Where to Stay for a Two-Day Hocking Hills Trip

A two-day itinerary is easier when you stay near the park rather than driving home after each day. Cabin locations vary considerably, so choose one based on the areas you plan to visit.

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, including choices convenient to Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls. Check the location of each cabin before reserving so you can choose the one best suited to your route.

Cabins Convenient to Ash Cave and the Southern Hocking Hills

Eagle’s Nest Cabin is a secluded cabin 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 driving time when traveling to Old Man’s Cave, Rock House and Conkle’s Hollow.

See the complete Hocking Hills cabin and lodging guide.

Day One: Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave

Your first day follows the classic Hocking Hills route through three of the best-known park areas. Begin early at Old Man’s Cave, continue to Cedar Falls and finish the hiking portion of the day at Ash Cave.

See the complete first-day itinerary with driving directions, trail information, lunch suggestions and a snack stop.

Morning: Begin Day Two at Rock House

Begin the second day at Rock House, the only true cave among the seven major Hocking Hills State Park hiking areas. The trail leads through a narrow sandstone corridor with window-like openings overlooking the forest.

The main loop is approximately 0.6 mile, with an additional walk required depending on where you park. Expect stone steps, uneven footing and a noticeable climb on the return.

Arriving early is especially helpful on weekends because the parking areas can fill quickly.

See the Rock House trail guide, map and route information.

Late Morning: Conkle’s Hollow

From Rock House, continue toward 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 upper rim trail is much more difficult and includes steep climbs, exposed cliff edges and rugged terrain. First-time visitors who are also visiting several other areas during this two-day trip may prefer the lower gorge trail.

See the Conkle’s Hollow trail guide and information about the lower gorge and upper rim trails.

Optional Stop: Butterfly Ridge

Butterfly Ridge Butterfly Conservation Center is located along State Route 374 between Conkle’s Hollow and Rock House. During its seasonal operating period, it makes a convenient stop while exploring this part of the Hocking Hills. Check current hours and availability before visiting.

Looking for a Longer Hike?

Rock House and Conkle’s Hollow are surrounded by several longer trails and connecting routes through Hocking State Forest. Visitors who want to spend more of the day hiking will find detailed directions, distances, maps and step-by-step route information for these extended hikes in the Hocking Hills Hiking Trail Guidebook.

Lunch Near Conkle’s Hollow or Logan

Stop for lunch after Conkle’s Hollow. Restaurants are scattered throughout the region, and several are located along the routes toward Logan, Laurelville and State Route 664.

See the Hocking Hills restaurants and dining guide.

Afternoon: Choose One More Experience

After five major hiking areas in two days, most visitors will enjoy choosing one afternoon activity rather than adding another strenuous trail.

Visit a Local Attraction

Choose from glassblowing, miniature golf, farm experiences, astronomy, museums, scenic train rides and other regional attractions.

See Hocking Hills attractions and things to do.

Shop Along the Backroads

Browse local books, gifts, antiques, souvenirs, country stores and unusual backroad shops near Rockbridge, Logan, Ash Cave, Zaleski and other parts of the region.

See the Hocking Hills shopping and local shops guide.

Add Another Short Hike

Visitors who still have time and energy could add Cantwell Cliffs, although its steep steps and rugged trail make it one of the more difficult major park areas. It should not be treated as a quick roadside stop.

See the Cantwell Cliffs trail guide before deciding whether to add it.

Optional Evening: John Glenn Astronomy Park

When programs, weather and visibility permit, finish your getaway at John Glenn Astronomy Park near Old Man’s Cave. Evening programs and telescope viewing may require advance registration, so check the current schedule before planning your visit.

Check the John Glenn Astronomy Park schedule and visitor information.

Dinner and a Final Night at Your Cabin

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

Find dinner options in the Hocking Hills region.

Find cabins and lodging in the Hocking Hills.