Tag Nature

A Day in McConnells Mill State Park

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McConnells Mills State Park spans over 2,500 acres of the Slippery Rock Gorge, a National Natural Landmark. With stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a picturesque gristmill and covered bridge, this park is worth the drive to Lawrence County, PA. Whether you’re looking to hike the day away or for an outdoorsy spot to bring the whole family, a trip to McConnells Mill is beautiful at any time of year.

  1. Know Before You Go
  2. How to get to McConnells Mill
  3. Hiking in McConnells Mill
    1. Easy Hikes
    2. Moderate Hikes
    3. Difficult Hikes
  4. Other Things to Do
    1. Gristmill Tour
    2. Geology Trail (Driving & Hiking)
    3. White Water Boating
    4. Picnicking
    5. Rock Climbing
  5. Nearby Attractions

Know Before You Go

  1. Free Entry – PA State Parks and Forests are free for all visitors!
  2. 40 miles North of Pittsburgh – but not reachable by public transportation.
  3. Navigation – cell service can be spotty, so download trail and driving maps before leaving home
  4. Pet Friendly – leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Check below for trail difficulty
  5. No Swimming – Swimming is prohibited at the park due to rocks and rapids
  6. Hunting – Some areas are open to hunting, so always wear orange during hunting season! Check the PA Game Commission for more information about hunting seasons.
  7. Accessibility – Handicap parking is available at the historic gristmill. Please note that there are no ADA-accessible trails or facilities available. Call the park office to confirm accessibility for tours of the mill.
  8. Weather – The park area is often colder than the surrounding areas and is prone to icy conditions. Check conditions before heading out and wear proper gear.

How to get to McConnells Mill

There are a few different parking areas for accessing trailheads at the park. The main parking area is the Kildoo Picnic Area. The park is approximately 40 miles north of Pittsburgh on I-79. Take the exit for PA-488, then get onto US-19N. Then follow Kildoo Road (T316) to the parking lot.

Hiking in McConnells Mill

There are over 11 miles of trail in McConnells Mill, including 7.5 miles of the North County Trail. You can combine trails to make a loop or stick to out-and-back trails. This park has plenty to see without a long hike, so it’s a great spot for families or new hikers. The hardest trail is the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, which only experienced hikers should tackle. See below for a breakdown of the park’s trails!

Easy Hikes

  • Alpha Pass Trail (1.0 miles, out-and-back) – Start at the gristmill and head to the right on the blue-blazed Alpha Pass. The trail is fairly flat and even, but can be icy in the winter. Be aware that the creek is fast-running and not open for swimming. Leads to Alpha Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park, although best visited after a rainy spell.
  • Hells Hollow Trail (1.0 miles, out-and-back) – Start at the Schaffer Run Road parking lot. It’s an easy 0.5 miles out and back. The most difficult part is the final staircase down to the falls. The stairs end in the creek, and you’ll have to step over stones for the best view of the falls. Be aware that this can be difficult in the Spring when the water is high.
Frozen Alpha Falls
Hell’s Hollow Falls

Moderate Hikes

  • Kildoo Trail (2.0 miles, loop) – This is my favorite loop in the park. It also starts at the Mill and begins by following along the marked Kildoo Trail to the left of the Mill. This trail hugs the creek and is rocky and full of little waterfalls and runoff streams. It’s very beautiful, but new hikers might find the rocky terrain difficult. After about a mile, reach Eckert Bridge and cross over towards the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. Bear to the right to hike alongside the opposite side of the creek. This side is higher up and slightly more rocky, but it makes for an exciting challenge. Finally, you’ll close the loop by crossing through the covered bridge.
  • Breckneck Falls (0.5 miles, out-and-back) – Another short hike to see a lesser-known waterfall in the park. Turn to the left from Eckert Bridge to start on the Breakneck Falls trail. It’s an easy hike with a very shallow stream crossing. The only difficult section is right at the mid-point to access the falls
Along the Kildoo Trail

Difficult Hikes

  • Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (6.2 miles, one-way) – This one-way (also called point-to-point) trail spans the length of the park, following along Hell Run until it meets up with Slippery Rock Creek. It is a rugged, difficult hike leading through the natural beauty of the Slippery Rock Gorge National Natural Landmark. If only going one way, you’ll need two cars, leaving one at the Schaffer Run parking lot and the other at the Kildoo Picnic Area lot. Starting at the Schaffer Run Lot, follow the signs for the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (blue blaze). Along the trail, you’ll encounter old-growth forests, a natural landbridge, hidden waterfalls, and stream crossings. The trail leads all the way to the covered bridge and gristmill. For a real challenge, try this as an out-and-back, adding in the Kildoo Trail for a loop at the halfway point before heading back along the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. If tackling the whole trail, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and give yourself ample time to complete. When a friend and I tackled the full out-and-back, it took the better part of 5 hours.

Other Things to Do

Gristmill Tour

A 19th-century gristmill is a key feature of the park. For decades, this mill served as a hub of the community where farmers brought their grains to be milled into flour. The mill eventually closed in the 1920s and was eventually transferred to the state for long-term preservation. Today, you can tour the mill and learn more about how it used the creek waters to grind grains.

The historic gristmill is open for tours on select days during the summer season. It’s usually open from 10:30-3:30 Wednesday thru Sunday, starting on Memorial Day. But make sure to call the park office for more details and to confirm opening times.

Geology Trail (Driving & Hiking)

The region that encompasses McConnells Mill State Park has a fascinating geological history. Follow along the Trail of Geology in McConnells Mill and nearby Moraine State Parks for a fascinating explanation of the rock and water features in the area. Stops 1-6 are located in McConnells Mill and can also be accessed by hiking!

White Water Boating

There are no rentals at McConnells Mill, but there are several points to launch personal crafts. Depending on the water level and season, the creek is rated as a Class II to IV river. The rapids can be quite dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced boaters. Also, boats are not allowed over the dam, so all boaters must exit the creek and return no less than 50 feet downstream. For more information about whitewater boating and safety, visit the State Park’s website.

Stairs from Kildoo Picnic Area to the Mill and trailheads

Picnicking

There’s no overnight accommodations at McConnells Mill State Park, but there is a large picnic area at the Kildoo parking area with picnic tables, charcoal grills, bathroom facilities, and a field for playing. There’s also an ADA-accessible pavilion that can be reserved. This is a great spot to have lunch after exploring!

Rock Climbing

McConnells Mill is one of only four state parks in PA that allow rock climbing! There are two designated climbing areas: Rim Road and Breakneck Bridge. If going climbing, please exercise extreme caution. The routes should only be tackled by experienced climbers.

Nearby Attractions

Want to know what else to do near McConnells Mills State Park? If you’re craving more outdoor time, check out nearby Moraine State Park for swimming, boating, biking, and more, and Jennings Environmental Center for hiking, birding, and environmental education.

If you’re looking to revive with a brew and bite, head into the nearby towns of Zelienople and Harmony for a plethora of food options. For brewpubs, you can check out Union Brothers Brewing, ShuBrew, or The Harmony Inn (operated by North Country Brewing). If a treat or a coffee is more your speed, stop by Lagerhaus Bakery, Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes, or Neff Haus Ice Cream to satisfy your sweet tooth!

For more hiking adventures in Western PA, check out my guide to Waterfalls within an Hour of Pittsburgh and Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh. For all of my adventures in Pennsylvania, head here!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Hiking While Pregnant: A Guide for Moms-to-Be

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Beach hike in Puerto Rico at 25 weeks pregnant

Finding out that you’re expecting can usher in a whole range of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, fear, elation. But one thing you might worry about is if you’ll still be able to do your favorite activities. Well, expecting a new family member doesn’t mean your hiking days are done! Your body goes through some major changes throughout pregnancy, but there are plenty of ways to modify your activity so you can still safely hit the trails. In fact, exercising through pregnancy is usually recommended!

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, so always check with your doctor first to make sure that hiking is still considered safe, especially if you have any complications. 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. I have only shared links for items I have personally tested and would recommend. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!

These are some tips for getting out there while pregnant! Please remember that everyone’s experience is different, and you should only keep hiking if you feel comfortable and your doctor gives the thumbs up. 

10 Tips for Safe Hiking While Pregnant (All Trimesters)

  1. Stretch out first! 
Solo hike at 32 weeks

I used to roll out of my car and hit the trails. But it’s a good idea to take some time to stretch and loosen up your muscles and joints, especially while pregnant. It helps to avoid injury and reduces soreness. Plus, your back and joints will thank you! Remember, if anything starts to hurt or doesn’t feel right, call it quits or try an easier hike. 

  1. Embrace a slower pace on easier trails 

It’s not a race! With all that extra blood in your system and a little one pressing on your lungs, it’s a good idea to stick to trails with less elevation. Especially later in pregnancy when mobility is more difficult, stick with trails that you already know and feel comfortable with. 

  1. Pack Plenty of Water

Okay, I always suggest bringing water on a hike, but when you’re pregnant, bring even more! I also like to keep an extra bottle in the car for my drive home. I’ve been packing about twice as much water as I would on a normal hike. Better to have too much than to run out! Take sips throughout your hike and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. I always pack my hydration pack for hikes these days.

  1. Have a Pee Plan 

So with all that water, you’re definitely going to have to pee on the hike. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t usually feel the urge, make sure to have a game plan in case the water hits when you least expect. I highly recommend investing in a pee funnel. This is a cheap tube that allows you to pee while standing up and doesn’t require you to fully pull your pants down. It’s been a lifesaver on my pregnancy hikes! A pee cloth also helps clean up and doesn’t stay wet or smell.

  1. Hike with Trekking Poles

I’ve never been one to hike with trekking poles, but I’ve been converted. It’s incredible how much your balance changes while pregnant, even before you have a big belly. Between carrying more weight, relaxin loosening your joints, and early pregnancy dizziness, you’re bound to feel a little off balance. I found that hiking with poles helped steady me and made going uphill so much easier. Also, definitely opt for sturdy shoes with plenty of traction. 

Winter hike at 18 weeks. Poles were life-changing!
  1. Snack often 

Make sure to bring plenty of snacks! We all know snacking is one of the best parts of hiking, but remember that your body is burning a lot more calories and you’ll need to replace them faster. Plus you don’t want your blood sugar to dip and cause any additional dizziness

  1. Rest Often 

You will probably find yourself getting tired more easily. It can be frustrating to feel like you can’t do as much, but remember your body is working really hard to make that baby! Be kind to yourself and take frequent breaks. You’ll notice that your heart rate will increase faster than usual, and you may get overheated more easily (thanks blood). Just take it easy and remember you can always cut a hike short if needed. Never push yourself, especially if it’s sunny or the temperatures are high.

  1. Remember sunscreen and bug spray 

Being pregnant is already uncomfortable enough; don’t add bug bites and sunburn to the mix! Bring your sunscreen and bug spray and apply often! If you live in a hot, sunny climate, try to hike early in the day to avoid being out in the most intense sun.

9. Lighten the load

Hike and trailwork day at 26 weeks

It’s important to have everything you need for a hike, but make sure not to overpack or try to carry too heavy a pack. If you’re hiking with a partner or a group, see if others can take on some of the heavier items. You’re already carrying an extra load; you don’t need to add an extra heavy pack on top of that!

  1. Have a change of shoes in the car

You’ll thank me for this one. Have a pair of sandals or slides in the car to change into after your hike. The foot swell is real and nothing feels better than changing out of your boots and letting those toes breathe!

A final note: There’s a lot of pressure out there to be a #fitmom. Do your best to ignore these pressures (here’s looking at you social media) and only do what feels comfortable to you. While exercising is important, for me what made hiking throughout my pregnancy enjoyable was being able to recharge in nature, rather than getting in the miles. You never know how your body is going to react while growing a human. Real talk: Prior to my pregnancy, I had just finished a season of running more than I ever had in my life, even completing my very first ultramarathon. But by week 13, I was no longer able to run even a mile due to extreme pelvic girdle pain. Hiking became one of the only ways I could still comfortably enjoy nature. And even by the last few months of pregnancy, I couldn’t hike more than 2 miles. So, if you can, prioritize hiking for your mental health, rather than your physical one. And please remember to be kind to your body; it’s going through some stuff right now!

Looking for more hiking and gear tips? Check out my ultimate hiking gear guide to find all the things I personally recommend for a day on the trails

Hiking Highlights of 2024: My Favorite Adventures

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For me, my year in hiking has had a lot of ups and downs! At the beginning of the year, I was hiking and traveling a lot. Then, I was training for an ultramarathon so hiking took a backseat. I also tackled a lot of house projects and finished a major writing project (more details soon!) so was out on the trails a bit less. Despite all of that, I’m still pleased that I hiked over 200 miles this year! With all of that time on trails, here is my round-up of my favorite trails I hiked in 2024 (preference to new-to-me hikes).

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

  1. Minister Creek Loop – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

This stunning loop in Allegheny National Forest was by far a highlight of my year. Although it was cold and the creek waters were very high, I could not have asked for a better introduction to ANF. This 7-mile loop includes deep woods, clambering through rocky crevices, and stunning overlooks. Not exactly a trail for the faint of heart, this hike was a true challenge with a huge payoff at the end.

  1. Hector Falls – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

When the locals give you a hiking tip, you better take it! That’s exactly what happened on a weekend trip to Allegheny National Forest region. The owners of a brewery we were visited highly recommended this lesser known waterfall and I’m so glad we checked it out. Although the hike to the trail itself isn’t very interesting, the stunning double-sided waterfall at the end made it so worth it! The unique water feature flows over a rectangular rock jutting off a cliffside so when water flow is high enough, it creates two separate streams plunging off the rock. This was one of the coolest waterfalls I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, although I would recommend visiting in the spring when the water runoff is highest. Although the falls have low foot traffic, the parking area is quite small, so try to plan to visit outside of peak times.

  1. Hearts Content Natural Area – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

If you’ve been following our hikes for a while, you know that Justin loves a big tree. So we always make a point to visit old growth forest areas when we can. Hearts Content is a relatively small hemlock and white pine old growth forest nestled in Allegheny National Forest. The trails are easy and it is a great hike for all ages. We were lucky to visit at golden hour and had the trails completely to ourselves. Prepare to be amazed by towering trees that are between 300-400 years old along the 1-mile scenic interpretive trail.

  1. Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH)

On our very first trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park we tackled the much-anticipated Ledges Trail and it did not disappoint. We loved meandering through the impressive cliffsides and peering through narrow crevices. We did a big loop from Kendall Lake to Ledges, which combined the geological beauty of Ledges with the scenic Kendall Lake. This loop can easily be shorten to accommodate little legs and would be a great trail for all ages.

Make it a Hike & Hop – Check out Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing!

  1. Rock City & Rattlesnake to Overlook – Coopers Rock State Forest (WV)

Despite being just over an hour away from Pittsburgh, it took me until 2024 to finally visit Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia. There’s so much to see at this park, but if you only have time for one hike, definitely make it the Rock City & Rattlesnake trails. This incredible path leads from dense woods into sudden corridors surrounded by rock face. Finally the Rattlesnake Trail ends at the impressive Coopers Rock overlook, the crown jewel of the park.

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Coopers Rock & Screech Owl!

  1. Endless Wall Trail – New River Gorge National Park (WV)

Okay, I’ll admit, this wasn’t a new hike for me in 2024. But its so great that I had to include it as one of my favorites of the year and is one of the few repeat trails on this list. We visited New River Gorge NP at the beginning of October right as the leaves began to change. We did a LOT of hiking but the Endless Wall Trail remains my favorite of the park. The stunning views throughout the short loop just get more beautiful each time I visit. However, this is a very popular spot, so try to visit at off-times or during the week. Parking is a challenge here so please leave no trace and only park in designated areas!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Endless Wall & FreeFolk Brewery

  1. Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail – Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve (OH)

Another easy hike to take my end of the year round up! I’ve done the Conkles Hollow Rim hike a few times now (also highly recommend) but this time around, we wanted to do the Gorge trail. This 1-mile out and back flat trail leads you deep into the gorge with towering trees and cliff wall climbing up on either side. During wet seasons and after rain, there are various waterfalls spilling down the sides of the gorge. On a hot, sunny September day, it was amazing the temperature difference in the deepest reaches of the gorge. This is a must-hike during a visit to the Hocking Hills Area!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing

Want to explore more of Hocking Hills, OH? See my guide to visiting the state park and more.

  1. Red, Yellow, and Blue Loop – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (PA)

This was by far my hardest hike of the year, but the challenge made it that much more fun! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a non-profit wild raptor preserve with an educational facility and miles of hiking trails. It’s the only hike on this list with a fee to visit (Adults $10, Seniors $7, Children between 6-12 $5, Under 5 FREE), but its supporting a fantastic cause so don’t let that hold you back. There’s a number of trails with varying difficulty, but we did a heart-pumping loop that began on the River of Rocks Trail (red) then climbs the steep Golden Eagle Trail (yellow). At the top, take the Skyline Trail (blue) along the ridge, ending with some of the most difficult and exhilarating rock climbs I’ve encountered on a trail. You’ll hoist yourself up onto the North Lookout and follow around the Lookout Trail (orange) for multiple vistas of the surrounding valley and soaring raptors. Be sure to check migration times for peak birdwatching months!

  1. Maurice River Bluffs – (NJ)

A writing project took me to New Jersey this year and I’ll admit that I didn’t go in with high expectations. But I was quickly proven wrong with this incredible hike along the Maurice River in Millville, NJ. This 500-acre preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and provides a key stopover for migrating birds and presents a uniquely hilly landscape in the lowlands of NJ. We completed a 5-6 mile loop of the entire preserve which included boardwalks along the water with spots to observe wildlife and sandy walks out along the bluffs for vistas of the surrounding wetlands. This hike was incredible but what made it one of my most memorable hikes this year was finally seeing a stunning lady slipper orchid in the wild. I cried.

  1. Pochuck Valley & Stairway to Heaven – Appalachian Trail (NJ)

Another of my Jersey adventures took us along the Appalachian Trail in northern NJ. 72 miles of the famed trail run through the rugged northern region of New Jersey which boasts a markedly different landscape than the rest of the state. This 7-mile out-and-back trail includes boardwalks over wets and ends with a rocky climb to a stunning overlook. Along the way, you’ll encounter day- and thru-hikers all enjoying this unique path. Don’t let the easy path at the beginning fool you; the trek up the “stairway to heaven” is challenging but highly rewarding. From the soaring overlook on a clear day you can see all the way to the Catskill Mountains in New York!

Thanks for joining me on another year of hiking adventures! I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me.

White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co.

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White Oak, PA

White Oak Park is one of the nine beautiful Allegheny County parks. This 810-acre is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature-lovers alike! It has over 8 miles of trail including densely wooded sections with low foot traffic. It’s a great spot for spring wildflowers and has space for a variety of activities, including bocce, a dog park, and athletic fields. After a peaceful loop through the trails, enjoy a brew and a bite at Wye Beer Co. in Trafford, PA. Located right on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, this brewery is about as outdoors-friendly as you can get!

THE HIKE: White Oak Park Loop

Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 321 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Trail use: Leashed dogs, Bike friendly
Parking: large lot at entrance off McClintock Road

White Oak is a regional park managed by Allegheny County that spans over 800 acres. Here you’ll find plenty of space for recreation, including ball fields, pavilions, a dog park and more. There are many miles of trail included a paved walking path. But where White Oak truly shines is in its deeply wooded hiking trails. These trails, although not terribly well marked at times, wind through huge groves of trees that feel like one is miles away from civilization. Until the trail pops out by a pavilion or bathroom!

White Oak Park is a bit of a drive from most areas of town, but I highly recommend a visit. J and I were pleasantly surprised to have the trails to ourselves on a sunny fall day and really enjoyed an easy loop through the western portion of the park on the Green Trail.

Begin your hike at the parking lot for the Wedding Pavilion. It’s not quite marked well on Google Maps so you can use the link above! Pick up the Green Trail behind the small pavilion and down the hill. You’ll see the green blazes begin right at the tree line. Immediately, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and any road sounds fade away. Follow the trail for about 0.5 miles, then it will lead close to a pavilion and bathroom. The rest of the hike meanders through thick trees and then veers close the walking path and pavilions. I’d definitely recommend following a route on an app as sometimes the trail junctions aren’t marked or very clear. At the very end, the trail goes sharply uphill where the path is a bit uncertain. You should come out near the dog park. We then followed the road back to the Wedding Pavilion to finish out the hike.

If you have time, I also highly recommend visiting the meadow area behind the park office. We just happened to visit during peak goldenrod season and it was just so beautiful to see the bees buzzing around the golden spires. There are a number of other trails you can pick up from this area including the Yellow Trail, a 1.5 mile loop.

Overall, although the trails are not well marked and online maps difficult to come by, I highly recommend a visit to White Oak Park. It’s the perfect place to explore and feels off the beaten path. We will definitely be back!

THE BEER: Wye Beer Co.

Address: 3 Forbes Rd, Trafford, PA 15085
Distance from Trail Head: 6.7 miles, 14 mins 
Website: http://www.wyebeer.com/
Food?: Full Kitchen
Details: Outdoor seating, family friendly, Pet friendly

Tucked into a small business plaza in Trafford is Wye Beer Co. As you pull into the parking lot, you’re likely to see a few bikes pulling up to the brewery as well! Wye Beer is conveniently located right on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, so it’s become a popular spot for bikers and beer lovers alike. Walking inside, the brewery is quite spacious, with a large bar and plenty of tables. Arcade games line the walls adding to the space’s fun flair. After ordering a pint, you can also sit outside in the beer garden, complete with a ski lift swing (yes, this was my spot of choice!). If you’re feeling a bit peckish, the menu of shareables and flatbreads is sure to hit the spot. We particularly enjoyed the giant Bavarian pretzel! Now Wye doesn’t limit itself to particular styles, so there’s always a wide variety of options on tap. It’s really important to the owners that they have a beer style for everyone!

Wye Beer is still relatively new to the brew scene having opened in early 2024 by three brothers from Irwin. But they’re no strangers to the restaurant and bar life; the family has owned several other ventures, including the popular Ginny’s Pizza. The brewery’s name pays homage to Blackburn-Wye rail line that used to run through the area. A “wye” is a railroad term for a track junction that forms the letter “Y”. I love when we get a history lesson at a brewery!

Also, I highly recommend a stop at the Parkside creamery for a tasty treat to wrap up your day! The pumpkin pie ice cream really hit the spot!

Our Beer:

  • Downtown Mindy Brown – American Brown Ale – 5.7%
  • Pumpky Brewster – Pumpkin Beer – 6.8%
  • On Point – Pale Ale – 5.6% (Collab with Yough River Brewing)

Looking for other Hikes & Hops in this area? Check out Dead Man’s Hollow & Fire Whistle Brewing or Duff Park & Devout Brewing.

Check out other Allegheny County Parks! Settler’s Cabin, North Park, and South Park

Guide to Hocking Hills State Park

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Hocking Hills is a beautiful state-run park and forest in Ohio, just south of Columbus. The stunning region is known for its waterfalls, caves, and cliffs. There are so many incredible places to explore that it can be hard to know where to start! Use this guide to plan your ultimate visit to Hocking Hills and beyond.

Table of Contents

  1. Know Before You Go
  2. How to Get to Hocking Hills
  3. Where to Stay
  4. Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills
  5. Best spots to visit in Hocking Hills

Know Before You Go

  • No Entry Fee
  • Open Year-Round – but be sure to check conditions before heading out, especially in the winter
  • Navigation – Some areas in and around the park have poor service so download maps beforehand
  • Getting around – The area is split up into small individual parks so driving between trailheads is a must
  • Pet-Friendly – leashed pets are welcome on all trails except the State Nature Preserves (Conkles Hollow and Rockbridge)
  • Accessibility – Both Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow have wheelchair-accessible trails

How to Get to Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills is located about an hour south of Columbus. Take US 33 East to Logan, then follow OH-664 to the state park. The park is only three hours from Cleveland and 2.5 hours away from Cincinnati. It’s a great weekend trip from Pittsburgh at only 3.5 hours away.

Where to Stay

There are tons of places to stay near Hocking Hills from primitive camping to high-end lodges and everything in between! We’ve stayed in a variety of places including campsites and Airbnb cabins. There are many options, but its best to book as early as possible as places fill up, especially in peak season!

Airbnb/VRBO: We loved this pondside cabin for a visit with our parents. It was the perfect size for 4 people and we really enjoyed drinking our morning coffee on the front porch. I also stayed at this cabin for a girl’s trip and it was a fantastic stay with a hot tub and firepit!

Hipcamp: If you’re looking for camping outside of traditional campsite, try Hipcamp! We stayed at a lovely secluded campsite on private property and it was one of the best camping experiences I’ve ever had.

State Park Lodge: Hocking Hills State Park has a beautiful, newly renovated lodge, as well as cabins onsite. The facilities are open year-round, and although we’ve not had the pleasure of staying, we’ve only heard wonderful things about the upscale facility.

Camping: There’s no shortage of campgrounds in the area for those who prefer sleeping in the great outdoors!

Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills

  • Summer: This is definitely peak season so expect to share the trails with many families and visitors. The upside is that the longer days mean more time on the trails! A drier summer will also lead to less water flowing.
  • Fall: The park is magical during peak fall foliage. Expect crowds but also an escape from the heat of the summer and the bugs that frequent the streams and rivers.
  • Winter: Winter is the slowest time at the park so it’s the best time for avoiding crowds. Be aware that trails can get icy and that some campgrounds might not be in full service.
  • Spring: This is the best time for waterfalls as the spring showers lead to roaring waters throughout the park. Expect crowds to pick up in mid to late Spring.

Best spots to visit in Hocking Hills

Old Man’s Cave

Old Man’s Cave is probably the most famous spot in the state park but funnily enough, it’s not a true cave! It’s actually considered a rock shelter which erosion carved out of the cliffside. A one-mile loop from the Visitor Center loops past Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, then down through the gorge before heading up through Old Man’s Cave. It’s a moderate hike that is short but will take between 45-60 mins. There are opportunities to length the trek and see more of the parking including Lower Falls (1.5 miles), Whispering Cave (3 miles), and Cedar Falls (6 miles).

Ash Cave

Access Ash Cave from a short 1/4 mile hike from the ample parking lot. The Ash Gorge Trail is handicap-accessible and leads right into the rock shelter. From there, you can take the stairs up through the overhang to the Ash Rim trail for another 1/4 mile back to the parking lot. Extend your hike to Cedar Falls for a roughly 5-mile round trip.

Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls is a 1/2-mile one-way trail that leads to a seasonal waterfall. The steep trail travels down a staircase to a beautiful waterfall that flows mostly in the spring, summer, and winter. You can connect to a longer loop to Whispering Cave (3 miles) or Old Man’s Cave (6 miles).

Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs might only be one mile but don’t let that deceive you! This hike is full of steep steps, narrow rock squeezes, and soaring cliffsides. Because of the narrow paths, the trail is one-way only! This is also one of the more remote areas in Hocking Hills so you likely won’t be sharing the trail with too many.

Rock House

Rock House is another unique area of Hocking Hills, well known for being a recess cave. This 0.8 miles, one-way loops descends down aside steep steps to a beautiful cave system. Although the large openings keep it from getting too dark, be prepared for careful footing and lots of roosting birds!

Conkles Hollow Preserve

Conkles Hollow is technically not part of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a separate nature preserve with two trails. The Gorge Trail is an accessible path that leads to a small waterfall at the end. You can also do the 2.5-mile rim trail which is more challenging, but worth it for the stunning views across the woods and for the unique cliffs. In the spring, the area is flush with wildflowers.

Airplane Rock & Chapel Cave

These two features are just outside of the state park in Hocking Hills State Forest. To see both of them, you’ll follow along the orange-blazed horse trail from a parking lot just down the road from Conkle’s Hollow. The trail might not be the most interesting, but the views are totally worth it!

Rockbridge Nature Preserve

Like Conkles Hollow, Rockbridge is a separate Nature Preserve, meaning that no pets are allowed. The main feature is a 100-foot natural bridge. There are about 3 miles of trail at this park and is located roughly 15 miles from the main Hocking Hills visitor center. This is the only section of Hocking Hills that I haven’t visited yet!

Other things to do:

Food/Drink

  1. Brewery 33
  2. Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium
  3. Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ

Canoe/Kayak/Boat Rentals

  1. Lake Logan Marina
  2. Hocking Hills Adventures

Horseback Riding

  1. Blue Moon Acres Stable
  2. Spotted Horse Ranch
  3. Rose Moon Ranch

Looking for Hikes & Hops in Hocking Hills? Check out Hocking Hills Gorge Loop & Brewery 33 or Conkle’s Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Co.