Hocking Hills Vacation Planning

Bar at the Inn at Cedar Falls

To get started with your vacation planning and find the best way to explore the Hocking HIlls, contact the Hocking Hills Tourism Association at 1-800-HOCKING to order the Visitors’ Guide. Or visit their web site at ExploreHockingHills.com. Hockinghills.com is another source of very good information.

Then visit the Friends of the Hocking Hills and the Tourism Association’s events to find out what’s going on in the Hocking Hills

Finally, ask us! We have an unlimited supply of opinions and ideas about exploring the Hocking Hills.

Biking

Many brave souls bike through the Hocking Hills.  Please note that our roads are hilly and curvy. Let’s be careful out there people.

However, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, is a great alternative. It’s a 17 mile bikeway on the old Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad bed. The north entry point is at Hocking College in Nelsonville and the south entry point is near Ohio University in Athens. Nelsonville is about 45 minutes from Marsh Hollow.

Canoeing

There are several canoe liveries offering trips down the Hocking River. The Hocking Hills Canoe Livery in Logan is closest to Marsh Hollow and several of our guests have enjoyed their trips on the Hocking River. Canoe liveries do not operate during the winter.

Dining

If you don’t feel like cooking during your entire stay at Marsh Hollow, there are plenty of great places to eat in the Hocking Hills. Logan offers many of the national chain restaurants, such as Bob Evans, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Subway, KFC and Dairy Queen (along with many local favorites).

Laurelville is home to the Village Cafe, the Ridge Inn and Mam’s Rusted Skillet, classic small town eateries. Steve’s Pizza is in nearby Adelphi.

And we have now partnered with CookinGenie to offer our guests an easy way to add a fantastic dining experience to their vacation planning: hiring a personal chef. Check out our CookinGenie blog post for the full scoop.

For your convenience, we would like to highlight a few of our favorites for you:

20 minutes or less from Marsh Hollow

  • Crosstown Creamery – Delicious home cooking, and yummy ice cream treats. They serve breakfast all day and have a drive through for pick up orders. You can even order online. Contact them at 740-477-1000. Located in Tarlton, technically this is not the Hocking Hills, but it’s only 20 minutes from Marsh Hollow.
  • Glenlaurel Inn – An absolutely charming Scottish inn. Very fine dining. Reservations at 1-800-809-REST.
  • The Inn at Cedar Falls – still Mary’s favorite place to celebrate her birthday. As the Inn’s web page says “The dining is exquisite but the dress is casual.”  Reservations (required) at 1-800-65-FALLS.
  • JimBo’s Burgers & Beer– You can find Jimbo’s at 23356 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH. Yes, it is somewhat of a biker bar, but it’s also a place to get a great hamburger – big and juicy and is family friendly. Don’t expect to order any imported beer and you’ll be happy with the selection. The jukebox is excellent. Live music on weekends often. Hours vary, so call 1st: 740-332-2337.
  • Papa Dino’s Pizza opened in 2024 and is conveniently located near to Marsh Hollow at 21996 State Route 56, South Bloomingvile OH. It offers a pretty extensive menu. We enjoyed the pizza and plan to return. Papa Dino’s offers outdoor dining and carryout, with a beer cave and wine by the bottle. Hours are currently listed as Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm. We recommend calling to confirm: 740-332-2971.
  • The Ridge Inn is a very good restaurant in Laurelville on Route 56, just across the street from the Apple House. We like that we can bring our own wine to enjoy with dinner – they’ll open it and provide glasses. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. And after 11 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, pick up Jo’s wonderful fluffy, puffy doughnuts. It’s a good idea to place your order as they do run out. Can be extremely busy for breakfast and lunch on the weekends.
  • Steve’s Pizza is located in Adelphi, Laurelville’s sister village, on State Route 180. Steve’s has REALLY good pizza and other delicious food, including gluten free options. It’s our new favorite! Open Tuesday-Saturday, starting at 5 pm.
  • Village Cafe – Open at 6 a.m. daily, we like the Village Cafe in Laurelville for breakfast on Sunday, or any day. Order the home fries. Located on State Route 56. And the Cafe now accepts credit cards. Currently closed on Thursdays.

25 to 40 minutes from Marsh Hollow

  • Home Tavern– Located at 363 Gallagher Ave in Logan, near the Washboard Factory. This is a new favorite for us. Mary particularly likes the country fried steak sandwich. Lots of local meetings, celebrations and card playing takes place here.
  • Millstone BBQ – A wonderful addition to the Hocking Hills restaurant line-up. Absolutely delicious barbeque sandwiches, ribs and more. Mary loves it for the sweet potato fries and sweet cornbread muffins that come with every meal. Entertainment on the weekends in the summer.
  • Na zdravie Vineyard and Winery Naz Winery is located in Hallsville. We had seen the winery sign for several years as we travelled to and from Chillicothe on Route 180, but finally figured out where to turn in Hallsville to get to the winery. This is a beautiful facility, with wine, beer, mixed drinks, fabulous pizza and much more. Currently open only on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Olde Dutch Restaurant – Lots of real good homestyle food, with the emphasis on lots. The buffet is a great value. Try not to overeat but definitely try the fried chicken. It’s the best in the Hills. Located in Logan in Rempel’s Grove on Route 664.
  • Pizza Crossing is located in Logan and is by far our favorite pizza in the Hocking Hills. VERY GOOD!

Here’s a different way to dine (weather permitting): Pack up some cold fried chicken, buttered bread, a couple of apples and some brownies. Hike up the east rim trail at Conkles Hollow and find a comfortable (and safe) spot on the rim. Watch the sun begin to set over the gorge while you nibble.

Fishing

Lake Logan, Rose Lake on State Route 374 and Clear Creek Metro Park (in northern Hocking county) all offer fishing. Boat rental is available at Lake Logan. We rented a pontoon boat one year, took the dog too, and had a great time. By the way Lake Logan has a nice little beach.
Nearby Tar Hollow State Park also features a small lake, with a beach, and boat rental.
Be sure to bring your Ohio fishing license. Apply online at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!

Geocaching

We’ve had a GPS unit for years. Basically, geocaching is using your GPS to find something someone has hidden. For more information, go to Geocaching.com and use zip codes 43135, 43152  or 43138 to locate geocaches close to Marsh Hollow.

By the way, we are the HockingHunters at Geocaching.com.

Golf

Yes, there is golf, both miniature and the real thing, in Hocking county. Try Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove for challenging miniature golf. There’s also a miniature golf course at the Hocking Hills Market on Route 33.

The Hocking Hills Golf Club is a very nice but more conventional (very hilly) golf course located south of Logan. Open year round. Formerly known as The Brass Ring, the club also has a restaurant. We haven’t visited since it’s been under new management.

Hiking

The Hocking Hills State Park hiking trails include six separate natural areas, each with its own trails:

  • Ash Cave – offers a very easy, short trail into the cave (really a rock shelter) as well as a more difficult rim trail. Ash Cave features a waterfall in season or anytime there’s been enough rain. Also connects to Cedar Falls via a 3 mile section of the Buckeye Trail. Located on Route 56.
  • Cantwell Cliffs – a lot of steps, but the cliffs are worth it. Located on Route 374.
  • Cedar Falls –  Connects to Ash Cave via a 3 mile section of the Buckeye Trail and to Old Man’s Cave via another 3 mile section. The 3 mile gorge trail to Old Man’s Cave is breathtaking. Located on Route 374.
  • Lake Logan – although known more for boating, swimming & fishing, the park includes the one-mile Pine Vista Hiking Trail, located across Lake Logan Road from the beach. In addition, the Buckeye Trail runs through the northwest end of the park toward the Hocking State Forest.
  • Old Man’s Cave – the most popular and fun natural area, with lots of water running through it. Highlights include the Devil’s Bathtub, and the Upper and Lower Falls. Connects to Cedar Falls via a 3 mile section of the Buckeye Trail. Also has a Visitors Center. Located on Route 374/664 about 7 miles from Marsh Hollow.
  • Rock House – the only true cave. Walking down into the area is easy, and the cave is great, but the climb out is all uphill. Located on Route 374, about 4 1/2 miles from Marsh Hollow.

While not a part of the Hocking Hills State Park, Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is our favorite destination in the Hocking Hills. The gorge trail is only about 1/2 mile long and ends at the base of a waterfall. The 2 1/2 mile rim trail is spectacular but not suitable for small children as it features high cliffs and no guard rails. We hike this trail every New Year’s Day, unless closed because of ice! Conkles Hollow is located on Big Pine Road, near the intersection with Route 374, about 4 1/2 miles from Marsh Hollow.

Horseback Riding

Spotted Horse Ranch and Hocking Hills Horse Rides are  close to Marsh Hollow. We have also enjoyed several trail rides at Uncle Buck’s.

Becky runs a one-of-a-kind riding stable at Blue Moon Acres, which is also very close to Marsh Hollow. We follow them on Facebook, and they have all very happy guests. Reservations are required for the small private rides. Generally, they do not offer trail rides on Sundays. Closed approximately Thanksgiving to March 1.

Shopping

There are lots of places to shop for antiques and arts & crafts in the Hocking Hills. Contact the Hocking Hills Tourism Association at 1-800-HOCKING and ask for the Visitors Guide. Or visit their web site. Here are just a few we enjoy browsing through (there are many, many more great shops and galleries):

  • Hocking Hills Market – located on U.S. 33, east of Logan. Lots of shops, a big outdoor flea market on the weekends, and several yummy places to eat. You can also spend an entire morning or afternoon at Rempel’s Grove: antiques, crafts, glassware outlet, miniature golf & lunch or dinner at Olde Dutch.
  • Laurelville: Laurelville Fruit Farm (the BEST apples & peaches in season, plus Laurelville Cider; on Route 56 in the village.
  • Nelsonville: Rocky Factory Outlet Store. 3 floors of great deals on shoes, boots, clothing, home decorations and more. Worth the 45 minute drive from Marsh Hollow and is a MUST visit. Nelsonville’s Public Square is surrounded by shops and art galleries, making this a great day trip from Marsh Hollow.

Lancaster, about 45 minutes away, and Athens, about 1 hour away offer antique, craft, fine art and just about any other kind of shopping you might want.

Special Treats and Activities

  • Blue Valley Massage offers in-cabin massage therapy and spa treatments. Our guests have been very pleased with their services.
  • Hocking Hills Canopy Tour, just off of U.S. 33 in the Rockbridge area, offers the first zipline in the midwest. This is a very well maintained course, constructed in a beautiful forest along the Hocking River, and they’ve added a super fast zip line to their original series of zips. The guides are well-trained and entertaining. This will make your Hocking Hills vacation unforgettable. And check out their DragonFly Zipline just for kids!

Swimming

There are no public pools in the Hocking Hills. When the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge burned down, the pool went with it. There are public pools in Logan and in Nelsonville. Guests camping at KOA and at the Hocking Hills State Park Campground have access to those pools. No public guests!

There are also small beaches at both Lake Logan and Tar Hollow State Parks. Despite what you may see while hiking through the Hocking Hills, swimming is NOT permitted in waterfall pools or streams.

Wineries (closest to Marsh Hollow)

There are three wineries within easy driving distance, all about 20-25 minutes by care but in completely different directions! We recommend all of them:

Hocking Hills Winery

  • www.hockinghillswinery.com
  • 30402 Freeman Rd. Logan OH 43138
  • 740-385-7117
  • Open: Daily except Tuesday but in winter call to make sure and check hours
  • Menu: wine, beer, soft drinks and charcuterie and cheese boards. Sometimes pizza either on site or ordered in.
  • What we like: the heated outdoor seating and the wine.

Manchester Hill Winery and Vineyard

  • www.manchesterhill.com
  • 13260 Tarlton Rd. Circleville OH 43113 (in village of Tarlton)
  • 845-893-8724
  • Open: Closed Sunday and Monday but in winter call to make sure and check hours
  • Menu: wine, hard ciders, charcuterie and cheese boards, panini
  • What we like: the wine and the owners.

Na zdravie Vineyard and Winery (Naz Winery)

  • www.nazwinery.com
  • 13414 Marietta Rd. Kingston OH 45644 (in village of Hallsville)
  • 740-655-3500
  • Open: Friday & Saturday evenings; Sunday 1-6 pm.
  • Menu: Wine, beer, mixed drinks, pizza (woodfired oven)
  • What we like: great views on the outdoor upper deck in season and the pizza.