Four days of outdoor activity in southeastern Ohio — rock climbing on the sandstone formations, zip lining through the canopy, kayaking the Hocking River, and hiking the full circuit of caves and waterfalls. One of the best adventure weekends within driving distance of any Midwest city.
Arrive, drop bags, and immediately head to the canopy tour operator. Hocking Hills' zip line tour is one of the better ones in the Midwest — through old-growth forest, with one line crossing a 90-foot gorge.
The Hocking Hills Canopy Tour runs 9 zip lines through the forest canopy with a 90-foot gorge crossing. The full tour takes about 2.5 hours and the guide narrates the ecology of the hemlock forest below. It's genuinely thrilling without being extreme. Book online — tours fill fast on weekends.
Morning rock climbing on the sandstone formations, afternoon through the Old Man's Cave gorge trail. The sandstone here has excellent crack climbing and sport routes for beginner and intermediate climbers.
The sandstone at Hocking Hills offers sport climbing and top-rope routes at several crags — the Ozone area is the most developed. Hocking Hills Climbing offers guided sessions with gear for beginners or experienced climbers. The rock quality is excellent and the forest setting makes this one of the most scenic climbing venues in the Midwest.
The Hocking River runs through the valley and Hocking Hills Canoe Livery rents kayaks and canoes for paddling the mellower sections. It's a completely different perspective on the landscape — from water level, the sandstone bluffs are massive.
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery rents kayaks and canoes for the Hocking River — the float trips range from 2 to 8 hours depending on how far you put in. The 4-hour float is the classic choice, going through river corridor with sandstone bluffs and forest on both sides. Shuttle service available.
Easy morning before the drive home. Ash Cave is accessible and rewarding — the flat trail makes it a no-effort finish before heading out.
Flat, paved, 0.3 miles from parking. The 700-foot recess cave is impressive at any time of day but morning has the best light. Quick and rewarding before the drive.
October in Hocking Hills is extraordinary — the hemlock and hardwood mix creates a unique canopy display and the cabin economy peaks. But spring (late March through May) is arguably better for waterfalls: snowmelt and spring rain keep Cedar Falls and Ash Cave's falls running full. Summer is green and pleasant. Winter is cold but the ice formations on the cave walls are spectacular — just check trail conditions.
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