If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Hocking Hills, start here: this pocket of southeastern Ohio — about an hour southeast of Columbus — packs more waterfalls, gorges, and sandstone caves into a few square miles than anywhere else in the state. Whether you’re asking what to do at Hocking Hills Ohio for a quick day trip or a full cabin weekend, the answer is the same: hike the famous caves and falls, then add an adventure or two on top.
Old Man’s Cave: The Must-See
No first visit is complete without Old Man’s Cave, the most popular spot in Hocking Hills State Park. A roughly 1.5-mile loop trail drops you into a hemlock-shaded gorge past the Upper Falls, the Devil’s Bathtub (a swirling pothole carved by the creek), and the Lower Falls. The trail involves stone steps and some uneven footing, but the payoff-per-step ratio is the best in the park. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends — the parking lot fills fast.
Ash Cave: Ohio’s Largest Recess Cave
Ash Cave is a jaw-dropper: a massive horseshoe-shaped sandstone recess nearly 700 feet across, with a waterfall spilling from its rim after rains. It’s also the most accessible major stop in the park — a paved, wheelchair-friendly quarter-mile trail leads straight to the cave, making it the easy pick for families with strollers or anyone skipping the steep gorge trails.
Cedar Falls
Don’t let the modest name fool you: Cedar Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the region by water volume, thundering over blackhand sandstone into a deep, cool gorge. The half-mile trail down is steep in spots but short, and the misty grotto at the bottom is one of the most photographed places in Hocking County. It’s at its most dramatic in spring, when snowmelt and rain swell the creek.
More Trails Worth Your Time
- Rock House: the park’s only true cave — a 200-foot-long tunnel-like rock shelter with window-like openings carved by erosion. Bring a flashlight.
- Conkle’s Hollow: a deep, narrow gorge with 200-foot cliffs. The lower gorge trail is an easy walk; the rim trail is a wilder, higher workout with big views.
- Cantwell Cliffs: the least crowded of the major areas, with rugged cliffs and a rock shelter locals call “the Fat Woman’s Squeeze.”
Beyond Hiking: Ziplining and Adventure
Hocking Hills isn’t just for hikers. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours runs zipline canopy tours that send you soaring through the treetops — one of the most popular non-hiking things to do in the area, and a great pick for teens or anyone who wants a shot of adrenaline between waterfall stops. The region also has horseback riding stables, canoeing and kayaking on the Hocking River, and rock climbing and rappelling with local outfitters (guided only inside the state park).
Where to Stay: Cabins
The Hocking Hills cabin industry is half the experience. Hundreds of privately owned cabins — from rustic one-room hideaways to luxury lodges with hot tubs, game rooms, and wraparound decks — dot the woods around Logan. For fall weekends and holidays, book 2–3 months ahead; prime cabins sell out. Logan, the gateway town about 10 minutes from the park, also has hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores for stocking up.
Best Times to Visit Hocking Hills
- Spring (April–May): waterfalls at peak flow, wildflowers everywhere, moderate crowds. Arguably the best hiking season.
- Fall (October): spectacular foliage — and the busiest season. Expect full parking lots and premium cabin rates.
- Winter: frozen waterfalls turn the gorges into ice cathedrals, and you’ll share the trails with almost no one. Watch for icy steps.
- Summer: lush and green, great for ziplining and paddling. Note that swimming and wading are restricted in most of the state park — enjoy the water from the trails.
What to Do in Hocking Hills: Quick Tips
- Stay on marked trails. The cliffs are the park’s beauty and its danger — falls from the sandstone ledges happen every year.
- Wear sturdy shoes with grip; gorge trails stay damp and slick even in dry weather.
- Start at Old Man’s Cave or Ash Cave if you only have half a day — they’re the two signature stops.
- Cell service is spotty in the gorges. Download trail maps offline before you go.
So what to do in Hocking Hills comes down to a simple formula: caves and waterfalls by day, a cabin porch or a zipline by afternoon. Few places in the Midwest deliver that much scenery in a single weekend — which is exactly why Ohioans keep coming back.
