation and take some time to relax. Let the kids play or swim if your accommodation offers those amenities.

Dinner:

If your accommodation has barbecue facilities or allows campfires, consider having a family barbecue or campfire dinner. It’s a great way to bond and enjoy the outdoors. Smores anyone?!

Stargazing

Check out the John Glenn Astronomy Park located at 20531 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138. At sunset on clear Friday and Saturday nights from March through late November, they offer FREE astronomy programs to the public. Sometimes during the peak of summer, they also offer sun-based programs a few hours before sunset.

If there isn’t a program going on during your visit, don’t worry! You can still use the grounds for your own stargazing! Either way, bring your own chairs, telescopes, blankets, binoculars, cameras, etc. This is the only area of Hocking Hills that is open at night!

SUNDAY

Start the day with a hearty breakfast either prepared at your accommodation or at a local diner.

Consider packing your belongings and checking out based on your location and accommodation rules, as this can save you the inconvenience of having to return later to complete it.

Zip Lining Adventure: 

Experience the thrill of zip lining through the treetops at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. Check for age and weight restrictions if you have younger family members. They also offer The Rockbridge Encounter and Off-Road Segway Adventures.

The Rockbridge Encounter is an interpretive guided hike on a 1.5-mile scenic drive that will take you to a natural bridge. 

The Off-Road Segway Adventure is just what it sounds like! It’s a 2-hour adventure on a Segway, getting to explore and experience Hocking Hills in a new and fun way. Never been on a Segway before? They also offer a Learn to Segway Experience for beginners.

Lunch and Departure: 

If you haven’t already, it’s time to check out of your accommodation.

Depending on how far away you live, you may need to be heading back home. Grab some food for the ride or stop at one of the many dining options before you hit the road. 

And there is your Hocking Hills itinerary! This itinerary allows you to experience a mix of outdoor adventures and relaxation during your family weekend trip to Hocking Hills. Be sure to adjust the activities and pace based on the preferences and energy levels of your family members.

Other Hocking Hills Activities to Consider

This exploration of Hocking Hills has only skimmed the surface of its numerous offerings. Explore these additional fantastic options for activities, and if any of them align better with your interests or schedule, don’t hesitate to swap them in for one of the adventures mentioned above.

Trails and Parks in Hocking Hills State Park:

Old Man’s Cave

Old Man’s Cave is one of the most well-known and frequently visited areas in the park. It is famous for its unique geological features, including waterfalls, rock formations, and lush forests, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

There are several interconnected hiking trails in the Old Man’s Cave area, each offering a unique perspective of the landscape. It’s important to note that this trail is a one-way trail loop that is about 1.5 miles long, so it may not be suitable for most families, especially those with younger children.

The Old Man’s Cave trail begins with Upper Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades over a recess cave, creating a peaceful atmosphere. As you progress along the trail, you’ll enter the Grand Corridor, a narrow gorge flanked by towering sandstone cliffs. This is where you’ll find Old Man’s Cave itself, a recess cave with multiple chambers and overhangs. The cave’s stunning rock formations, including deep crevices and unique erosional patterns, are a testament to the power of natural processes over time.

The trail concludes at Lower Falls, another beautiful waterfall that plunges into a serene pool surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s a great spot for relaxation and photography.

Cedar Falls:

Cedar Falls has a short hike and offers a beautiful waterfall set within a gorge, surrounded by dense forests of hemlock and hardwood trees. The lush vegetation and sandstone walls add to the scenic charm of Cedar Falls, making it an idyllic spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Cedar Falls trail is approximately half a mile long and is considered fairly strenuous because of its steps. It is a one-way trail that is accessible year-round and provides a pleasant walk through the woods. The trail leads you directly to the base of Cedar Falls, allowing you to appreciate the waterfall up close.

Cantwell Cliffs:

Cantwell Cliffs features a loop trail that allows hikers to explore the cliffs and rugged terrain. It’s approximately a 1.5-mile hike, and while it can be challenging, it’s manageable for most hikers with moderate fitness levels. It is known for its tight, winding passageways and steep rock walls. The terrain here is more rugged compared to some of the other trails in Hocking Hills, requiring hikers to navigate through narrow slots and over rough terrain.

Rock House:

This trail is approximately 0.4 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty. It takes you through a forested landscape, leading to the entrance of Rock House. The trail includes some stairs and uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Once you reach the cave, you can explore the interior, gaze through the gothic windows, and appreciate the historical and geological significance of this natural wonder.

Whispering Cave:

This cave is part of what’s often referred to as the “Only True Cave” experience in Hocking Hills. This term distinguishes Whispering Cave from other recess caves in the area, as it offers a more immersive cave-like experience. While it may not be a deep subterranean cave like some found in other regions, the unique acoustics and natural amphitheater setting make it a standout attraction. Parking for this 5-mile loop trail is at Old Man’s Cave.

Horseback Riding: 

Head to Happy Tails Horseback Rides to book your horseback riding adventure. There are trails for beginners through advanced riders, as well as hand-held pony rides. See waterfalls, caves, rock formations, and more from the back of a horse. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s highly recommended to make reservations in advance.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve: 

Visit Conkle’s Hollow, known for its wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that provides stunning views of the gorge. It’s a family-friendly activity that doesn’t require strenuous hiking.

Bridle Trails

Within the park, there is a splendid 5-mile bridle trail, and for those seeking more extensive riding opportunities, Hocking State Forest provides an additional 33 miles of bridle trails. This renowned trail system, among Ohio’s most favored riding destinations, welcomes equestrians who bring their own horses.

Mountain biking

There are two mountain bike trails. Check out the Hocking Hills State Park Map (available on the right-hand side of the page under “Downloads”) to see the location of the mountain bike trails.

• Purple Loop is 2 miles long and is rated moderate difficulty.

• Orange Loop is 2 miles long and is rated as difficult.

Visit a winery

Explore the local wine scene by visiting Hocking Hills Winery. 

Archery

Open year round from daylight until dark. You must bring your own equipment.

Check out the Hocking Hills State Park Map (available on the right-hand side of the page under “Downloads”) to see the location of the archery range.

Fishing

Anglers are welcome to fish in the serene 17-acre Rose Lake, accessible via a 1/2-mile hiking trail from State Route 374. This picturesque spot offers opportunities to reel in rainbow trout, channel catfish, bass, and blue gill.

In the winter months, under suitable conditions, park visitors can also partake in the delightful activity of ice fishing.

A valid Ohio fishing license is required (16 and older) and be sure to check out the Ohio fishing regulations.