Hocking Hills guide: Caves, restaurants, where to stay and more
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The Rock House at Hocking Hill State Park. Photo: Troy Smith/Axios
The weather is warming up, which means it's about to be peak season for one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Ohio — Hocking Hills.
Why it matters: The region draws as many as 5 million visitors a year, according to the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, making it a go-to getaway for residents across Ohio and beyond.
The intrigue: The centerpiece of Hocking Hills region, which is a three-hour drive from Cleveland, is Hocking Hills State Park.
- The park has racked up several honors in recent years, including Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 list of "The 50 Most Beautiful Places in America."
- Several popular destinations are located within the park, including Old Man's Cave, the 200-foot-long Rock House cave and Cedar Falls, a breathtaking 40-foot waterfall.
Dig in: For couples, the restaurant at the Glenlaurel in Rockbridge has a romantic setting and seven-course dinner capped by a rack of lamb.
- Those looking for a quicker bite should try Shamrock Irish Pub in Logan, which has one of the best Reuben sandwiches I've ever tasted.
- In terms of drinks, Brewery33's "Tenacious DIPA" is as good as Ohio IPAs get. There's also Hocking Hills Moonshine, which sells products at various places in Northeast Ohio.
Where to stay: There are plenty of hotels, lodges and campgrounds to stay at in Hocking Hills, but the area's luxurious Airbnb rentals have become all the rage.
- I've personally stayed at "The Dreamer," a custom container in nearby Laurelville with all the amenities you can imagine, and the "Grain Bin Home," which was converted from a silo into a tiny house.
- There's also the "Dunlap Hollow A-Frame" in Rockbridge, the most wish-listed Airbnb in Ohio that accommodates up to 10 people.
Cost: Depending on where and when you stay, a Hocking Hills Airbnb can run you anywhere from $400 to $1,800 a night.
The bottom line: There are so many things to check out in the region (I haven't even gotten to the mom-and-pop shops). Fortunately, you'll soon have a few months of nice Ohio weather to explore all of them.