While this stunning region is widely known for its miles of scenic trails, there are many things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking. Southeastern Ohio has grown into a destination with a wide range of attractions that appeal to couples, food lovers, golfers, and anyone looking for a memorable getaway. From stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the Midwest to exploring antique shops, local wineries, and scenic drives, visitors quickly discover that there’s plenty to do inside as well.
Just to name a few things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking, our favorites are the nearby shopping centers, Hocking Hills wineries, and unique cultural attractions. There is enough to add one or two fun outings to a weekend trip or plenty to plan around on an extended vacation with all the best activities. Of course, where you stay is the first step, and our estate, with an array of lodging accommodations, including cabins and suites, is the ultimate retreat.
A stay at Glenlaurel offers far more than a traditional lodging property. Our estate becomes the destination for a complete Hocking Hills getaway, where relaxation and romance come together. Couples often begin the morning with coffee on a private deck outside their cottage and have romantic evenings in our dining room, enjoying delectable meals. For those not as eager to get out on the hiking trails, having one of our Hocking Hills Cabins with a hot tub as your home base is the perfect choice. Book your next trip today!
Fun Things to Do in Hocking Hills Besides Hiking
Beyond the famous trails and waterfalls, the region offers a wide range of memorable experiences for visitors looking for things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking. These attractions highlight the area’s character and give couples or groups of friends plenty of ways to spend a day exploring without setting foot on a trail.
If you enjoy browsing vintage shops and historic treasures, antiquing is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking. Small towns throughout the area feature antique malls, specialty shops, and locally owned stores filled with furniture, collectibles, glassware, and handmade goods. Communities such as Logan, Nelsonville, and Lancaster, OH, are known for their antique shops. Add the Logan Antique Mall and Hocking Hills Market to your itinerary.
Discovering the nearby wineries in Ohio is always a treat. Head to Hocking Hills Winery for a relaxing afternoon tasting locally produced wines while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside. Live music events are held regularly on the outdoor patio. Or check out Revolution Rockbridge Wine Co., a small family-owned winery that produces wines using traditional techniques and grapes grown on the property. Reservations are recommended.
For those interested in local spirits, Hocking Hills Moonshine offers tastings of handcrafted moonshine and flavored spirits produced in the region. Guests can sample a variety of flavors while learning about the distillation process and the history of moonshine production in Appalachian culture. It is a lively stop to add to the list of things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking.
One of the most unusual Hocking Hills attractions is the Pencil Sharpener Museum located in Logan. The museum displays thousands of pencil sharpeners collected by Paul Johnson over several decades. The collection includes sharpeners shaped like animals, buildings, vehicles, and everyday objects. It is a fun and quirky stop that often surprises visitors.
Located near Old Man’s Cave, the John Glenn Astronomy Park is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the region after sunset. The park features a large observatory and an outdoor plaza designed specifically for stargazing. Because the Hocking Hills region has very little light pollution, visitors can often see the Milky Way on clear nights.
Visitors looking for more excitement will find several outdoor experiences offered by High Rock Adventures. In addition to popular rock-climbing trips in the region’s sandstone cliffs, the company also offers rappelling experiences that allow guests to descend down these large rocks under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Kayaking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the landscape around Hocking Hills, offering a peaceful perspective of the region’s forests, wildlife, and sandstone formations. Paddlers can explore several scenic waterways nearby, including the Hocking River, Lake Logan, and Clear Creek, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
If you prefer hitting the links over the hiking trails, there are plenty of golf courses in the Hocking Hills, but as a guest at our exclusive resort, you’ll want to make a tee time for the Scottish Links at Glenlaurel.
The Best Hocking Hills Cabins with Hot Tubs
One of the all-time best things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking, is soaking up the fresh air as you relax in warm jetted water under the open sky. As one of the premier lodging options in Southeastern Ohio, our Hocking Hills Cabins with hot tubs are such a romantic place to stay. The focus of your getaway here can be on each other and relaxing; there’s no need to head out to explore the hiking trails if you would rather just rest.
When you do feel like stretching your legs, there’s a leisurely walk through our property’s trails that lead to the dramatic Camusfearna Gorge and its waterfall hidden within the trees. Follow this low-impact exercise with a spa service. And in the evenings, our dining room comes to life, and you’ll love having such a fantastic restaurant just steps from your Hocking Hills Cabin. No need to get back in the car and find a place for dinner! Start planning your next adventure and book your lodging today!
