Hocking Hills Weekend Getaway: Caves, Waterfalls & Forest Trails
From waterfalls and caves to cozy evenings with wine, Hocking Hills turned out to be the perfect Ohio getaway. Here are the hikes we loved most and a few tips we picked up along the way.
Hocking Hills is one of those easy weekend escapes that feels far from home without a long travel day. We wanted a trip with hiking, waterfalls, and a cozy place to slow down after exploring — and this part of southeast Ohio delivered. Between cave trails, shaded forests, and scenic drives, the weekend felt full but never rushed.
Trip Snapshot
When: Fall and early spring (both ideal for moderate temps)
Length: 2–3 nights
Vibe: Outdoorsy, scenic, peaceful
Good for: Couples, friends, and anyone who likes manageable hikes, waterfalls, and nature-focused weekends
Highlights: Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, rock shelters, forest trails, winery stop, scenic drives
Where We Stayed
I’ve been to Hocking Hills twice — once on a girls’ weekend and once with my husband — and both trips had very different but equally practical lodging setups.
On the girls’ trip, we stayed in a rustic Airbnb cabin tucked into the woods. It felt like an Up North cottage: cozy, quiet, and perfect for long trail days followed by late-night hot tub chats.
When I returned with my husband, we stayed at a simple hotel near the main road. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was clean, included breakfast, and sat right next to a local brewery and BBQ spot. It worked well as an easy, no-frills base for exploring the trails.
Lodging here doesn’t need to be the highlight. In Hocking Hills, the trails are always the main event — everything else just supports the days you spend outdoors.
What We Did
Old Man’s Cave
This is the most popular hike in Hocking Hills for good reason. The combination of bridges, rock formations, and canyon views makes it a great first stop. The trail can be busy, but it never loses its sense of place — especially if you go early.
Cedar Falls
An easy, peaceful hike that leads to one of the region’s most recognizable waterfalls. Even with light crowds, this area feels relaxed. The trail is short, scenic, and perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon stop.
Ash Cave
This was our favorite of the three major trails. The large recessed cave is impressive, and the walkway leading in feels calm and quiet. It’s the easiest trail in the park — flat, accessible, and great for all levels.
Rock Shelters & Short Trails
Between the major spots, we explored a few smaller trails and rock shelters. These were less crowded and gave us a chance to slow our pace and enjoy the quieter parts of the park.
Pro tip: Parking lots at main trailheads fill early. Starting before 9 a.m. makes a big difference.
Inside Rock House — the only true cave in the park, with its towering sandstone walls and ‘windows’.
Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail — the views are worth the climb.
Ash Cave’s waterfall makes even a short hike feel rewarding.
Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave — one of the park’s most photographed spots.
Cedar Falls — one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Hocking Hills.
Just steps from our cabin, this preserve has four caves and a rugged trail that’s less traveled. A free online permit is required, though we never saw anyone checking. Our group rated it a favorite thanks to the massive rock formations.
Where We Ate & Drank
After hiking, we stopped at Hocking Hills Winery for wine and a relaxed atmosphere — perfect after a day on the trails. We also grabbed simple, hearty meals in the area to keep things easy. Dining here isn’t fancy, but it fits the vibe: cozy, friendly, and low-stress.
Wine flight at Hocking Hills Winery — charcuterie and live music made it a group favorite.
Hocking Hills Winery – Charcuterie boards, a wide variety of wines, and live music on weekends. A group favorite.
Le Petit Chevalier Winery – Pretty setting, but the wines weren’t our favorite
Ale House 1890 (Lancaster) – A solid meal if you’re venturing outside the park.
The Lodge at Hocking Hills – Make reservations if you want to dine here; walk-ins fill up quickly.
Favorites & Highlights
Favorite trail: Ash Cave for its easy walk and dramatic scenery
Best waterfall stop: Cedar Falls
Most fun to explore: Old Man’s Cave bridges and rock formations
Best relaxing moment: Wine tasting after a full hiking day
Unexpected highlight: The quiet side trails between the major stops
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Parking fills early at Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave
Trails can be muddy depending on season
Cell service is inconsistent — download maps ahead of time
Bring good hiking shoes; stairs and rocks can be slick
Plan meals ahead if visiting in off-season (restaurants sometimes close early)
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d pack a small picnic to enjoy on one of the quieter trails. There were several spots that would’ve made an easy scenic break.
Practical Details
When we went: Fall and early spring
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Nature-focused weekends with manageable hikes
Crowds: Heaviest midday — early starts help
Gear: Hiking shoes, layers, small backpack, downloaded trail maps
Hocking Hills gave us exactly what we wanted — fresh air, waterfalls, quiet trails, and an uncomplicated weekend surrounded by nature. It’s close enough for a quick getaway and filled with enough variety to make the days feel full without being tiring. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with beautiful scenery, this one is an easy yes.