Hocking Hills is a wildly popular natural area in southeastern Ohio, about an hour south of Columbus, Ohio. It’s known for its stunning rock formations, deep gorges, waterfalls, and recess caves. You didn’t think Ohio was all flat terrain, did you? Ohio is filled with secrets. We Midwesterners have lots of them. But this cat is out of the bag.
Hocking Hills has long been a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It’s known for its dramatic landscapes, ever-so-green forested hills, and geography. But that makes it crowded. Do you want to visit Hocking Hills but hate the elbow-to-elbow crowds when hiking? My hand is raised.
I’m a lone wolf and naturally good at finding solitude in even the most populated places. Here are a few ideas for a more tranquil visit to Hocking Hills.
What makes Hocking Hills remarkable: Geological Formations
The dramatic landscape of Hocking Hills is primarily carved out of Black Hand Sandstone. This sandstone’s various “hard” and “soft” zones create caves, cliffs, ledges and multiple shapes in features in the stone. Trees and other unique features result from water erosion and weathering processes acting differently on the stone.
Fun fact: It’s not called Black Hand Sandstone because of the color. It’s not black. The name is because of a black hand petroglyph that early settlers found on a nearby cliff. Sadly, the petroglyph was destroyed in 1828 during the construction of the Ohio-Erie Canal.
Things to Do in Hocking Hills for a bit of serenity
Many people visit the popular hiking trails, but Hocking Hills offers many outdoor activities and ways to find serenity.
- Hiking: See my tips below to find the quiet times for hiking here. It’s a popular place, so you’ll have to be thoughtful to find solitude, but it can be done.
- Waterfalls viewing: If it’s not in a drought, the park has waterfalls after spring rain and winter, when they often freeze into ice sculptures. The sound of falling water, or seeing it frozen in time, can be one of the most peaceful experiences.
- Rock Climbing & Rappelling: It may not seem intuitive, but rock climbing requires concentration and focus, which can bring peace and solitude to many. Several areas for climbing and rappelling are available in the Hocking State Forest.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: The tranquility of flowing with the river and feeling the current of the water beneath us is as timeless as humanity. Boat rentals are available on the Hocking River.
- Horseback Riding: For those with a greater connection to equine creatures, there is serenity on the back of four-legged friends. Trails are available in the state park and the Hocking State Forest.
- Fishing: Sometimes, sitting quietly with a fishing pole and watching the water ripple in the sunshine is all the meditation we need. Fishing is permitted at Rose and Lake Logan.
- Stargazing: John Glenn Astronomy Park in Hocking Hills has minimal light pollution and programs on Friday and Saturday nights from March through November for viewing the night sky.
- Scenic Drive: The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is a 26.4-mile route along State Route 374 that winds through several area attractions and offers beautiful views, especially during fall foliage.
Popular Hiking Trails
You should know that many of these hiking trails are connected; one leads to another. If you choose, you could spend the entire day on an endless trail. Get a map of the visitor center and plan accordingly.
Many people visit the popular hiking trails like Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, which are very crowded on weekends. I suggest visiting them on any day except Saturday or Sunday for fewer crowds. Do you want to see them while in a sea of people? No, you don’t.
- Old Man’s Cave: The most iconic spot, it has a large cave, waterfalls (if it’s not a drought), and unique rock formations like the “Devil’s Bathtub.” It’s named after a hermit who lived in the cave. If you like ghost stories, this might be a hike for you. The hermit is supposedly buried under a cave ledge there. It’s a 1.5-mile loop.
- Ash Cave: The largest “cave,” is more of a big overhang or rock shelter. Unless it was winter and there was a waterfall. If so, it freezes into a massive ice formation and is enclosed. It’s a half-mile accessible trail.
- Cedar Falls: This is a cascading waterfall leading into a rocky gorge. It’s surrounded by hemlock and other trees, giving it a unique, almost elvin forest feel. Look out for Gandalf. It’s a half-mile loop.
- Rock House: In this cave, you must walk through a short tunnel, not just an overhang. It features a large main corridor, Gothic-arch-shaped ceilings, and windows through the rock. Kids love it—a half-mile hike up a steep hill.
- Whispering Cave / Hemlock Bridge Trail: A 1.7-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a cave and a wooden bridge. The trail offers scenic views and includes a scenic overlook and a “swinging bridge.”
Explore Lesser-Known Hocking Hills Trails
The most popular trails in Hocking Hills are the most popular for a reason: they’re lovely. But not so much if you can’t see them through the bodies. Venture slightly off the well-worn path and you’ll have just as nice of an experience with fewer people.
- Cantwell Cliffs: This is about 15 miles from the central area, so fewer people go. The 1.5-mile hike has a deep, narrow gorge with many steps and rock formations. It’s more strenuous.
- Conkle’s Hollow: There are two trails: the upper is the Rim Trail and the lower is the Gorge Trail. The lower trail is a ¾ mile-long, wheelchair-accessible trail. It’s easy and gets busy, but the upper gorge trail has better views and fewer people during off-peak times. Some of the cliffs reach 200 feet high. It’s a workout, but you’ll find plenty of solitude. If you sweat like me, you’ll appreciate it.
- Rockbridge State Nature Preserve: Another outside of the central area, this preserve is less trafficked. The two-mile tree-lined hike through the woods to the bridge is very peaceful.
- Chapel Cave: This hidden gem is in the Hocking State Forest. It’s a bridle trail, but hiking is allowed, too. This trail follows a small stream that leads to a chapel-shaped cave.
- Wayne National Forest, Hocking State Forest, Tar Hollow State Park: Nearby are hundreds of miles of trails beyond the state park. They are less developed but offer many miles of much less populated trails – download a hike app like All Trails to find them.
- Lake Logan State Park / Lake Hope State Park / Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve: These nearby parks offer different activities, lakes, and meadows and are still less crowded than the main Hocking Hills areas.
How to Find Solitude in Hocking Hills: Timing is everything
Finding solitude in nature nowadays can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. We just have to plan and be flexible. I’d much rather wake up earlier for a hike in peace than sleep in and battle the masses. You?
But even an hour can beat the crowd and sometimes that’s enough. The best time to avoid them are weekday mornings or off-season, like early spring or late fall and winter – if you don’t mind the cold. You will not find me anywhere near the Midwest, then, friend. Go during off-season and non-peak times to avoid the crowds.
- Visit Mid-Week (Tuesday-Thursday): Weekends are chaotic, especially during peak seasons (summer and fall foliage).
- Winter (late November – early March): People say it’s the most magical and quiet time. The ice formations are breathtaking, the air is crisp, and the crowds are significantly smaller. I’ll never know.
- Early Spring (March – April): Before peak bloom and summer vacations. The waterfalls are said to be at their best at this time.
- Late Fall (Late October – November): Snow and ice set in after the prime fall colors but before winter.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon
- Sunrise Hikes: You’ll likely have iconic spots to yourself and the light is incredible for photography. Honestly, there’s nothing like watching the sunrise from a glorified vantage.
- Sunset Hikes: Many visitors return to their cabins as the sun dips. The trails are quieter, the night creatures and crickets come out it’s a more peaceful atmosphere. Just be careful you don’t get caught in the dark. Make sure you have a headlamp.
Activities for Serenity in the Hocking Hills Region
Beyond just hiking, some activities inherently lend themselves to solitude.
- Forest Bathing: It’s a Japanese practice-(Shinrin-Yoku). This is what you do. Instead of rushing through a hike, slow down. Engage all your senses. Listen to the sounds of the forest, feel the trees and rocks, and breathe deeply. It improves mental and physical well-being by enhancing feelings of serenity.
- Photography: I love landscape photography. It forces us to be present and observant of light and detail. The best photos come before or after the main crowds arrive and so do the best hikes. Let’s connect on Instagram!
- Bird watching: This is my newest enjoyment. When was the last time you noticed the birds? They’re fascinating and different in every location. Focusing on them requires stillness and patience, naturally leading to a more serene experience.
Planning Your Trip
Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center: This is an information center with brochures, maps, a restroom, and a butterfly garden. When I stopped here, I saw a Monarch butterfly release!
Fun Find: Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum, featuring over 3,000 pencil sharpeners from a 20-year collection. I knew I should have saved all those things I had a passion for in third grade. Ma steered me wrong.
Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center: At the Old Man’s Cave parking lot, there are restrooms, a gift shop, and exhibits.
Where to stay: From state park campgrounds and a new Lodge at Hocking Hills to numerous private cabins, cottages, and B&Bs – there are many places, but book in advance for the best sites.
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