Over 10,000 acres of ancient gorges, thundering waterfalls, and hidden caves carved by millions of years of wind and water. Welcome to Hocking Hills.
Each trail reveals a different chapter of Ohio's most dramatic landscape — from towering waterfalls to hidden rock chambers.
Flowing right through the heart of Hocking Hills State Park, Queer Creek is the stream that carved the gorges and feeds Cedar Falls — one of the most photographed waterfalls in Ohio. The name dates to the early 1800s, when settlers found the creek's sharp bends and shifting course "queer" (meaning unusual). The Gorge Trail between Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls follows the creek closely, and it's one of the park's most beautiful routes.
Today, Queer Creek is embraced as a point of pride by the LGBTQ+ community and allies — and everyone is welcome to hike its banks, photograph its falls, and enjoy the stunning gorge it created. It's nature's reminder that the things that are "different" often turn out to be the most beautiful.
Learn the HistoryJust north of Hocking Hills and often overlooked, Clear Creek is roughly double the size of the state park. Where prairies of the west meet Appalachian forests of the east, you'll find Ohio's last remaining colonies of rhododendron alongside towering hemlocks and ancient sandstone cliffs — often without another soul in sight.
The majority of restaurants and shops in Hocking Hills are locally owned — every plate is a home-grown trip for your palate.
Restaurant, winery, brewery, and distillery all under one roof in downtown Logan. Elevated comfort food — from fried green tomato BLTs to dry-aged steaks — paired with house-made wines and a killer smoked Old Fashioned.
Casual fine dining inside original 1840s log cabins on the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls property. Watch your meal come to life in the open kitchen while surrounded by the quiet of the forest.
A multi-course prix fixe dining experience on a 140-acre wooded estate. Six courses, first-class service, and on select evenings, a bagpiper in full kilt. Reservations required.
Southern smoked barbecue with meats smoked on-site for 15–17 hours. Full-service bar, live local music on weekends, and locals swear by the cornbread "crack" muffins.
Ranked #1 restaurant in Logan on TripAdvisor and named "Best Pizzeria in Ohio." Columbus-style pies cut into squares, plus subs, pasta, and draft beer in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Beloved hole-in-the-wall with elevated bar food that punches way above its weight. Fried banana peppers, pierogi apps, and the peanut butter pie is a local legend. Over 1,300 reviews and climbing.
The place locals send tourists when they ask "where should we eat?" Open from 6:15 AM to late, with a massive menu, rock-bottom prices, and the kind of honest cooking that fills every seat in the house.
A Hocking Hills institution with over 6,000 Google reviews. Classic comfort buffet — stuffing, broccoli cheddar bake, fried chicken, and pie that keeps people coming back year after year. Gift shop and activities nearby.
Burgers, wings, and pub food with a twist — there's an ax throwing range on-site. The buffalo meatloaf and Monte Cristo are crowd favorites. Fun cocktails and a casual vibe after a day on the trails.
A sleeper hit inside Hocking Hills Golf Club. Prime rib after 5 PM, massive portions, a gorgeous patio overlooking the course, and a wood bar with an excellent draft selection. Make a reservation.
Independent wine shop in downtown Logan next to the historic Logan Theater. Bottles from around the globe, a tasting bar, and wine classes hosted by a certified wine professional.
Craft beer and mead — one of the few mead producers in the region. A passionate brewmaster, flights that let you taste 10+ options, and a resident cat named Zeus. Reasonable prices and a warm, laid-back atmosphere.
Perfect 5.0 rating with 160+ reviews — and for good reason. Small-batch wines, personalized flights, and a dog-friendly patio. Visitors regularly leave with half a case. Open Friday through Sunday.
Wine slushies are the signature move here — dangerously delicious. Great pizza too. Flights, outdoor seating with views, and a relaxed post-hike vibe that's hard to beat. Over 700 reviews.
Gorgeous vineyard south of the park with charcuterie, wine flights, and a dog-friendly patio. Diverse selection from sweet to dry, plus on-site cabin rentals. The kind of place you stumble on and never forget.
A fully woman-owned gem offering premium locally roasted, fair-trade organic coffee, breakfast, lunch, and a vintage-vibe souvenir shop. The perfect pit stop before or after the trails.
Italian ice with an impossibly smooth texture — plus sugar-free options, locally roasted coffee, and baked goods from local bakers. A tiny downtown gem with a loyal following and sunny energy.
Ice cream, miniature golf, and a petting zoo with pygmy goats and exotic deer — all in one family-friendly stop. Grab a cone, putt through the woods, and let the kids pet some goats.
Build your own froyo bowl from 10+ flavors and 20+ toppings, plus Sibs Boba Bar under the same roof. Family-owned, colorful, and right on Main Street with a big outdoor patio for summer days.
The first world-class zipline canopy tour in the Midwest. Award-winning courses from family-friendly DragonFly to the SuperZip at speeds up to 50 mph over caves and waterfalls.
Dedicated to sharing the wonders of the sky with visitors. One of the best spots in Ohio for stargazing with regular Friday and Saturday evening programs for all ages.
Perfect 5-star rating across 330+ reviews. Rock climbing, rappelling off sandstone cliffs, and guided ecotours where you learn to identify native plants along the way. Beginners welcome.
Kayak and canoe trips on the Hocking River with 1,100+ glowing reviews. Owner Aaron is a local legend — expect great conversation on the ride to the put-in spot. Easy online booking and gear provided.
Trail rides up to 3 hours through the forest to Crystal Falls. Rescue horses, incredible guides, and a genuine love for the animals that shows. Arrive early to help groom and tack up. Thu–Sun only.
Housed in the historic Kull building (1918) just off Rt 33 between Lancaster and Logan. Vintage antiques, ephemera, Coca-Cola collectibles, signs, vending machines, records, postcards, books, and more.
The last washboard manufacturer in the United States. Factory tours, musical washboards, local products, and Shorty's Ice Cream Parlor inside. An only-in-Ohio kind of stop you won't find anywhere else.
A unique selection of USA-made wind chimes, plus the Hocking Hills Candle Co next door where you can make your own scented candle. Year-round Christmas shop downstairs. A local favorite for gifts.
Beautifully handcrafted products from artisans around the globe. Each purchase tells a story and supports the communities that made it. Positive quotes on the walls, a prayer corner, and truly one-of-a-kind finds.
A sprawling flea market with local vendors, handmade crafts, and an outdoor weekend market. Warning: people regularly lose entire afternoons here. Over 1,600 reviews. Right off US-33 in Rockbridge.
A cozy plant shop with a wide variety of houseplants, succulents, pots, and planty décor — plus resident cats that keep you company while you browse. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and will teach you how to care for everything you take home. Open Wed–Sat.
A beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Logan hosting community events, children's choir and dance programs, private bookings, and — yes — an annual Bigfoot conference.
A few tips to make the most of your time in the hills.
All park areas use one-way trail systems. Stay on marked trails at all times — the terrain can be dangerous. No swimming in waterfalls, creeks, or ponds.
The park is open dawn to dusk year-round. Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Winter brings stunning ice formations and far fewer visitors.
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in the gorges. Download trail maps and the OuterSpatial Ohio app before you arrive.
Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets on leash are permitted on most trails. Exception: Conkle's Hollow does not allow pets.
Cabins with hot tubs, campgrounds under the stars, or a cozy lodge — find your perfect basecamp in the hills.
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