If you have ever visited Hocking Hills before, you know that it is a vacation paradise right here in Ohio. Our travel destination has plenty to offer in the way of exciting attractions, fun outdoor activities, locally owned restaurants and bars, and so much more. Whether you are a first-time visitor or are a returning guest, you may be looking for some ideas on how to spend your summer or fall vacation getaway. We have quite a few ideas to help you plan the perfect trip to Hocking Hills. Take a look at our ultimate guide to Hocking Hills things to do in the summer and fall in the area:
Popular Local Outdoor Attractions
You will be happy to know that Hocking Hills is an outdoor playground with plenty of areas to explore during your stay. The area is covered with unique attractions that differ one from another. Perhaps the most famous of local attractions in the area is Old Man’s Cave. This local attraction is appropriately named after hermit Richard Rowe who moved his family to the Ohio River Valley and what is now called Old Man’s Cave. Richard Rowe ended up being the founder to the Hocking Region and what it is now known as today. Old Man’s Cave is open for exploration and offers incredible views of the area. Visitors will want to make sure they arrive prepared to hike around as the Old Man’s Cave is divided into five different sections along Old Man’s Creek. You will find yourself exploring different areas such as Lower Gorge, Lower Falls, Middle Falls, Upper Gore, and Upper Falls. The entire gorge is approximately half a mile in length and cut by beautiful Blackhand sandstone. Visitors who are eager for some hiking can hike up the Grandma Gatewood Trail that connects Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. This 6-mile hike offers some of the best scenery in the area and is guaranteed to be a highlight to your trip to Hocking Hills; it’s one of the top things to do in the summer in Ohio!
Cedar Falls is a picturesque valley in the in the heart of Lower Gorge. This remote chasm goes through an austere area of Hocking Hills and is bound with steep rock walls. Accompanying waterfalls and grottos decorate the chasm making it a beautiful place to visit. Cedar Falls is the perfect place to visit with the largest waterfall in volume for the entire Hocking region. If you love waterfalls, you cannot pass up the opportunity to visit Cedar Falls. Ash Cave itself is a marvel to behold and is worth the trek down. This spectacular outdoor feature is the largest recess cave in the state of Ohio. The narrow area is approximately a quarter mile in length and features overhanging ledges and open caves you can explore.
Exciting Outdoor Activities
Hocking Hills features all kinds of outdoor activities that will help you explore the area and have fun doing it. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you have come to the right place!
Canoeing and Kayaking
Perhaps one of the most relaxing yet enjoyable things to do in the summer in Ohio is canoeing and kayaking. There are a variety of different tour companies who can take you out on guided tours of the local rivers and lakes. Adventure Pro Outdoors is your one stop for fun out under the sun especially in the summer and fall seasons. If you are looking for a day river trip, join one of their many kayaking, canoeing, and tubing guided trips. Each river trip operates during the months of May through October from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day of the week. You will not be on rusted hardware either and instead use brand-new canoes and kayaks. Each summer in August Adventure Pro Outdoors hosts their Mega Tube Float down the Hocking River. This exciting event takes you on an extravagant tube float with other outdoor enthusiasts. Make sure you do not miss out on Adventure Pro Outdoors guided ATV and UTV tours, occurring all summer and fall. If you are looking for a quieter time on the water, simply rent your own kayak or canoe and visit Lake Logan State Park. This quiet lake offers plenty of incredible views so you can relax.
Fishing
Professional and amateur fishermen will find a relaxing and rewarding time when they visit Hocking Hills to find their next trophy catch. Hocking Hills is surrounded by many different lakes and reservoirs with fish that are eligible to be caught. Local bait shops will stock you up with rental fishing gear along with the appropriate licenses you need to fish in the state. If you are looking to fish on your own, you have quite a few different lakes from which to choose.
Rose Lake is the area’s reservoir that is stocked with trout every spring season. Rose Lake is a preferred lake, as swimming is not allowed, allowing those to focus on fishing on top of the still water. Motor boats and paddle boats are allowed to help you navigate the lake easier. You can find Rose Lake located at St. Rt. 374 inside the Hocking Hills State Park.
We mentioned that Lake Logan State Park is a preferred fishing lake as well and is one of the finest lakes in the state. This lake is supplied with a variety of fish each year, including bluegill, bass, northern pike, catfish, saugeye, and crappie. This lake is quite a bit bigger and features swimming areas and hiking trails for anyone that needs to take a break from fishing. Lake Logan State Park can be found at 30443 Lake Logan Rd. Lake Logan Marina is available at the lake and provides a variety of boat rentals so you can navigate the water even easier.
Last but certainly not least is Lake Hope State Park. This lake is surrounded by a rugged valley with steep gorges, providing tons of hiking opportunities. Lake Hope State Park is a quiet area where you can easily spend the day fishing. You can find this lake located at 27331 State Route 278 just outside of McArthur.
Fishing is one of the top Hocking Hills fall activities. Of course, not every angler is looking to take the water on their own. If you are looking for a guided fishing tour that will take you to the best spots in the area, look no further than Ohio Belly Boat Fishing. These professionals provide half-day tours and will provide you with all the gear you need for a successful trip. Simply call 740-777-2579 to schedule your next guided fishing tour.
Zipline Tours
You will find some of the best zipline courses in the entire Midwest located right here in Hocking Hills. In fact, the area opened up Ohio’s first-ever zipline course over at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. Since 2007, this local tour company has been showing guests incredible bird’s eye views of the treetops. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offer a variety of different zipline tours that each last for approximately three hours each. You can mix and match your tours for a personalized experience. Create a personalized package by combining your zipline tour with off-roading or rock climbing. You can get started on your own zipline experience by calling 740-385-9477.
If you wish to see incredible nature views during your zipline experience, look no further than Soaring Cliffs. This tour company also provides thrilling zipline courses high up in the trees but at nearby the natural gorges. Incredible sandstone formations and waterfalls will be on display with certain courses. Guests will also be given the opportunity to explore different caves since the courses all start at ground level. If this experience sounds perfect for you, all you have to do is call 1-855-ZIP4FUN to book your guided tour. The views during autumn make this one of the most scenic Ohio fall activities!
Local Restaurants
Everyone needs to eat when they are away on vacation here in Hocking Hills. The area is known for an abundance of locally owned restaurants that serve up incredible food day after day. If you are looking for something easy to eat that is absolutely incredible, look no further than Pizza Crossing. This local pizza joint is one of the area’s most popular restaurants thanks to their handmade pizzas and other Italian fare. You can create your own pizza or choose one of their specialty offerings. Additional entrees on the menu include sub sandwiches that are topped off with fresh ingredients. Don’t forget your pasta that is sure to fill you up. Make sure to check out this local favorite found at 58 N. Mulberry St in Logan; Pizza Crossing also does delivery that can be dropped off at your vacation rental!
For a fine dining experience, you need to visit Cedar Falls Restaurant. This nearby restaurant is the perfect spot for any special occasion or a romantic outing with a loved one. Cedar Falls Restaurant features a menu that rotates with the season. For the summer season, you can often find local favorites on the menu including various salads, bistro steak, pan seared salmon with local maple syrup, and maple chipotle grilled center cut pork chop. The full-service bar has plenty of options for your choice or bourbon or any other spirit. Ask for a specialty cocktail or order a classic beverage to pair with your dinner. Reservations at this fine dining restaurant are highly encouraged and can be made by calling 1-800-653-2557.
If you are looking for local spirits, wine, or beer, Hocking Hills has you covered. The area features plenty of different establishments that produce their own locally sourced beverages. For beer, make sure to stop by local spots such as Rockmill Brewery, Little Fish Brewing Company, or Double Edge Brewing Co. Each brewery creates small batches of beer by hand. Stop in for a pint or pick up a growler to take back to your vacation rental. There is plenty of wine to try out as well at local wineries such as Hocking Hills Winery, Manchester Hill Winery, and Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery. These family-owned establishments offer your favorite types of wine from red to white. Moonshine is favorite in Hocking Hills and can be found at local distilleries such as Flatrock Distilling Company and Hocking Hills Moonshine. These small batch spirits are perfect to make a personalized cocktail back at your vacation rental.
The Perfect Vacation Rental
Of course, no stay in Hocking Hills during the summer or fall seasons would be complete without the perfect vacation rental to stay in. Luckily, our selection of properties is as varied as ever with something for everyone to choose from. Our cabin properties are like no others featuring open floor plans and luxury features. Each cabin is privately owned and features cabin décor such as natural wood flooring or paneling. While our long-term cabins may have a rustic appearance, they are anything but once you walk inside. Expect fine amenities such as gourmet kitchens, flat screen TVs, plush furniture, fine linens, and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Our larger rentals may even feature theatre rooms or game rooms. You can easily cool off during the summer season with cabin rentals that feature a pool or pond. The weather starts to get cool in the fall season. We offer rentals that feature fire places and fire pits that will keep you warm once the sun has gone down. Book a small cozy size cabin for smaller families or an expansive cabin for large get-togethers. The options are near endless when you choose our exclusive cabin rentals right here in Hocking Hills.
Book Your Summer or Fall Getaway Today
As you can see, there is plenty to do right here in Hocking Hills for the perfect summer or fall getaway. These Hocking Hills summer and fall activities and local attractions are sure to make your stay one you will never forget. Let us help you find the perfect vacation rental for your stay, including homes with air conditioning to stay cool. Make sure you book today before your favorite rental property is taken!