Situated amid the hills of southeastern Ohio, the Hocking Hills area is a favorite getaway spot for active locals. The area's diverse terrain offers hiking, water sports and high-energy adventure. Although summer is the most pleasant season in Ohio, visitors looking for a rainbow of color while enjoying the outdoors can venture to Hocking Hills in autumn, which brings changing leaves and brisk clear days.
Hiking
Explore this picturesque part of Ohio on one of the area trails, many of which wind through gentle caves and rock formations. Hocking Hills State Park is home to nine trails that range from easy to difficult. The one-mile Conkle's Hollow trail is handicap accessible. Many of the trails feature hikes along gorges and cliffs, where you'll delight at rock formations at every turn. Nearby Lake Logan State Park features three miles of trails, or travel to the southern part of the region and explore seven trails in Lake Hope State Park.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy the area's rustic terrain in an old-fashioned way---on the back of a horse. Hocking Hills State Forest offers primitive trails and camping to suit your bridle trail wanderlust. If you need to find a horse as well as a guided ride, try one of the area's full-service riding stables such as Uncle Buck's Riding Stable and Dance Barn, where you can enjoy music in the evening; or Smoke Rise Ranch, which is a resort as well as a working cattle ranch.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Take to the area waterways in a canoe. The Hocking River runs through the area and offers beautiful scenery. You can rent a canoe or kayak at a local livery such Hocking Hills Canoe Livery or bring your own vessel and launch into the river at one of the area's parks. The serene waters of Lake Logan, which are accessible at points in Lake Logan State Park, reflect brilliant colors for a canoe adventure in autumn.
Rock Climbing and Ziplines
Fly over the lush canopies of Hocking Hills via one of the area's professional zipline tour operations such as Hocking Hills Canopy Tours or Hocking Peaks. The area is also home to natural rock climbing cliffs and rappelling areas in Hocking State Forest, where a mile-long cliff features chimneys, blocks and overhangs to challenge adventurous visitors.
Swimming
Choose freshwater sun and fun at the 600 feet of beach in Lake Hope State Park or at Lake Logan's 527-foot beach. If the crew prefers swimming pools, go for a dip in the public outdoor pool in the Old Man's Cave Campground area of Hocking Hills State Park.
Member Comments