Hocking Hills State Park is about 60 miles southeast of Columbus — roughly one hour via US-33 East to Logan, then OH-664 South into the park. It's one of the best day trips from the Columbus metro area, and with the right plan, you can see three or four major areas without feeling rushed.
Before You Leave Columbus
Download offline maps. Cell service drops out once you're in the hills. Don't rely on your phone for navigation or communication once you leave Logan. Google Maps, AllTrails, and the Hocking Hills State Park App all support offline downloads.
Pack a cooler. There are no restaurants inside the state park. Bring water (more than you think), trail snacks, and a picnic lunch. Throw in a blanket — every trailhead has picnic areas with tables and grills.
Wear the right shoes. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with grip. The sandstone stairways get slippery, especially after rain. Trail runners work on dry days; waterproof boots are better in spring.
Leave early. Aim to depart Columbus by 7 AM to arrive at the first trailhead by 8 AM. This gives you the best parking, coolest temperatures, and emptiest trails.
The Route
Take US-33 East from Columbus through Lancaster to Logan (about 50 minutes). In Logan, turn south on OH-664 — the main road into the park. You'll pass the Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium (good grab-and-go breakfast) on the way to the trailheads. The drive from Logan to Old Man's Cave is about 15 minutes on a winding two-lane road.
Recommended Itinerary
8:00 AM — Ash Cave: Start here. Flat, paved, 40 minutes. The most dramatic opening act in the park. You'll be the first ones at the 700-foot-wide cave.
9:00 AM — Cedar Falls: 5-minute drive. Stairs down to the park's biggest waterfall. 40 minutes. Modern restrooms at the smaller lot.
10:15 AM — Old Man's Cave: The signature hike. 60-90 minutes through the gorge. Arrive before the parking lot fills. Visitor center for restrooms and information.
Noon — Picnic lunch at Old Man's Cave picnic area, or drive 15 minutes to Logan for a sit-down meal at The Feed, 58 West, or the Hocking Hills Diner.
1:30 PM — Afternoon choice: Rock House (45 min, the only true cave), Conkle's Hollow Rim Trail (1.5 hrs, the best overlook), or skip the fourth hike and head to Hocking Hills Winery or Brewery 33 for a tasting.
3:30-4:00 PM — Head home. You'll be back in Columbus by 5 PM, tired but satisfied.
Weekend vs. weekday: If you can swing a weekday, do it. Weekend parking at Old Man's Cave can be a nightmare by mid-morning. Weekday visitors get the same trails with a fraction of the people.
If You Want to Extend
A day trip works, but Hocking Hills rewards a longer stay. If the day trip hooks you — and it will — come back for a weekend. Cabin rates from Sunday through Thursday are significantly cheaper than weekends, and the trails are emptier. One hour from your couch to a hot tub in the woods is hard to beat.
Turn Your Day Trip into a Weekend
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