Hocking Hills Attractions and Accommodations near State Parks, Old Mans Cave & Zipline Canopy Tours - Antlers Grove

Antlers Grove Log Cabin is conveniently located close to many Hocking Hills attractions.

LAKE LOGAN−BOAT, FISH, SWIM, AND PICNIC

Lake Logan was developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1955 for recreational purposes. It’s now one of the finest fishing lakes in Ohio. Lake Logan sports northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and saugeye. This day-use park provides scenic picnic and swimming areas, as well as secluded walking paths where visitors can enjoy the wooded beauty of Ohio’s hill country and this Hocking Hills Park. During the warmer months, visitors can rent boats, including pontoon boats and paddle boats, and a snack bar is also open. Lake Logan State Park is located just south of U.S. 33 on St. Rt. 664, turn on Lake Logan Road.

HOCKING HILLS CANOPY TOURS−ZIP LINES, ROPE BRIDGES, AND RAPELLING

Thrilling and scenic Hocking Hills zip line canopy adventure. Soar through air over and through primeval forests, sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls. Hocking Hills canopy Tours is Ohio's first world-class zip line canopy adventure tour. Zip lines have long been in existence, but combining several zip lines and rope sky bridges high in the forest canopy is a relatively new phenomenon. Note that Hocking Hill Canopy Tours is committed to maintaining a “state-of-the-art” zip line canopy tour, with an emphasis on safety first. To this end, tour owners invest in, practice, and comply with all safety standards in the industry.

HOCKING HILLS STATE PARKS−WATERFALLS, ROCK FORMATIONS, CAVES

Old Man’s Cave
Named for a Civil War-era hermit, Old Man’s Cave features waterfalls, swirling pools, deep gorges, and massive rock formations. Picturesque sites include the Devil’s Bathtub, Old Man’s Cave, Sphinx Head, Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Broken Rock Falls.

Cedar Falls
Some of the most magnificent terrain in the area can be seen as you hike through a succession of beautiful valleys and a steep-walled gorge to stand beside this waterfall, which flows magnificently over 50 feet of cliff face. Deep grooves and craggy potholes were created by cascading water over the face of breathtaking Black Hand sandstone.

Ash Cave
Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in Ohio. The rim of the cave spans more than 700 feet around a sandstone horseshoe. A misty waterfall plunges 90 feet from the rim to the valley floor below. The roof of Ash Cave measures 100 feet from the edge of the rim to the cave’s deepest part. Ash Cave features an easy, scenic walk to the cave and waterfall. This path and much of the Hocking Hills Park area is fully wheelchair accessible.

Rock House
Rock House is particularly unique in the Hocking Hills region, as it is the only true cave in the park. This grand tunnel-like corridor is situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Black Hand sandstone. Throughout the region’s rich history, Rock House was used as shelter by many, including early settlers who often hid in the cave after committing robberies.

Clear Creek Metro Park
The largest park in the Metro Parks’ system presents an array of ecosystems that are the result of the past geologic events and climatic patterns. Wildlife abounds. More than 800 flowering plants have been identified in the area. Fishing is permitted on 5 miles of Clear Creek. A naturalist is available to present programs or lead cultural history walks for organized groups at prescheduled times. This Hocking Hills Park is located at U.S. 33 and Hocking County Road 114.

Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve
This gorge offers hikers the natural beauty of the precipitous sandstone cliffs and the serenity of a shaded, cool valley floor. The narrowness of the gorge, the height of the sandstone walls, and the countless hemlocks that grow in the hollow screen the sunlight, preventing much of it from touching the floor of the gorge. The rim trail is also available for more experienced, cautious hikers. This Hocking Hills Park offers a thrilling view of Conkles Hollow and the surrounding hills. St. Rt. 374 and Big Pine Road.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
The natural arch or bridge known as Rockbridge is more than 100 feet long and 10 to 20 feet wide. It gracefully arches 50 feet spanning a beautiful ravine. Considered to be the largest natural bridge in the state, it’s known for a diverse selection of wildflowers. The natural Rockbridge is accessible by hiking trail or canoe.

Hocking State Forest
Hocking State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept with special emphasis on maintaining or creating a forest cover that will enhance woodland recreation. Natural vegetation provides an unusual variety of native plant and associated wildlife. Activities include bridal trails, rock climbing and rappelling, hunting, fishing and hiking. Forest offices are located at 19275 St. Rt. 374. The Rock Climbing and Repelling area is on Big Pine Road past Conkle’s Hollow

Tar Hollow State Park and Forest
Twisting park and forest roads pass through deep ravines and dense woodlands. Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines growing on the ridges were once a source of pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow. Dogwoods, redbuds, and a variety of wildflowers color the hillsides in the springtime. Fall’s pageant of color is spectacular. The state park offers 21 miles of hiking trails and 33 miles of bridle trails. 16396 Tar Hollow Road near Laurelville.

Cantwell Cliffs
Located furthest north of the six Hocking Hills State Park areas, Cantwell Cliffs is a massive overhanging horseshoe-shaped cliff. Its sheer drop-off plummets more than 150 into a gorge. A rock shelter, recess cave and large slump rocks make Cantwell Cliffs a favorite among visitors. One particularly narrow point on the trail, known as "Fat Woman’s Squeeze," gives larger hikers an unexpected challenge.

Lake Hope State Park

Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 24,000-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. Abandoned mines, ancient mounds, and beautiful scenery provide interest and pleasure for hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and historians alike. Includes a campground, cottages, a restaurant, and hiking and bridle trails. Located near Nelsonville at 27331 State Route 278 in McArthur.

Wayne National Forest
The Wayne National Forest is a slice of classic Americana. The countryside is a blend of forested hillsides and pastureland. The history of the area is interwoven with the present -- from ancient Adena Indian mounds in the center of small communities, to covered bridges along rural roads, or the skeletal remains of the great rock iron furnaces. The Wayne lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Much of the Wayne National Forest was strip mined at the turn of the century, so part of the Forest is in various stages of reclamation and revegetation. The Wayne is popular for its ORV, mountain bike, horse, and hiking trails. These trails travel through some of the most striking landscapes that Ohio has to offer with a variety of vegetation, rock outcrops, and many species of wildlife.

Kessler Swamp State Nature Preserve
A recent gift to ODNR, the Kessler Swamp Nature Preserve is located on Hide-Away Hills Road, adjacent to the Hide-Away Hills community. A variety of wetland-dwelling plants thrive in the swamp, including button-bush and bur-marigold. During the spring and fall migration period, the preserve offers excellent waterfowl viewing. The interior is not accessible to foot traffic; however, there is a small vehicle pull-off area and an observation deck where visitors can observe wildlife in an undisturbed setting.

Hocking County also offers natural areas that are accessible by permit only.
They include:

Call 614-265-6453 for more details.

The railway offers diesel-powered rides aboard vintage equipment. Climb aboard and enjoy the scenic ride over a century-old rail route through the beautiful hills of southeastern Ohio. Choose between regular seating in a 1920s commuter coach and open-air cars (weather permitting), or enjoy first-class service in a newly restored, air-conditioned B&O coach. Trains depart the Nelsonville, Ohio depot on weekends, from Memorial Day through mid-November. Preseason rides begin in mid April. During the season, trains stop at Robinson's Crossing, where you'll experience a reenactment of life in a pioneer village. You can also enjoy one of the railway's special theme trips: Easter, Train Robbery, Caboose, Fall Foliage, Santa Train, and New Years. Also visit the railway depot, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites. Located just 30 minutes from Hocking Hills State Park.