Hocking Hills and Surrounding Area

While many people from Cincinnati head to Hocking Hills for long weekends, visiting this beautiful area is doable as a daytrip if you are willing to get up early. For those who want to stay, I have suggested a duo of cabins below.

Approximate Travel Time to first stop (from downtown Cincinnati) : About three hours

Who Should Go: Families with children, couples

What to Bring: Picnic lunch, sunscreen (seasonal), camera, binoculars, change of shoes and socks

Watch For: Snakes (including the copperhead), deer on back roads, bear (rare but possible)

Oddities or local lore: Check out the stories about Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave at www.forgottenoh.com, under Hocking County.

Stop One: The Main Attractions...the Caves of Hocking Hills

Because it's tough to determine what caves will be busy, I've provided some guidance but have grouped all caves into one stop. That way if one is busy, you can visit another.

To beat the crowds in peak times, I would suggest getting to Hocking Hills as early as humanly possible.

I would recommend hitting Old Man's Cave early in the morning before it fills with tourists, as this is easily the most crowded and popular site. During peak times, try Cantwell Cliffs or Rock House, two of the more out-of-the way caves. For an easy hike, head to Ash Cave (on two recent visits, we finished the day with this cave as it is manageable when energy is low).

I must also take this opportunity to remind people to be respectful of the environment and other hikers. Unfortunately, there are too many people who leave trash, let their children climb on delicate rock formations and swim in ponds where signs clearly state not to do so. Please remember the old saying: "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."

Ash Cave

Gorge Trail: 1/4 mile, 1/2 hour; Wheelchair accessible

Rim Trail: 1/2 mile, 1 hour
Cedar Falls : 1/2 mile, 1/2 hour

Cantwell Cliffs: 1 mile, 1 1/2 hours

Conkle's Hollow

Gorge Trail: 1 mile, 1/2 hour

Rim Trail: 2 1/2 miles, 1 1/2 hours

Old Man's Cave: 1 mile, 1 hour

Rock House: 1/2 mile, 1/2 hour

There are picnic areas near all caves and formations; take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery! Be sure to pack out trash.

Stop Two: Shopping at Rempel's Grove

If you want to pick up a souvenir or find the perfect antique, head to Logan to visit Rempel's Grove.

Accommodation: Fern Valley Cabins

The owners of these cabins seemed a little leery of letting a group of six twentysomethings rent of their cabins for the weekend. We were there to hike and hang out, not to party--and they had to be convinced of this fact. I can't say I blame them as I can only imagine the bad behavior they've had to deal with.













If you're okay with a little talk about the rules, these cabins are a perfect place to spend the weekend. Make sure you book ahead of time and sign the log book!


Links:
Map of Region
Trail Maps
Rempel's Grove Information
Fern Valley Cabins


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