When it comes to planning a vacation getaway, you will see that it is easy to find major attractions in the area, but you may miss out on some lesser-known spots. Take a break from the ordinary and find some under the radar attractions that will provide exciting outings without giant crowds. Here are our top five under the radar attractions in Hocking Hills, Ohio:
Hocking Hills State Park
While a name like Hocking Hills State Park might suggest it to be a major attraction, many skip out on the opportunity to visit. It is a shame since this local park is a beautiful paradise full of flowing streams, hiking and horseback riding trails, and plenty of green scenery. One can easily spend several days exploring the Hocking Hills State Park.
Hemlock Bridge Trail
One of the new additions to the Hocking Hills area in recent years is the Hemlock Bridge Trail. This unique trail is given its name from the swinging bridge that accompanies it. The views are second to none and are worth the trip up the hill.
Logan Antique Mall
You can find a unique souvenir for your travels to Hocking Hills when you stop by the Logan Antique Mall. This local attraction features a variety of locally owned shops that offer various wares for you to purchase. There is nothing quite like taking a home a little piece of Hocking Hills whenever you come visit for the first time!
Hocking Hills KOA
If you are traveling with small children, you will need plenty of activities to keep them engaged during your trip. Hocking Hills KOA is a local attraction that will let you and your family “mine” for gold right in the area. The admission inside is free with the only thing you pay for is the mining kit. Now talk about some fun for everyone!
Ash Cave
Most of the popular trails inside Hocking Hills State Park are the ones that take you off the main path and into the wilderness. These types of trails may not be for everyone, including those in strollers or walkers. Let everyone join in on the fun by visiting Ash Cave. This local cave has a paved trail that lets the whole family join in on the fun seeing waterfalls and recessed caves. Ash Cave is also open all year round, so there is never a bad time to visit.
Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
Nothing says “under the radar” quite like a trip to the country’s largest pencil sharpener museum found right here in Hocking Hills. During your stay visitors may find themselves making a trip to the Hocking Hills Visitor’s Center where they can obtain more information about the region along with getting maps of the local trail heads. What visitors may not expect to find is the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum. As the name suggests, this under the radar attraction is made up of pencil sharpeners, over 3,400 of them to be exact. This local museum was started by Reverend Paul A. Johnson over 20 years ago and continues to be a hidden gem among the many attractions in the area. A visit inside will only take about 5 to 10 minutes of your time, as it is the size of a shed, but a look inside is more than worth it.
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
When you visit Hocking Hills you will hear all about the Hocking Hills State Park and for good reason. As mentioned, it features some incredible scenic areas and trails some of them being harder to find than others. Other state parks in the region tend to get forgotten about and will fall under the radar. This includes Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve found on the North side of Hocking Hills. This area is popular among locals for its abundance of rocking climbing and rappelling areas. You too can explore the region by hiking one of its many trails including the one leading up to Chapel Cave. This trail is moderate in difficulty and will reward you with views from the rock outcropping found at the top. The trail is marked with trail markers but can be hard to find for beginner hikers. Visiting Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve does take a little extra work as you will need to secure a permit before your visit; obtaining a permit can take up to 2 weeks so make sure to plan ahead before you make your way to Hocking Hills. Feel free to bring your leashed dog as the trails are pup friendly Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve has an abundance of natural viewing areas where you might be able to see wildlife in person. Keep in mind that many of the dirt trails may get muddy after it has rained especially during the spring season.
Live Like a Local in Hocking Hills
Buffalo Cabins and Lodges can help you live like a local during your stay in Hocking Hills. Contact us today to book one of our fantastic cabin rentals in the area and discover all of these under the radar attractions in Hocking Hills, Ohio!