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Hiking with a Newborn – 10 Things I Wish I Knew

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Congratulations! You’ve made it through the endless trips to the bathroom, excruciating heartburn, tiny fists punching your ribcage, and the many other delights of pregnancy. Now you’re wondering about getting back into hiking with your little one. This guide is for parents (moms or dads!) wanting to start hiking with their newborn (0-3 months old). Getting my little one outside was one of the greatest joys of the postpartum time, but it was very daunting to start out. In this post, I’m sharing all of the things I wish I had known before getting out there, along with some of my essential gear.

First weekend trip with baby at 7 weeks old

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!

General Tips for hiking with kids of any age:

  • Choose the right hike. Keep your kids’ abilities in mind and start small before building to longer hikes.
  • Be flexible and know when to quit a hike that isn’t working.
  • Keep everyone fed and hydrated. Pack more snacks and water than you think you need. Take care of kids’ needs, but also make sure you are staying hydrated and fed enough so that you can care for everyone.
  • Always let someone else know where you are
  • Keep an eye on the weather

Hiking with a Newborn

Baby’s first hike, a short local hike on a mostly flat path
  1. Let Yourself Heal

If you are a birthing parent, no matter how you delivered, your body went through something massive, and it might take a while until you’re ready to hit the trails again. Most physicians suggest waiting until 6 weeks postpartum before getting back into exercise, but you may need more or less! Stay in communication with your doctor and stop any exercise if something doesn’t feel right. In the first few weeks, focus on gentle stretches and short walks to build up your strength again. I was definitely guilty of getting out there a bit too early and had some rough back and hip pain as a result!

  1. Practice Babywearing

Babywearing is key to getting out on the trails with your newborn. There are so many different options for wearing your baby, including wraps, ring slings, and structured carriers. Personally, I found a structured carrier to be the best option for hiking. I used the Ergobaby Embrace, a knit carrier specifically made for newborns, but can be used up to 25lbs. I liked this carrier because it was easy to get on and off, adjustable for both parents to wear, and machine washable.

It can take a little while for both you and the baby to get used to babywearing, so practice around your house and on short walks before heading to the woods. It took me a while to get the hang of putting the carrier on myself! Make sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wearing so that you and your baby are safe. You should always be able to see baby’s nose and be able to kiss their head. Their legs should be in an “M” shape, and the bottom strap should sit on your natural waist (across your belly button).

TIP – Baby carriers can get expensive! Check your local kids’ consignment stores, Facebook marketplace, and Buy Nothing groups to get some options to practice with!

Don’t be discouraged if your baby is fussy the first few times in the carrier. Just like the stroller and car seat, it can take some time for your baby to get used to the feeling of being in the carrier. Keep testing it out with short walks and figure out what your baby needs to be comfortable.

  1. Manage Body Temperature

Babies are mini furnaces. Seriously, it is shocking how warm they are, especially when strapped to your chest! You will have to dress and layer differently than you typically would if only hiking with a backpack. In the summer, make sure to wear light, breathable layers on both you and the little one. In the winter, wear one less layer than you typically would (but keep baby nice and warm). Be aware of your own temperature and make sure to take breaks to cool off or warm up if needed.

I had my baby in the summer, and I was so shocked at how sweaty I got hiking with her! I always ended up hiking while holding our stroller fan, which kept us both cool and kept the bugs off (bonus!)

Even in the summer, keep baby’s screen protected from the sun.
  1. Hydration is Key

I’m a pretty seasoned hiker, so packing water for a hike is nothing new. But oh man, was I unprepared for how much water you have to drink while breastfeeding. Now, combine that with a tiny furnace on your chest and the summer heat. Yeah, I learned pretty quickly to bring twice as much water as I usually do, plus extra in the car for after the hike. Just remember that more water = more weight. Water in a hydration bladder makes it easy to take sips as you go!

Nurse or give a bottle frequently so that your baby also stays hydrated. Since breastmilk or formula is their only source of liquids, they can dehydrate very quickly when outside in the heat!

  1. Feeling Shady

Babies can’t wear sunscreen. WHAT! I had no idea that doctors recommend avoiding sunscreen until babies are 6 months old. So, to hike with a newborn, make sure that their sensitive skin stays out of direct sunlight. Opt for trails that have plenty of tree cover. Dress your baby with long sleeves and pants, opting for non-cotton fabrics where possible. Make sure they have booties or socks and a sun hat. I also tried to wear a hat with a brim to cast more shadow. Pro tip – attach baby’s sunhat to a pacifier clip and clip to the baby carrier so it can’t blow away!

  1. Diaper Bag Essentials

It’s likely that your diaper bag has gotten pretty hefty with every possible thing you might need. But you’ll want to have a slimmed-down version for your hike. Carrying water and baby is already heavy enough, so just pack the essentials: a foldable changing pad, diapers, wipes (put a few in a sealable bag), a bag for dirty diapers/clothes, and an extra outfit. Pretty much anything else can just stay in your diaper bag in the car! My little one loved a pacifier, so I brought that on a clippy string too.

  1. Have a Potty Plan

I did a lot of solo hiking with my newborn, and it was the most wonderful bonding experience. It’s still one of the things I miss the most about my maternity leave. However, one of the hardest things for me to figure out was actually how to go to the bathroom! Seriously, one of the things you don’t realize until you’re alone with a baby is how difficult it is for you to relieve yourself if you don’t have access to a family restroom or someone to hand the baby to.

Instead of an expensive carrier cover, tie a shirt around your core for an easily removable layer. Wear a raincoat backwards for rain coverage!

For me, my pee funnel became my best friend. Is it easy to pee while babywearing? Not at all! But it’s better than being limited to only parks that have family restrooms or very short hikes! I also tried to wear clothing that was easy to pull down (ahem, NOT leggings). Do not be tempted to avoid the potty problem by not drinking any water! The last thing you want is to be dehydrated while hiking with a newborn, especially if you are on your own.

  1. The Right Hike

Your first few hikes out with baby aren’t the time to test your limits. Start with an easy hike, maybe something that you’re familiar with. Try to start short and work up your endurance. Try not to feel discouraged if it seems like you’ve lost all of your fitness! It’ll come back with time. Consider also trying a local hike so if things don’t go well, you can easily bail and head home.

  1. Babies Need Breaks and So Do You!

Take plenty of breaks on the trail and give your little one time out of the carrier to stretch and cool off. Depending on the temperatures, I try to take a break at least once an hour to do a diaper change, nurse, and just get a change of scenery. Often, even if my baby was fussing and crying, taking a break reset the clock and gave us another long stretch of carrier time. And something even another nap! These breaks are also a great time to check in with yourself to make sure your needs are met. Have a snack, drink some water, and decide if you need to change your route or take a layer on or off. Hiking with a newborn is not the time to be breaking any trail records, so embrace a slower pace and be kind to yourself.

  1. Bad Hikes

After getting outside with my newborn quite a lot, I was feeling pretty confident! She was generally a pretty happy baby and liked being outside. So, I thought we could tackle a longer hike with a friend. Whether it was colder temperatures or just an off day, my sweet girl screamed for at least 2 miles of that hike. I felt horrible for her and embarrassed by the looks strangers on the trail gave me. By the end of the hike, I felt like a failure and worried that our days of hiking were over.

BUT. We went out again the next weekend, and things were fine! Sometimes, it’s just an off day. Don’t let one bad hike make you think hiking with your kiddo isn’t going to happen. Keep practicing and keep being flexible. It’s hard to get out there in the early days, but it’s so worth it in the long run!

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

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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.