Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Hayrides in Hocking County

Hocking County and the surrounding area have a scattering of farms that open for fall activities each year — pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and U-pick operations. These make a good half-day activity paired with a morning hike or an afternoon at the cabin.

What to Expect

Fall farm activities in rural southeast Ohio tend to be small-scale, family-run operations. Don't expect the massive commercial pumpkin farms you'd find outside Columbus or Dayton. What you get instead is genuine working farms that open their fields for a few weekends each fall — less polished, more authentic, and often less crowded.

Most operations run weekends only from late September through October. Hours, pricing, and available activities can change year to year. Call ahead or check Facebook pages (many small farms don't maintain formal websites) to confirm they're open before driving out.

Finding Local Farms

The Hocking Hills Tourism Association and Explore Hocking Hills maintain event listings that include farm activities. Local farms in the Logan, Rockbridge, and Laurelville areas periodically open for pumpkin picking and hayrides during October. The Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival in Laurelville (September 18–20, 2026) combines artisan glass pumpkins with a festive fall atmosphere and makes a good early-season outing.

For larger, more structured operations, look to the farms between Hocking Hills and Lancaster or Circleville — both within 30–45 minutes. Pickaway County (home of the Circleville Pumpkin Show) has several established pumpkin farms with corn mazes, hayrides, and pick-your-own fields.

Tips for Families

Dress for mud — farm fields in October are not dry, especially after rain. Boots or waterproof shoes for everyone. Bring cash — some small farm operations don't accept cards. Arrive early on weekend mornings to avoid the afternoon rush. And bring a bag or crate for your pumpkins — not every farm provides them.

Pairing with Hocking Hills

A fall family day: morning hike at Ash Cave (flat, paved, easy for kids), pumpkin patch or corn maze in the early afternoon, back to the cabin for pumpkin carving and a fire pit evening. It's the kind of low-key October day that kids remember.