Are you looking for things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio? Then you’ve come to the right place!
I was born and raised in Youngstown Ohio, and Hocking Hills is still one of my favorite places to visit.
In fact, I think it makes for an epic midwestern getaway because there are so many things to do there!
From beautiful hiking trails, unique historic sites, and even opportunities to see the Milky Way.
No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for Hocking Hills adventures.
On this list, I’ve included something for everyone.
But keep in mind that the area is known for its scenic parks and outdoor sports. So a lot of these things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio feature exploring the great outdoors.
However, there are some really cool museums and indoor attractions in Hocking Hills too.
So, let’s take a look at 15 of the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio!
Things To Do In Hocking Hills OH: 15 Experiences Not To Miss
Zaleski State Forest Is The Second Largest State Forest In Ohio
The Zaleski State Forest is a great place near Hiking Hills Ohio to get lost in the woods.
As the second-largest state forest in Ohio, there are a ton of excellent hiking trails you can explore.
The main trail loop is 23.5 miles and there is a shorter 10-mile day loop.
As you walk the trails, you’ll find a network of bridleways and trails and you will see a horse camp. In fact, this is a pretty popular Hocking Hills activity at this park.
You’ll also find Lake Hope, and the Hope School, an old but renovated one-room schoolhouse.
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path to do in Hocking Hills Ohio, head to the Zaleski State Forest.
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Drive Along The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
One of the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio, especially during the fall, is a drive along the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway.
At just 26.4-miles, the byway isn’t super long, so it’s a great way to spend a beautiful fall day in Ohio!
The byway takes you deep into the hills. On the drive, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and admire some of the area’s hidden gems as well.
Along the drive, you’ll pass by popular attractions in Hocking Hills, like the Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Rock House, and Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.
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Go Horseback Riding
One of the most popular Hocking Hills activities is horseback riding on the many trails in the area.
There are several companies that offer guided horseback riding trail tours.
But you can also visit many of the local farms and ride horses on their grounds.
If you’ve never been horseback riding before, Hocking Hills is a great place to try it for the first time!
You’ll be able to hike a wide variety of trails that may not be as accessible off horseback.
Plus, you’ll still get to see all the beautiful woodland views.
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See The Stars At The John Glenn Astronomy Park
If you’re wondering what to do in Hocking Hills OH at night, consider visiting the John Glenn Astronomy Park.
Because this is an area of Ohio that has very little light pollution, visitors can experience the night sky through a large telescope in the observatory.
But you can also just experience the stars with your naked eye, or bring your own telescope!
The area is typically open 24/7, but camping is not permitted. However, you are free to stay and enjoy the stars for as long as you’d like.
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to stargaze and experience this unique Hocking Hills adventure.
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Step Back In Time At The Robbins Crossing Historic Village
You’ll find the Robbins Crossing Historic Village in Nelsonville, Ohio.
Nelsonville is a town in the Hocking Hills area that is popular to visit.
The historic village is open on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day until the end of October.
There, you’ll be able to see what life was like in the Appalachian area of Ohio from 1830 to 1880.
Walking around, you can learn basket weaving, attend a blacksmithing workshop, and even learn log cabin-building techniques!
There are volunteers walking around in period clothing that are full of information if you want to learn more about anything in the village.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Ohio, consider visiting the Robbins Crossing Historic Village!
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Visit Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is one of the prettiest and popular state parks in Ohio- for a good reason!
The park is perfect for family fun thanks to its excellent campgrounds, beautiful scenery, and excellent hiking trails.
Hiking trails to Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, and Cedar Falls provide some of the prettiest views in the whole state!
Fall is a pretty popular time of year to visit this state park, so be prepared for crowds in the fall.
But no matter what time of year you visit, Hocking Hills State Park is one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio!
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Hiking Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Hocking Hills OH
Hocking Hills Ohio is a hiking lover’s dream!
That’s because whatever you are looking for, and whatever skill level you’re at, this area has a perfect hiking trail for you.
Some of the hikes are beautiful and fairly easy and others more demanding. But, they’re all surrounded by the most incredible natural landscape.
Hiking is a super popular thing to do in Hocking Hills OH, because there are so many state parks in the area.
You’ll find some great trails at Christmas Rock State Park, Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, and Lake Hope State Park, just to name a few.
The options for hiking are endless and each has its unique landscape. So make sure you packing your hiking boots when you plan for things to do in the area.
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Catch A Ride On The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Are you interested in going on a scenic Hocking Hills train ride? Then you’re in luck!
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers a variety of train rides on the weekend from Nelsonville Depot, on the Hocking Parkway.
You’ll experience similar views to the ones you’ll see if you drive the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway.
But instead of driving, you get to sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
To make it even more fun, look out for the special events they hold. Like a family-friendly train robbery when a group of horseback bandits holds up the train!
If you’re looking for beautiful views and a relaxing ride, then book a ticket for a Hocking Hills train ride!
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Watersports Are One Of The Best Things To Do In Hocking Hills Ohio
Thanks to the many lakes and rivers in the Hocking Hills OH area, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in watersports.
You can rent a kayak or canoe and explore the lakes, go swimming during the summer months, or even just lazily float down the river.
If you want to spend the day on the water, then Lake Logan has a scenic picnic area where you can also swim and kayak.
There are a ton of ways to explore the waterways in Hocking Hills, and there are even companies that offer a variety of tours!
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Take One Of The Educational Appalachian Understories Tours
If you want to explore and learn about things to do in the area, consider booking an Appalachian Understories tour.
Appalachian Understories is a company that offers guided tours throughout southeast Ohio.
Throughout the year, they offer a wide variety of unique tour experiences.
You can go mushroom hunting, take a guided forest bike tour, or even go on a heritage trail through the area.
If nothing they are currently offering sounds interesting, don’t worry.
They also offer custom tours, you just have to contact them to create your custom tour!
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Hike To The Devil’s Bathtub
Don’t let the name scare you off!
The Devil’s Bathtub is a stunning hidden gem and one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio.
You’ll find the Devil’s Bathtub in Hocking Hills State Park.
To get to the Devil’s Bathtub, you’ll want to take the Old Man’s Cave hiking trail.
It’s a unique area of the stream bed, where the sides create a bowl-shaped basin with water cascading off of the sides.
Because it is a weak stone known as Blackhand sandstone, the constant flow of water has carved the stone to create the basin.
If you’re looking for a unique Hocking Hills adventure, hike to the Devil’s Bathtub!
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Take The Kids Gem Mining
If you’re traveling with kids, I highly suggest taking them gem mining.
A popular place to go gem mining in the area is the Hocking Hills Gem Mine and Gold Rush, in Logan Ohio.
It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Logan Ohio with the family!
You can grab a bucket and start searching for pieces of fool’s gold and unpolished gems, and a bucket is the perfect size for the whole family.
They also have specialty buckets that feature genuine polish gemstones, for an additional fee.
You’ll always find something cool in your bucket, but they also have a gift shop where you can purchase other gemstone treasures.
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Blow Your Own Glass Souvenir At The Ohio Glass Museum
One of the most unique Hocking Hills activities can be found at the Ohio Glass Museum, in Lancaster Ohio.
The museum is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday in the afternoons and also has a self-guided tour that you can take at your own pace.
A few times a day, they also hold glass-blowing demonstrations.
But if you want to try glass-blowing for yourself, you can also book a spot in one of their glass-blowing classes.
You’ll get to blow your own glass souvenir, but if it doesn’t turn out, don’t worry.
The museum also has a great shop full of hand-blown glass objects you can take home!
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The Washboard Music Festival Is Ohio’s Most Unique Festival
In honor of the washboard factory’s history, you’ll find one of the most unique things to do in Logan Ohio.
That is the Annual Washboard Music Festival!
The Washboard Music Festival takes place around Father’s Day every year and features musicians playing handmade washboard instruments.
Along with live music, there is also a small train that kids can ride through town, food vendors, artists, and more that have booths at the festival.
It’s a truly unique attraction in Hocking Hills Ohio that you won’t want to miss!
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Ziplining Is Perfect For Thrill Seekers Looking For Things To Do In Hocking Hills OH
Thrill seekers will love going ziplining at Ohio’s first zipline attraction in Hocking Hills.
From the height of the platforms in the canopy, you get to the breathtaking landscape from a very different viewpoint.
A few of the zipline companies also offer moonlight zipline rides!
In fact, one of the ziplines in this area has been named Top 10 Amazing Ziplines in the World by Discovery Channel!
There are three large companies offering canopy zipline tours, so you’ll have plenty of options when you’re looking for your Hocking Hills adventure ziplining.
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Packing List When Visiting Hocking Hills Ohio
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to explore Hocking Hills OH, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when finding the best things to do in Hocking Hills OH.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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There are so many things to do and see in Hocking Hills OH, so you can tell why I love visiting it so much!
It’s the perfect place for those looking for outdoor adventures, historic sites, and beautiful views.
No matter when you visit, there are plenty of Hocking Hills adventures to be had!
Have you had the chance to visit the Hocking Hills area? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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