Hocking Hills Events Calendar 2026

Hocking Hills runs a year-round calendar of free hikes, festivals, train rides, and seasonal celebrations. Several 2026 events carry the America 250 designation, marking the nation's semiquincentennial. Here is every major event confirmed or expected for the year.

January

60th Annual Winter Hike — January 17, 2026 (confirmed, America 250 event). The signature event of the Hocking Hills calendar. A free, 6-mile hike from Old Man's Cave through Cedar Falls to Ash Cave along the Grandma Gatewood Trail. Continuous starts from 9:00–11:00 AM. Over 5,000 hikers participate annually. The Logan Kiwanis Club serves famous bean soup and cornbread at Cedar Falls; the Lions Club provides hot chocolate at Ash Cave. Shuttle buses return hikers from Ash Cave to Old Man's Cave. Limited-edition decal for participants. Started in 1967 — only two cancellations in history (Blizzard of 1978 and COVID). Microspikes or Yaktrax and trekking poles strongly recommended.

9th Annual Logan Frozen Festival — January 17, 2026. Runs concurrently with the Winter Hike on Main Street in downtown Logan. Ice sculptures (also placed at Cedar Falls and Ash Cave), live ice sculpting demonstrations, ice throne photo op, live entertainment, food vendors. Free admission. Shuttle buses connect Ash Cave finishers to downtown.

Spring

Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike — late April 2026 (exact date TBA). A free, ODNR naturalist-led guided hike searching for spring wildflowers — trillium, Dutchman's breeches, Virginia bluebells — while visiting waterfalls at peak flow. Typically runs during the last week of April. Check the ODNR events page for the confirmed date.

Grandma Gatewood Virtual Challenge — April–May 2026. Organized by the Ohio State Parks Foundation. $35 registration. Log miles on any Ohio trail to earn commemorative finisher items. Register at ohiostateparksfoundation.org.

Birds in the Hills Festival — May 2026 (exact date TBA). Organized by Rural Action and the Ohio Ornithological Society. Guided birding walks at Clear Creek Metro Park and surrounding sites during peak spring migration. Free or low cost.

Summer

Nelsonville Music Festival — June 18–20, 2026. The 19th annual festival at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville. Multi-genre lineup. One of the region's premier cultural events.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway — Memorial Day through September. Regular East Logan round-trip train rides every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM from Nelsonville. $22 adults, $17 children 3–12. Special themed rides include the Pizza Express ($38), Ohio's Friendliest Train Robbery ($27), and Fireworks Express on July 4th.

Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival — August 14–15, 2026. Vinton County Fairgrounds, McArthur, OH. Free admission beyond a $10/day vehicle parking pass. Bigfoot presentations, live music, vendors, food, night hikes and ghost hunts led by Jannette Quackenbush (suggested donation: adults $5, under 18 $3). On-site camping available.

John Glenn Astronomy Park — Perseid meteor shower viewing, August 2026. Free programs on clear Friday/Saturday nights March–November. The Perseids in August are consistently the most popular event. Register for free parking at registration.jgap.org.

Fall

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Rides — all October + November 1. Expanded schedule: Thursday–Sunday with weekday departures at 1:00 PM, weekend departures at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The most popular season for the railway. Book early — fall rides sell out.

Nelsonville Bigfoot Festival — October 2–4, 2026 (NEW for 2026). A brand-new, separately organized Bigfoot festival on Nelsonville Public Square. Created by the Bigfoot Educational Group Nelsonville to maintain a Bigfoot event closer to the Hocking Hills core area. First year — details emerging.

Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike — October 10, 2026 (confirmed, America 250 event). Free, staff-led, 6-mile hike starting at Old Man's Cave Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. Rated difficult. 3–4 hours. Follows the Grandma Gatewood Trail to Ash Cave.

Conkle's Hollow Fall Open House — October 24, 2026 (America 250 event). Annual open house at the nature preserve. Guided walks, naturalist talks.

Moonville Tunnel Haunted Hikes — Fridays & Saturdays, September–October. Led by folklorist Jannette Quackenbush. Free (tips accepted). 3-mile nighttime ghost hunt through an 1856 railroad tunnel. Waivers at 21crows.com.

Winter Holidays

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Trains — Thursdays & Saturdays through December 21. A nearly 50-year tradition. Fully decorated train with Santa visit. $26/person all ages. Books out fast.

Christmas in Ash Cave — December 12, 2026 (expected — typically 2nd Saturday of December). Free. 5:00–7:00 PM. Unguided lantern-lit walk along the paved trail to Ash Cave. Campfire, carolers, old-fashioned Santa, wildlife Christmas tree decorating, hot chocolate, cookies. Wheelchair accessible (paved trail). Pet-friendly (leashed).

New Year's Eve Fireworks Express — December 31, 2026. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Train ride to Thunder in the Valley fireworks. $38/person.