Over 10,000 acres of ancient gorges, thundering waterfalls, and hidden caves carved by millions of years of wind and water. Welcome to Hocking Hills.
Each trail reveals a different chapter of Ohio's most dramatic landscape — from towering waterfalls to hidden rock chambers.
Flowing right through the heart of Hocking Hills State Park, Queer Creek is the stream that carved the gorges and feeds Cedar Falls — one of the most photographed waterfalls in Ohio. The name dates to the early 1800s, when settlers found the creek's sharp bends and shifting course "queer" (meaning unusual). The Gorge Trail between Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls follows the creek closely, and it's one of the park's most beautiful routes.
Today, Queer Creek is embraced as a point of pride by the LGBTQ+ community and allies — and everyone is welcome to hike its banks, photograph its falls, and enjoy the stunning gorge it created. It's nature's reminder that the things that are "different" often turn out to be the most beautiful.
Learn the HistoryJust north of Hocking Hills and often overlooked, Clear Creek is roughly double the size of the state park. Where prairies of the west meet Appalachian forests of the east, you'll find Ohio's last remaining colonies of rhododendron alongside towering hemlocks and ancient sandstone cliffs — often without another soul in sight.
The majority of restaurants and shops in Hocking Hills are locally owned — every plate is a home-grown trip for your palate.
Restaurant, winery, brewery, and distillery all under one roof in downtown Logan. Elevated comfort food — from fried green tomato BLTs to dry-aged steaks — paired with house-made wines and a killer smoked Old Fashioned.
Casual fine dining inside original 1840s log cabins on the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls property. Watch your meal come to life in the open kitchen while surrounded by the quiet of the forest.
A multi-course prix fixe dining experience on a 140-acre wooded estate. Six courses, first-class service, and on select evenings, a bagpiper in full kilt. Reservations required.
Southern smoked barbecue with meats smoked on-site for 15–17 hours. Full-service bar, live local music on weekends, and locals swear by the cornbread "crack" muffins.
Ranked #1 restaurant in Logan on TripAdvisor and named "Best Pizzeria in Ohio." Columbus-style pies cut into squares, plus subs, pasta, and draft beer in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
A fully woman-owned gem offering premium locally roasted, fair-trade organic coffee, breakfast, lunch, and a vintage-vibe souvenir shop. The perfect pit stop before or after the trails.
Independent wine shop in downtown Logan next to the historic Logan Theater. Bottles from around the globe, a tasting bar, and wine classes hosted by a certified wine professional.
The first world-class zipline canopy tour in the Midwest. Award-winning courses from family-friendly DragonFly to the SuperZip at speeds up to 50 mph over caves and waterfalls.
Dedicated to sharing the wonders of the sky with visitors. One of the best spots in Ohio for stargazing with regular Friday and Saturday evening programs for all ages.
Housed in the historic Kull building (1918) just off Rt 33 between Lancaster and Logan. Vintage antiques, ephemera, Coca-Cola collectibles, signs, vending machines, records, postcards, books, and more.
A few tips to make the most of your time in the hills.
All park areas use one-way trail systems. Stay on marked trails at all times — the terrain can be dangerous. No swimming in waterfalls, creeks, or ponds.
The park is open dawn to dusk year-round. Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Winter brings stunning ice formations and far fewer visitors.
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in the gorges. Download trail maps and the OuterSpatial Ohio app before you arrive.
Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets on leash are permitted on most trails. Exception: Conkle's Hollow does not allow pets.
Cabins with hot tubs, campgrounds under the stars, or a cozy lodge — find your perfect basecamp in the hills.
Find Lodging