Fall in Hocking County runs from September's county fair through November's last autumn leaves, with festivals, hikes, train rides, and harvest events stacked throughout the season. Here's what's happening in 2026.
September
Hocking County Fair (starts September 14): The county fair kicks off fall on the first Monday after Labor Day. A classic small-town fair with livestock shows, demolition derby, tractor pulls, carnival rides, fair food, and craft exhibits at the Hocking County Fairgrounds in Logan.
Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival (September 18–20, Laurelville): Thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins fill the Jack Pine Studio grounds. Watch live glassblowing demonstrations, browse work from regional artists, enjoy food trucks and live music. Admission is free.
October
Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike (October 10): A free, ranger-led 6-mile hike from Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls and back on the Grandma Gatewood Memorial Trail. Starts at 9 AM at the Old Man's Cave Visitor Center. Rated difficult — this is a strenuous, fast-paced hike honoring Ohio's most famous hiking pioneer. Plan to arrive early for parking.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Trains (October 1 – November 1): The HVSR expands to Thursday through Sunday service for foliage season. The two-hour round trip from Nelsonville follows the Hocking River through peak fall color. Thursday and Friday departures at 1 PM; Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM and 2:30 PM. Adults approximately $20, children approximately $15. Book in advance — these sell out during peak color.
HVSR Halloween Trains (October 23, 24, 30, 31): Themed Halloween train rides from Nelsonville. Costumes encouraged. The October 31 ride departs at 6 PM for a twilight run through the forest.
Circleville Pumpkin Show (October 21–24): About 45 minutes northwest of Hocking Hills. Ohio's largest pumpkin festival, running since 1903, draws over 400,000 visitors across four days. Giant pumpkin weigh-in, parades (including the Ohio State Marching Band), pumpkin food booths (pumpkin donuts, pumpkin burgers, pumpkin fudge — everything is pumpkin), amusement rides, and contests. Free admission. Plan for crowds and limited parking — shuttle services run from outlying lots.
Brewery 33 Oktoberfest (Logan): Hocking County's craft brewery hosts its annual fall celebration with seasonal brews, German-inspired food, and live music.
Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Association Fall Show: Annual art and craft show on SR 664, free admission, with lunch available. A good stop on the way to or from the trails.
November
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway continues through November 1. The final foliage train of the season. Late October and early November color is muted but the leaf-carpeted corridor along the Hocking River has its own quiet beauty.
Taurid Meteor Showers (peaks November 5–12): Not a ticketed event, but worth noting. The Northern Taurids peak November 11–12 under nearly dark skies (7% moon) — the best fireball viewing conditions in a decade. John Glenn Astronomy Park, about a mile from Old Man's Cave, offers free programs most Friday and Saturday nights.
Plan Ahead
Fall is peak season in Hocking Hills. Cabin accommodations book months in advance for October weekends. If your visit coincides with the Grandma Gatewood hike (October 10) or the Pumpkin Show (October 21–24), expect heavier-than-usual traffic in the region. Midweek visits avoid the worst of the crowds.
