The Hocking Hills region of Southeastern Ohio is the scenic jewel of the state. The forested landscape provides a canopy for a collection of waterfalls, recess caves and miles of hiking trails. Some of the popular spots in Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park include Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls.
In addition to the copious hiking opportunities, the area also sports other outdoor attractions, including canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, rappelling and even zip lining. Shoppers will find a host of opportunities for antiquing, and Rockbridge’s flea market is a must visit.
Fall is the busiest time in the Hocking Hills, as thousands of people flock to the area to see the changing leaves of Autumn. When planning a Fall trip to the Hocking Hills, I’ve found it is important to book a cabin or hotel room early to avoid disappointment.
Getting to the Hocking Hills
The Hocking Hills are located approximately an hour southeast of Columbus; easily accessible off of US Route 33. For those traveling from Cincinnati, US Route 22 to State Route 56 in Circleville, or State Route 32 to US 33 in Athens are the best options.
Logan is the main city in the region, and features a few national chain hotels along with the standard collection of fast-food and casual dining. We’ve stayed at the Logan Holiday Inn Express and found it to be excellent, with the great Millstone BBQ within walking distance. Lancaster and Athens are the nearest cities in either direction on US 33; also sporting similar hotel and food options.
Hocking Hills Cabin Rentals
By far the most popular lodging option for a Hocking Hills treat are the host of cabin rentals available in the region. We’ve found it’s a great way to save some money and calories by making our own meals in a cabin’s kitchen. Old Man’s Cave Chalets and The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls are two of most popular cabin rental spots, both featuring excellent accommodations amongst beautiful scenery.
Perfect for a romantic getaway and a favorite of my wife and I are the Love Bug cabins at the Hocking Hills Resort, near Ash Cave. The cabins feature a whirlpool tub underneath a glass atrium, which is perfect for enjoying the surrounding woodland scenery. The excellent Grouse’s Nest restaurant is also on-site at the resort.
For a larger gathering, Heritage Lodge is a great Hocking Hills rental option. My band stayed here previously, finding the enormous game room perfect for a quick recording session. The well-appointed kitchen should have no problem feeding most families.
The Hocking Hills make for a perfect Autumn vacation getaway with many options for outdoor fun, especially for Ohioans or anyone in the Midwest. The most important point when planning your trip is to book a cabin earlier in the summer as this popular spot fills up quickly!