Hocking HillsWhere all the best roads lead . . .HIKE. STAY. PLAY. YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!
Hocking HillsWhere all the best roads lead . . .HIKE. STAY. PLAY. YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!
Daily Hikes to Monthly Events
September Dates: 6th, 13th, 27th
October Dates: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Join author and folklorist Jannette Quackenbush of Dark Journeys for an unforgettable night hike adventure and supernatural investigation at the legendary Moonville Tunnel in the Hocking Hills. Experience the lore of local ghosts as Jannette shares chilling stories along the Moonville Rail Trail, culminating in an atmospheric ghost hunt at the famously haunted tunnel. Times will be announced soon.
This out-and-back hike follows Vinton County Park’s Moonville Rail Trail from Moonville town proper to Ingham Station/Bear Hollow. The pace is relaxed, encouraging curiosity about ghosts, nature, and the wild, with plenty of opportunities to chat and enjoy the dusk—perhaps in the company of ghosts, owls, stars, and other nocturnal creatures.
After the hike, those interested can participate in a hands-on paranormal investigation, using Jannette’s specialized tools to attempt communication with the resident spirits.
The entire experience—including the hike and ghost hunt—will last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The one-way hike takes 30–40 minutes at a gentle pace, with occasional stops for captivating folklore and ghost stories. Please note: The route may be too strenuous for individuals with health concerns, breathing difficulties, mobility challenges, or limited physical fitness.
The hike is free to attend, though Jannette gratefully accepts tips for her storytelling and guidance.
Jannette Quackenbush is a renowned U.S. author and folklorist, recognized nationwide for her vivid storytelling and in-depth research on haunted locations, legends, and folklore across the United States. Her acclaimed book series (over 50 books) includes the Big Book of American Ghost Stories, Big Book of American Cryptids, Haunted Ohio, Haunted Hocking Hills, and 3 books on Moonville, drawing readers with chilling tales and fascinating local history from every corner of the country.
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09/24/2025 Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Days: Wed Clear Creek Park Office 185 Clear Creek Rd Lancaster, OH, 43130 (614)508-8111 Facility: Park Office
Fall Hike Search for signs of fall on a 4-mile backcountry hike. Terrain at Clear Creek is rugged and steep. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster (39.594057, -82.622219).
Old Man’s Cave Hike - Hocking Hills Sep 16 Tuesday, September 16, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Visitors Center Meet in front
Old Man’s Cave Hike - Hocking Hills Sep 30 Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Visitors Center Meet in front
Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike - Hocking Hills Oct 11 Saturday, October 11, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Old Mans Cave Visitor Center
Christmas in Ash Cave - Hocking Hills Dec 13 Saturday, December 13, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Ash Cave Ash Cave
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Simon Sorghum Festival Saturday, Sept. 27 - Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at historic Simon Farm, W. Portsmouth, OH Held from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Immerse yourself in the rich rural heritage of Appalachia. Breathe in the sweet steam of old-fashioned sorghum syrup and watch the entire process of sorghum making from cane harvest, to a finished mason jar of goodness. A variety of Appalachian artisans will be demonstrating rural Appalachian arts, agrarian skills, and live music jamming traditional mountain music Free to the public.
Tree ID by Buds, Bark & Reading the Winter Forest Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Discover the hidden beauty of Ohio’s winter woods in Trees by Bark, Twig & Fruit with Arc of Appalachia’s Brent Charette. This hands-on course teaches you to identify over 40 tree species without their leaves—using bark, twigs, fruit, and silhouette—while introducing tools like dichotomous keys, bark rubbings, and smartphone apps.
Information on Education Programs 937-794-3360
Free to the public. All Year Long.
Learn. See. Do. At Hocking Hills State Park.
At Ash Cave
There are seven major hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park - All are one-way trail systems.
Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. These park areas offer a unique experience for those who walk its paths no matter what season (the park is open year-round from dawn to dusk)—located on the southern edge of Hocking County. But those are just a handful. There are many hiking trails in the Hocking Hills include those at Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Parks, Lake Hope State Park, Vinton County Park District's Moonville Tunnel, and Hocking College's Robbins Crossing (with park programs) and the Athens Hock-Hocking Adena Rail Trail bikeway.