Hocking Hills truly is a great place to take the family. Yes, Hocking Hills is kid-friendly. No, you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy. Seriously! Check out my tips and tricks below – what hikes are kid-friendly and what hikes you should avoid.Ā
There are tons of other adventures too! Try zip lines, archery and spend time fishing at Lake Logan State Park.Ā
What to know before you go to Hocking Hills
š±Cell service is VERY limited in the region. We have Verizon and there wasn’t a reliable signal most of the weekend. So, plan to get off the grid and enjoy!
ā ļø Good news, the main attractions are really well marked with turn by turn signs and milage indicators. Since cell service is very limited and I live by directions from my phone, I was worried about finding places. But we got everywhere just fine!Ā
š All trails have a parking lot that is very well marked. For the most part, there were bathrooms and picnic tables at each place, perfect for a picnic.
š„¾ Before you go, download the Hocking Hills App (iPhone & Android) for trail info & offline hiking maps, weather reports & more.Ā
š¶ Most of the trails are pet friendly, with the exception of Conkels Hollow Nature Preserve. But, there are a few hikes, which I note below, that I would not bring my dog who tends to pull and get excited
š¦ Trails are crowded mid-day, so get out first thing in the morning or late afternoon or go during the week. Click here for Hocking Hills Hiking Maps.
See this Google Map below to get a sense of where all the trails are. I would suggest pairing Ash Cave with Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls. Then hit Conkles Hollow and Rock House the next day.
>> Kid-Friendly Hikes in Hocking Hills
I’ll say it again…Yes, Hocking Hills is kid-friendly and no, you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy. Seriously! My first clue, we ‘hiked’ behind a stroller on one of the trails that was paved. High-fives to that mama! Also, someone behind us was on crutches for the Old Man’s trail hike. Totally BA, lady! š
See below for kid-friendly hikes. And for ones you should do if you have older kids or get away without the littles!Ā
Ash Cave Trail in Hocking Hills
To get there: Just follow the road signs for Ash Cave and park in the parking lot across the street.
Trail details for Ash Cave: This trail is a quick one with a PAVED path for the part as you walk to the cave, we walked behind someone pushing a stroller. The cave is STUNNING! This is a MUST visit and can be done in 45mins or less. My kids loved to play in the sand inside the cave overhang and climb the rocks inside. They ran through the waterfall, which is obviously seasonal. Visit in winter too – a friend showed me a picture in the winter of the frozen ‘pile’ of water and it sealed the deal. We will go back in the winter!
Old Man's Cave Trail in Hocking Hills
To get there: Just follow the road signs for Old Man’s Cave and park in the parking lot. It’s located right next to the Hocking Hills State Park campsite. And you can actually hike a trail from the RV and tent sites that will lead you to the trail entrance. But, the hike back is a steady, long climb!
Trail details for Old Man’s Cave: This trail is so unique with something amazing to see at every turn. There are waterfalls, ‘devils bathtub’ and small rock caves to climb in, unique bridges and steps cut out of the rocks. This trail can be done in about an hour or less and is kid-friendly, but stay close because there are a few places where holding littles hands is necessary.Ā
Conkels Hollow Nature Preserve in Hocking Hills
**Note, not pets are allowed on these trails.
To get there: Just follow the road signs for Conkels Hollow Nature Preserve and park in the lot.Ā
Trail details for Conkels Hollow: If you have kids, stick to the Gorge trail. It’s a mostly flat, 1 mile trail that ends at a waterfall. The Rim trail is much more difficult and not recommended for kids.Ā
Cedar Falls Trail in Hocking Hills
To get there: Just follow the road signs for Cedar Falls and park in the lot. It’s a small lot, so expect it to be full. If your crew can endure a longer hike, connect from Ash Cave upper gorge (walk up the stairs and turn left at the top – there is sign.) It’s about an additional 2.5 miles to get there.Ā
Trail details for Cedar Falls:Ā A 1/2-mile hike, ending at a beautiful waterfall – the largest in volume in all of Hocking Hills. The hike is moderate and takes about 30 minutes. There are several stairs to climb down & up.
>> Not so Kid-Friendly Hikes in Hocking Hills
These trails are worth if if you can get away without the littles! It truly feels like another world in Hocking Hills!
Rock House Trail in Hocking Hills
**This one is borderline kid-friendly. See my notes below.
To get there: Just follow the road signs for Rock House and park in the lot.Ā
Trail details for Rock House: I would not take my 4 year old on this hike, but I think my 7 & 9 year old could handle it. If you have older kids that are smart hikers, they will LOVE this! Rock House is the only fully enclosed cave in Hocking Hills. It’s stunning and worth the trip. Although this trail allows dogs, I would not take my dog because she pulls and there are too many places to slip!Ā
STEEP cliff warning: There are stairs after the rock house cave that go down to another small waterfall and cave overhang. The stairs have a STEEP cliff off the side and there is no railing, so watch the kids here! See the picture above.Ā
Cantwell Cliff Trail in Hocking Hills
To get there: Just follow the road signs for Cantwell Cliffs and park in the lot.Ā
Trail details for Cantwell Cliffs: The 1 mile hike starts with something called ‘fat woman squeeze’ which is a skinny set of stairs carved into the rock to enter the cave, pictured below. If you are claustrophobic, this might be too intense for you. This hike is very unique and strenuous at times with significant elevation changes and ends with a steady climb back up.Ā
where to stay in Hocking Hills
There are so many choices for cabins and camping in Hocking Hills, it can be overwhelming. We stayed at the Hocking Hills State Campground since we were traveling with a camper. If you’re looking for cabins, I’ve heard great things about:
Cherry Ridge Retreat in Hocking Hills
The Lodges at Cedar Falls
Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins
Dunlap Hollow, a gorgeous Aframe!
A great place to start is the Hocking Hills Tourism Association page. You can search for available places to stay in Hocking Hills all in one place.Ā
