Where to Stay for a Family Weekend

A cabin gives families a place to prepare simple meals, rest between activities and spend time together after the trails close. Check the location of the cabin before reserving, since lodging may be several miles from the park areas listed in this itinerary.

Cabins Convenient to Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls

Nature’s Retreat Cabins offers several cabins in different parts of the Hocking Hills region. Review the location and cabin details before reserving so you can choose one suited to your family and planned route.

Cabins Convenient to Ash Cave and the Southern Hocking Hills

Eagle’s Nest Cabin is located near South Bloomingville and is convenient to Ash Cave and the southern Hocking Hills.

Whispering Oaks Cabin offers a private wooded stay farther south of the main state-park areas. Allow additional travel time when visiting Old Man’s Cave and Conkle’s Hollow.

See the complete Hocking Hills cabin and lodging guide.

Day One Morning: Old Man’s Cave

Begin early at Old Man’s Cave, where families can see sandstone cliffs, bridges, waterfalls and the recessed cave along one of the best-known trails in the Hocking Hills.

The area contains many stone steps, cliff edges, and uneven surfaces, so choose a route that matches the age and experience of the children in your group. Take your time and keep children close near cliff edges, bridges and creek crossings.

See the Old Man’s Cave trail guide, route information and map.

Late Morning: Snack or Rest Stop

After leaving Old Man’s Cave, families may want a short break before continuing to the next park area. Restrooms and food choices are limited along portions of the route, so plan ahead rather than waiting until everyone is tired or hungry.

Grandma Faye’s Grocery is approximately 1.4 miles from Old Man’s Cave. When leaving the Old Man’s Cave parking area, turn left. It is a convenient stop for drinks, snacks and basic supplies. It also has a large souvenir shop with plenty of kid-oriented souvenirs, along with Haunted Hocking books for families interested in spooky places to visit.

Open directions to Grandma Faye’s Grocery.

Lunch

Stop for lunch before adding another hike. Restaurants are scattered throughout the region, and weekday hours may vary. Check current hours before leaving your cabin.

See the Hocking Hills restaurants and dining guide.

Day One Afternoon: Ash Cave

Ash Cave is a good afternoon choice for families because the lower trail is shorter and more accessible than many other major Hocking Hills trails. The route leads through a narrow gorge to the enormous recessed cave and its seasonal waterfall.

The paved lower trail is suitable for wheelchairs and many strollers. Families continuing beyond the cave should be prepared for numerous steps and a more rugged upper return trail.

See the Ash Cave trail guide, route information and map.

Optional Day One Activity

After Ash Cave, choose one additional activity based on the children’s ages, the weather and how much energy everyone has left. Glassblowing, miniature golf, farm experiences, museums and other local attractions can give children a break from hiking.

See Hocking Hills attractions and family activities.

Day Two Morning: Conkle’s Hollow Lower Gorge Trail

Begin the second day at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. The Lower Gorge Trail is approximately one mile round trip and follows a relatively gentle route beneath towering sandstone cliffs, hemlocks and seasonal waterfalls.

The Lower Gorge Trail is the appropriate choice for this family itinerary. Keep children beside an adult, since rocks, roots and wet sections can still create uneven or slippery footing.

Do not take the Upper Rim Trail as part of this itinerary. It includes steep climbs, rugged terrain and exposed cliff edges and can be dangerous for children and inexperienced hikers.

See the Conkle’s Hollow trail guide and Lower Gorge Trail information.

Optional Stop: Butterfly Ridge

Butterfly Ridge Butterfly Conservation Center is located near Conkle’s Hollow along State Route 374. During its seasonal operating period, it can be a convenient family stop after the Lower Gorge Trail. Check current hours and availability before visiting.

Day Two Lunch

Stop for lunch after Conkle’s Hollow. Restaurants are scattered throughout the region, so check current hours before leaving your cabin, especially during weekday visits.

Find family dining options in the Hocking Hills region.

Day Two Afternoon: Choose One Family Activity

Visit a Local Attraction

Choose an indoor or outdoor attraction based on the weather, current hours and the children’s interests.

See Hocking Hills attractions and things to do.

Shop for Books, Gifts and Souvenirs

Browse local books, gifts, toys, antiques, souvenirs, country stores and unusual backroad shops throughout the region.

See the Hocking Hills shopping and local shops guide.

Return to the Cabin

Children may enjoy time at the cabin more than another scheduled stop. Allow time for dinner, games, a campfire where permitted or simply relaxing together before the drive home.

Dinner and Your Final Evening

After the trails close, have dinner and return to your cabin. Save the route before leaving because cell service can be unreliable, and remember that driving takes longer on narrow roads after dark.

Find dinner options in the Hocking Hills region.

Find cabins and lodging in the Hocking Hills.