October in Hocking Hills isn't just foliage — the region runs a full calendar of Halloween events, from family-friendly campground trick-or-treats to guided ghost hunts in abandoned tunnels. Here's what's confirmed for 2026.
Confirmed October 2026 events
Halloween Campout at Hocking Hills State Park
The state park's annual campground Halloween celebration — trick-or-treating through decorated campsites, pumpkin carving, hayrides, costume contests, ghost stories, and ghostly movies. Typically a late-October weekend (confirm exact dates via the park office at 740-385-6842 or explorehockinghills.com). Free to registered campers; reserve sites on ReserveOhio well ahead.
Pine Creek Trick or Treat Bash
October 23–25 at Pine Creek Cabin & Camping Resort, 23937 Big Pine Road, South Bloomingville. Decorate your site or cabin, trick-or-treat, haunted games, and live music by Jamie Bright at the pavilion. A high-energy, family-friendly Halloween weekend.
Midnight at Moonville / Night Hikes & Ghost Hunts
The Vinton County CVB's annual October event at the Moonville Tunnel in Zaleski State Forest. Folklorist Jannette Quackenbush leads guided night hikes along the rail trail from Moonville to Ingham Station, sharing documented folklore, then brings ghost-hunting equipment for tunnel investigations. Check visitvintoncounty.org for 2026 dates.
Grandma Gatewood Fall Hike
October 10, 2026 — free, ranger-led, 6-mile hike from Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls honoring Emma "Grandma" Gatewood. Rated difficult. Peak foliage timing. Refreshments at Cedar Falls; shuttle back to the start. Dress in layers, wear proper boots.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Trains
Special foliage excursions on select dates throughout October from Nelsonville, some pulled by the 1920 coal-fired steam locomotive. The route follows the Hocking River through a canopy that peaks mid-month. Reservations required — check hvsry.org for 2026 schedule.
John Glenn Astronomy Park October Programs
Free public programs every Friday and Saturday night through November. October offers some of the year's clearest skies, early darkness, and the Orionid meteor shower (peaks ~Oct 21). Register for a parking pass at registration.jgap.org — 70-car capacity.
Worth watching for
The Explore Hocking Hills events calendar updates through the fall. Past years have included Robbins Crossing Haunted Village at Hocking College, Brewery 33 Oktoberfest, and pop-up events at local wineries. The Hocking Hills Medieval Fest has also appeared on the fall calendar. Check back in late September for the final October lineup.
Planning a private Halloween event?
The region's event venues host Halloween-themed gatherings in barns, lodges, and fantasy-themed settings. Nature Mystique's hobbit homes and Ravenwood Castle need zero decoration. The Haven at Cedar Grove's 250-person venue plus six cabins works for a full Halloween weekend buyout. Get a free venue quote.
Find your Halloween cabin
Bonfires, ghost stories, and peak foliage. Lock in the dates before they're gone.
Find a cabin for your October trip →Frequently Asked Questions
What Halloween events happen in Hocking Hills?
The state park's Halloween Campout (trick-or-treating, hayrides, ghost stories), Pine Creek Trick or Treat Bash (Oct 23–25), Moonville Tunnel night hikes and ghost hunts, Grandma Gatewood Fall Hike (Oct 10), fall foliage trains, and JGAP stargazing. Check explorehockinghills.com for the full calendar.
Is the Moonville Tunnel open for Halloween events?
Yes — the Vinton County CVB hosts Midnight at Moonville and guided ghost hunts with folklorist Jannette Quackenbush each October. The tunnel itself is accessible year-round via a short hike on the Moonville Rail Trail in Zaleski State Forest.
When should I book an October Hocking Hills trip?
Six to twelve months ahead for foliage-weekend cabins (mid-October Saturdays). Midweek stays and late October dates are easier to find closer in. Halloween weekend events at campgrounds and resorts also book fast.