Hocking Hills has events throughout the year — from the massive January Winter Hike to intimate stargazing programs on summer Friday nights. Here's the annual calendar so you can plan around something special.
January
Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike (3rd Saturday) — The region's signature event. A 6-mile guided hike from Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave, with hot bean soup and cornbread at the midway point (Kiwanis Club) and hot chocolate and doughnuts at the finish (Lions Club). Continuous starts 9-11 AM. Free. Started in 1967, inspired by Grandma Gatewood. Draws 5,000+ hikers annually. Dress warmly, bring traction footwear.
March – November
John Glenn Astronomy Park Programs (clear Friday and Saturday nights) — Free guided stargazing starting 30 minutes after sunset. 28-inch telescope, constellation tours, volunteer astronomers. Free parking pass required (registration.jgap.org). Weather-dependent — check jgap.info by noon day-of.
April
Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike (during peak bloom, typically late April) — Free, staff-led hikes at various trailheads (Ash Cave, Rose Lake, Cedar Falls, Whispering Cave). Weekdays, 10 AM. Guided by park naturalists who identify wildflower species along the trail. Peak bloom is late April to early May depending on weather.
Easter Bunny Train — Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Family-friendly spring ride with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Reservations recommended.
May – October
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Regular Season — Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day weekend through October. Most trains include a stop at Robbins Crossing Historical Village. Steam specials on select dates. Departs Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St.
Tubing Season (Memorial Day – Labor Day) — River tubing on the Hocking River through both outfitters.
June
Tube-A-Rama — Annual multi-day tubing event on the Hocking River hosted by Adventure Pro Outdoors. Hundreds of tubers per day.
August
Mega Tube Float — The biggest tubing event of the year. Multi-day festival on the Hocking River. Adventure Pro Outdoors.
Ohio's Friendliest Train Robbery — Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Interactive ride where bandits on horseback hold up the train. Family-friendly and theatrical.
September
Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival — Live glassblowing demonstrations, rows of handmade glass pumpkins, and limited-edition designs at Jack Pine Studio.
October
Fall Foliage Trains — Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's most popular rides. Thursday-Sunday throughout October and into early November. Departures at 1 PM (Thu/Fri) and 11 AM + 2:30 PM (Sat/Sun). Book well in advance.
Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike — Annual ranger-led walk celebrating the legacy of Emma Gatewood amid peak foliage.
Halloween Train — Scenic Railway. Costumes encouraged. Treats available. All ages.
Nelsonville Final Fridays — Monthly on the Historic Public Square with vendors, art openings, live performances (year-round).
November – December
Santa Train — A nearly 50-year tradition on the Scenic Railway. Decorated train, visit from Santa. One of the most popular rides of the year.
December 31
New Year's Eve Train — Ring in the new year aboard the Scenic Railway with pizza, pop, or wine and cheese. Stops at midnight for fireworks. Reservations required.
Planning tip: The Winter Hike and Fall Foliage Trains are the two events that sell out or draw the largest crowds. For the Winter Hike, book lodging months ahead and arrive early for parking. For Fall Foliage Trains, buy tickets as soon as they're available — October weekends go fast.
Pick Your Event, Book Your Stay
Every month has something worth planning around. Secure your cabin early for popular events.
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