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If you are looking for a fun getaway not far from Columbus, Ohio, you may have thought about staying at Hocking Hills State Park. This is a beautiful location that has plenty to do, and it is a great way to explore the outdoors.
With plenty of pet-friendly cabin rentals available, including yurts, it is easy to see why lots of people love visiting this area as part of a romantic getaway. There are plenty of Hocking Hills lodging options from which to choose, so what are some of the best areas in which to stay?
Take a look at some of the best areas to stay in during your visit to Hocking Hills, and start planning your family vacation today.
1. Stay Near the State Park
Of course, if you would like to be close to the heart of the action, then you should probably try to stay close to Hocking Hills State Park and Conkle’s Hollow. This is a very convenient location if you plan on checking out some of the beautiful natural features, hiking trails, and biking trails available. The state park is relatively big, so there are plenty of options available. Your accommodations can be as rustic or as modern as you would like.
You might even want to pitch a tent and camp under the stars, just make sure you are setting up camp in an area where you are allowed to do so. Or, if you are looking for cabins that have all the amenities, such as Wi-Fi, a fire pit, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private hot tub, you can probably find something like that as well. If you are looking for a unique experience, consider staying near the state park.
2. Find Accommodations Near the Glass Museum
If you are interested in glass blowing, then you might be interested in accommodations that are a bit closer to the downtown area of Lancaster, OH. Even though the downtown area is not that big, it still has a lot to offer. If you don’t have a lot of experience with glass blowing, you may want to watch some of the experts and action. You will be absolutely shocked at what they can make!
For example, they can make everything from multi-colored flowers to a beautiful vase and even some of your favorite animals. It takes a tremendous amount of training and practice to make such beautiful artwork without burning yourself, and these artists are truly impressive. If you want to explore the unique downtown area, then you may want to consider staying closer to that specific location. There are plenty of options available, so consider taking a look at what is available during your visit.
3. Stay Near the Cedar Falls Hiking Trails
If you plan on taking advantage of all of the hiking trails, then you should try to find something that is as close to the Cedar Falls Hiking Trails as possible. While there are plenty of hiking trails in the local area, this is probably the best location to see it all. In particular, you can leave your camp, go on a hike, and check out one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire region. Then, you can enjoy your evening meals next to some of the moss-covered cliffs that this area has become so famous for.
If you are in the mood to do some hiking, this is definitely the best location for you to stay. You can have the adventure of a lifetime, and you can sleep in the middle of nature. Take a look at some of the options in this specific location. Some might even have a fire ring or a gas fireplace.
4. Consider Staying Close To Ash Cave or Old Man’s Cave
This is another great location in which you might want to stay. The two most remarkable features in the Hocking Hills area are Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave. There is nothing quite like them, and regardless of where you stay, you will definitely want to check them out.
Fortunately, there are plenty of accommodations that will place you relatively close to both of these locations. Ash Cave is one of the most striking recess caves in the country. As you explore, you will be treated to some amazing flowers and beautiful trees. Then, do not forget to check out Old Man’s Cave as well. If you do some searching, you might even be able to sign up for a tour of these beautiful features. If you really want to appreciate all of the beauty they have to offer, consider staying close to them.
5. Look for Accommodations Near the Paul A Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
Even though the natural features of Hocking Hills are certainly something to be admired, there are plenty of other hidden gems as well. For example, you might be interested in accommodations that place you close to the Paul A Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Mondays through Saturdays, and it usually operates limited hours on Sundays.
It is home to more than 3,000 pencil sharpeners, and there are plenty of fun shops and delicious restaurants in the area as well. Therefore, if you are looking for a place to stay during your vacation, you may want to consider staying relatively close to this area. It is definitely something different when compared to the other options in the Hocking Hills area, but it is something you will not want to miss.
6. Look for Vacation Rentals Near the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
If a bit of history is more your speed, you may want to try to find accommodations that are relatively close to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. This area is not that far from the State Park, and there are plenty of affordable rentals in the area. The railroad has a tremendous amount of importance to the local area, and if you stay near the Scenic Railway, you will have an opportunity to learn all about it.
You can find a railway relatively close to the state park, and it is run by a non-profit organization. You can even book a train ride, which will last approximately two hours. All of them are round trips, and they will bring you back to the Nelsonville Depot. Typically, there are a few stops along the way that will give you an opportunity to snap a few pictures.
Kids generally have a great time, but you need to make sure that your children are able to sit still for about two hours. Furthermore, food and beverages are not sold on the train, so you may want to bring your own.
7. Stay Close to the Hocking Hills Winery
If you really want to take advantage of everything the area has to offer, consider looking for accommodations near the Hocking Hills Winery. While accommodations might be a bit more expensive immediately around the Hocking Hills Winery, you will certainly have access to some of the best wine in the area! The winery offers plenty of day tours, and you may want to consider signing up for a tasting as well. Then, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh air as you sip on some unparalleled wine.
There are plenty of other attractions immediately around the winery as well. Therefore, consider taking a look at some of the shops and restaurants around the area, and think about making this your home base during your visit to the Hocking Hills area.
8. Look for Rentals Close To the Inn & Spa
There are lots of people who come to the area to relax, and if that sounds like you, then you might be interested in some vacation rentals that are close to the spa. There are plenty of amazing packages you can book at the store, including facials, massage treatments, and plenty of other detoxifying amenities. Furthermore, if you decide to book more than one treatment, you may get a bulk rate.
This is the perfect place to stay if you want to unwind after a long day of hiking and biking. You can come back from your trip to the outdoors, enjoy a nice beverage, and relax with a spa treatment. This is also ideal if you are traveling with your significant other. You may be able to book a treatment at the spa together. Take a look at some of the rentals around this area, and see if you can find a good deal.
9. Stay Near the Hocking River
If you want to relax with some beautiful views at the end of the day, then you may want to try to find some accommodations near the Hocking River. You can relax outside of your cabin or tent, take a look at people ziplining from the trees on a canopy tour, and listen to the sound of flowing water. This could be the perfect way for you to relax after a long day.
This will also place you very close to the Hocking Hills Canoe Livery. There are trips you can look through this organization, including ones that are meant for children. You can go on a kayak tour of the area, checking out locations that you would not ordinarily be able to see on foot.
If you stay near this area, you will also have access to a gift shop or two that will sell you some unique snacks and souvenirs. There are campgrounds and cabins available in this region.
10. Look for Accommodations Near Rempel’s Grove
You may also want to stay in the Rempel’s Grove area. This is great if you are looking for some fun activities outside of the state park. For example, one of the main attractions in this area is Adventure Golf. This is great for anyone who loves mini-golf. They have plenty of aquatic features, beautiful flowers, and plenty of other obstacles for you to navigate as well.
Then, you may want to check out Ruby’s Petting Zoo as well. They have some unique pygmy goats that you might not be able to find anywhere else. If you are looking for a family-friendly place to stay during your visit to Hocking Hills, then consider looking for rentals in this area.
11. See if You Can Stay on the Mountains in a Log Cabin
Finally, if you are truly adventurous, you may want to see if you can create your own accommodations high in the mountains. For example, a lot of people love to check out the Cantwell Cliffs outside of Rockbridge. They provide you with some beautiful views of the area that you simply will have a hard time finding anywhere else. If simply climbing to the top of the cliffs is not enough for you, you may want to see if you can pitch a tent all the way up at the top. This could be a bucket list item for you to try later.
Even if you don’t want to go all the way to the top, you may be able to find some other locations along the mountains. That way, you don’t necessarily need to climb them again the next day when you want to explore some of the other natural features. If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, you may want to work with a guide who can show you the best parts of the State Park. That way, you can really set yourself up for a fun adventure that you will never forget.
Find the Best Places To Stay in Hocking Hills
Ultimately, these are just a few of the many locations available if you are looking for a place to stay in the Hocking Hills area. Even though Hocking Hills State Park has a lot to offer, there are plenty of attractions in town as well. That is why you need to think carefully about which accommodations will be right for you and your family. Every getaway is different, so you need to plan ahead of time if you want to get the most out of your adventure.
Regardless of whether you are looking for rentals with beautiful landscaping along Lake Logan or are looking for something close to the Nature Preserve or Shipping Containers, you can find fun Hocking Hills cabins for your next vacation. There are fun Canopy Ridge cabins that could serve as your hideaway during your trip, and some of them even have a swimming pool.
Whether you want a king-sized bed and kitchenette, or a living room with a pool table in a luxury lodge, you can find it in the Hocking Hills region.
Featured Image Credit: Kenneth Keifer
