This state park turns up the volume on a hike in the hills. Wooded gorges open out into sandstone caves and caverns, where layer-cake cliffs tower overhead and waterfalls cascade into misty pools and gurgling streams. Popular hiking trails lead the way to Ash Cave, Whispering Cave, Old Man’s Cave, and Cedar Falls, while guided tours offer activities including horseback riding, kayaking, and 4WD excursions. Hocking Hills Campground has plenty of space for RVs and tents—alternatively, get back to nature at a hike-in primitive sites, or book a cozy log cabin or treehouse in the woods.

1. You can reserve one of 169 campsites at (including 156 electric and 13 non-electric sites) via the Reserve Ohio website. All sites must be reserved in advance.
2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance, and all sites can be reserved online.
3. Campsites can book up fast, so reserve as early as possible, especially if visiting during peak season or on holiday weekends.

Hocking Hills State Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. In summer, the shaded trails and cool caves provide welcome relief from the heat, while winter visitors can bring snowshoes and admire the frozen waterfalls. Fall foliage peaks from the second weekend of October, making this one of the most magical times to explore the forest. 

• Hocking Hills State Park is 55 miles southeast of Columbus, or about a 1-hour drive.
• There are no entrance fees for Ohio State parks, but camping reservation fees apply. 
• Facilities include a visitor center, park store, picnic areas with grills and drinking water, and restrooms. The campground has flush toilets, hot showers, and vending machines.
• Cell phone service is patchy throughout the park, but the visitor center offers wifi.
• Accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms are available at Hocking Hills State Park. Ash Cave and Conkle’s Hollow lower trail are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.