If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Hocking Hills State Park, you’re in for one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the Midwest. Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, dramatic caves, waterfalls, and lush forest trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to spend a weekend exploring nature, this itinerary covers the park’s must-see trails while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the area’s local restaurants and breweries.
Here’s exactly how we’d spend 2 days hiking Hocking Hills State Park.
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Why Visit Hocking Hills State Park?
Hocking Hills State Park is one of Ohio’s most popular outdoor destinations, and for good reason. Within a relatively small area, you’ll find:
- Massive rock formations
- Deep gorges
- Waterfalls
- Scenic caves
- Family-friendly hiking trails
- Excellent local restaurants and breweries
Many of the park’s best attractions are only a short drive apart, making it easy to experience several iconic hikes in one weekend.
Day 1: Rock House & Cantwell Cliffs
Morning: Grab Breakfast at Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium
Before hitting the trails, fuel up at Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium.
This cozy local coffee shop serves excellent coffee, espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place to start your day before heading into the park.
Mid-Morning: Explore Rock House
Distance: 1 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Rock House is unlike any other trail in Hocking Hills.
Instead of walking beneath a recess cave, you’ll actually hike through one.
The cave stretches nearly 200 feet long and features natural “windows” carved into the sandstone walls that overlook the surrounding forest. Wooden stairs descend into the cave, where you’ll find cool temperatures even during the summer months.
Highlights include:
- Massive sandstone cave
- Unique rock windows
- Scenic overlooks
- Short but rewarding hike
Allow about 1 hour to fully enjoy the trail.
Afternoon: Hike Cantwell Cliffs
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Cantwell Cliffs is often considered one of Hocking Hills’ hidden gems.
Compared to Old Man’s Cave, you’ll encounter fewer crowds while experiencing some of the park’s most dramatic rock formations.
The trail features:
- Narrow passageways
- Steep staircases
- Towering cliffs
- Moss-covered rock walls
- Beautiful overlooks
This hike feels more rugged and adventurous than many of the other trails in the park.
Plan on spending 1.5–2 hours exploring.
Dinner: 58 West
After a full day of hiking, head to 58 West for dinner.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious burgers, sandwiches, and rotating drink menu, it’s an excellent place to relax after a day on the trails.
Evening: Craft Beer at Brewery 33
Finish your day at Brewery 33.
Located just minutes from Hocking Hills State Park, Brewery 33 offers an impressive selection of locally brewed craft beers in a relaxed setting. Whether you enjoy IPAs, lagers, stouts, or sours, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking.
Day 2: Ash Cave, Cedar Falls & Old Man’s Cave Loop
Day two features three of Hocking Hills’ most iconic attractions.
Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and beat the crowds.
Stop 1: Ash Cave
Distance: 0.5 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy (ADA Accessible)
Ash Cave is one of the largest recess caves in Ohio and one of the easiest hikes in the park.
The wide paved trail leads directly to an enormous cave with a seasonal waterfall cascading from above.
This is one of the best spots in Hocking Hills for photography.
Expect to spend about 30–45 minutes here.
Stop 2: Cedar Falls
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Despite its name, Cedar Falls is surrounded primarily by hemlock trees rather than cedars.
This picturesque waterfall is especially beautiful after recent rainfall when water levels are high.
The trail winds through towering cliffs before arriving at one of Hocking Hills’ most photographed waterfalls.
Plan for approximately one hour.
Stop 3: Old Man’s Cave Loop
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
No trip to Hocking Hills would be complete without hiking the famous Old Man’s Cave Loop.
This trail combines many of the park’s most iconic features into one unforgettable hike.
You’ll experience:
- Upper Falls
- Lower Falls
- Devil’s Bathtub
- Massive recess caves
- Stone bridges
- Scenic staircases
- Beautiful gorge views
This trail can become crowded, especially on weekends, so visiting later in the afternoon often means fewer people.
Allow 2–3 hours to fully explore the loop.
Dinner at The Feed
Celebrate an incredible weekend of hiking with dinner at The Feed.
This local favorite offers elevated comfort food. The menu features wraps, flatbreads, and macs, making it an excellent choice for your final evening in Hocking Hills.
Tips for Visiting Hocking Hills State Park
- Arrive early, especially on weekends.
- Wear hiking shoes with good traction.
- Bring plenty of water, particularly during the summer.
- Cell service can be limited in parts of the park.
- Trails can become slippery after rain.
- Download trail maps before arriving.
- Pack a light snack for longer hikes.
Where to Stay
Hocking Hills offers accommodations for every style of traveler, including:
- Cozy cabins
- Campgrounds
- Glamping sites
- Vacation rentals
- Boutique inns
- Hotels in nearby Logan, Ohio
Booking several months in advance is recommended for peak fall weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need at Hocking Hills State Park?
Two full days allows enough time to visit the park’s most popular hiking trails while enjoying the nearby restaurants and local attractions.
What is the best hike in Hocking Hills?
The Old Man’s Cave Loop is the park’s signature hike thanks to its waterfalls, caves, bridges, and dramatic rock formations.
Is Hocking Hills good for beginner hikers?
Yes! Trails like Ash Cave and Rock House are excellent for beginners, while Cantwell Cliffs offers a more challenging adventure for experienced hikers.
When is the best time to visit Hocking Hills?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures, while autumn brings spectacular fall foliage. Summer is also beautiful, though weekends can be busy.
Final Thoughts
Hocking Hills State Park packs an incredible amount of scenery into a single weekend. From exploring the unique sandstone passageways of Rock House to hiking beneath the towering cliffs of Old Man’s Cave and relaxing with a craft beer afterward, this itinerary showcases the very best the region has to offer.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these trails never lose their ability to impress. Pair unforgettable hikes with great local restaurants like 58 West and The Feed, a morning stop at Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium, and a well-earned pint at Brewery 33, and you’ll have the perfect outdoor weekend in southeastern Ohio.
Loved your weekend in Hocking Hills and want to explore more of Ohio’s outdoor gems? Check out our 3-day Cuyahoga Valley National Park itinerary for another unforgettable hiking getaway filled with waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and local craft beer stops.