Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio is filled with natural treasures that inspire awe and wonder for anyone who enjoys exploring its rugged wilderness. Located within the rolling forested hills of the region, the park is known for its dramatic rock formations, shaded gorges, mysterious caves, and waterfalls, which have drawn outdoor enthusiasts for generations.
The landscape at Hocking Hills State Park is both grand and intimate, with towering cliffs rising above quiet streams, so you’ll explore down narrow passages that open to spectacular views. For anyone planning time in the area, this park often becomes the starting point for discovering the natural character that makes the area so memorable. Plus, there are so many wonderful things to do in Hocking Hills on your next couple’s getaway.
While this Ohio State Park is widely considered a must-visit destination when exploring this region, guests staying at Glenlaurel, known as one of the best hotels near Hocking Hills State Park, will see that the area’s natural beauty can be experienced without ever leaving our property. As a guest, you’ll want to explore the Camusfearna Gorge, a gorgeous natural feature of the 140-acre property. It creates a rare opportunity to enjoy a peaceful walk through a gorge that feels very much like a hidden corner of Hocking Hills, all steps from their romantic hotel room. Book your stay today!
Your Guide to Hocking Hills State Park
Within Hocking Hills State Park, a network of well-maintained paths winds through some of the most remarkable scenery in the Midwest. You’ll quickly see why it draws more than five million visitors each year! The Hocking Hills State Park trails lead visitors through sandstone recessed caves, over stone bridges, and past waterfalls that flow through cool ravines, even during the warmer months, all under a canopy of hemlocks and hardwood trees.
Here are the best things to do at Hocking Hills State Park:
- Old Man’s Cave is the most visited section of Hocking Hills State Park and is often the starting point for exploring the area. The main trail is about one mile long and winds through a dramatic gorge carved by Old Man’s Creek. Along the route, hikers pass several iconic landmarks, including Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and the stone formation known as Sphinx Head. Wooden bridges, stone stairways, and narrow passages lead visitors through the layered sandstone formations that define this part of the park.
- The nearby Hocking Hills Visitor Center also features exhibits about the region’s wildlife, geology, and history, along with a raptor enclosure where visitors can see hawks and owls up close.
- Ash Cave is one of the most accessible and visually impressive locations in Hocking Hills. The Ash Cave Gorge Trail is a short wheelchair-accessible path that leads visitors to a massive, recessed cave carved into the sandstone cliffs. The cave forms a wide natural amphitheater where a waterfall drops from the cliff rim into a pool below.
- From a higher perspective, the Ash Cave Rim Trail climbs above the gorge, offering views down into the cave and the surrounding forest. Archaeological discoveries in this cave revealed evidence of ancient Indigenous inhabitants, including tools, clothing, and remnants of cooking fires that gave Ash Cave its name.
- Cedar Falls is known as the largest waterfall by volume in Hocking Hills State Park. The trail to the falls is about a half-mile round trip and leads hikers through a cool hemlock forest before opening into a rocky gorge where the waterfall cascades over a sandstone ledge. The area also connects to sections of the Buckeye Trail, which allows hikers to extend their adventure toward Old Man’s Cave or Ash Cave.
- Whispering Cave is reached by hiking the Hemlock Bridge Trail, which eventually leads to the cave. The route passes through a quiet forest before reaching a towering recessed cave where a 105-foot waterfall drops from the cliff into a gorge below.
- While not technically in the park, the John Glenn Astronomy Park is one of the most unique attractions in the area, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience truly dark night skies far from city lights. Located near Old Man’s Cave, the park features an observatory with powerful telescopes and an open plaza designed for stargazing, where guests can view planets, the moon, and even the Milky Way on clear nights.
One of the Most Romantic Hotels near Hocking Hills State Park
For couples planning a visit to this beautiful part of Ohio, Glenlaurel offers an experience unlike most hotels near Hocking Hills State Park. Our Scottish-inspired inn sits on a 140-acre estate just minutes from the park, with private cottages, crofts, and guest rooms tucked away in wooded hills and connected by walking trails.
One of the most remarkable features of the property is the Camusfearna Gorge, a dramatic natural ravine with towering rock walls and a seasonal waterfall that guests can reach by following trails on the estate. Romance is the centerpiece of the Glenlaurel experience. Many of the cottages include wood-burning fireplaces, private decks, and large whirlpool soaking tubs designed for relaxing evenings together. If you’re planning a getaway focused on each other, there’s no need to leave our property.
Dining is another amenity right on-site, available seven nights a week, and a multi-course Scottish-inspired dinner served in the inn’s restaurant on select evenings. Guests can spend the day exploring the property’s trails, visiting the gorge, enjoying afternoon tea in the inn, or relaxing in their cottage before their meal. With exceptional service, secluded accommodations, and acres of natural beauty surrounding the estate, it’s easy to see why we rank at the top of the list for hotels near Hocking Hills State Park. Book your lodging today!
