Hocking Hills State Park Beckons for Fall and Winter
Is there a more magical time of year than fall and winter? Spectacular autumn colors set the landscape ablaze. Cool evenings bring out the blankets. The smell of a campfire fills the air along with laughter and stories. You’re in the Hocking Hills.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall” … F. Scott Fitzgerald
More than 330 million years ago, the Hocking Hills State Park area was relatively level and was covered by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. After millions of years, the ocean receded, and the sandy layers formed the Black Hand Sandstone that underlies the area. When the Appalachian Mountains arose, form and feature were cast upon the area and created Hocking Hills State Park.
Ohio’s most visited state park, Hocking Hills State Park welcomes more than 5 million visitors a year with the majority of visitors enjoying family vacations, girlfriend getaways, romantic rendezvous and a reinvigorating return to nature during the summer months. When the chilly days and nights of fall and winter descend on the Hills the real magic begins.
Here’s the quintessential Hocking Hills Fall/Winter getaway. Begin by finding the perfect accommodations. Hocking Hills is best known for the natural beauty of the region, and there is definitely too much to experience in a day!
Hundreds of cabins, cottages and lodges have been tucked into the Hills providing any size group with idyllic accommodations. Last October, Ohio’s newest State Park Lodge opened in Hocking Hills State Park, offering lodge rooms with extraordinary views of the hills, on-site dining, indoor and outdoor pools and direct access to hiking trails.
Whether it’s just you and your sweetheart or a reunion of the whole family, there is beautifully appointed lodging perfect for you. Cabin might be a bit misleading. The cabins have a rustic elegance with all the comforts of home and a few you might not have at home, like a hot tub on a private deck or a cozy fireplace and fire pit. Your four-legged family members will also be made to feel right at home.
Enjoy the historic charm of downtown Logan, Hocking County’s largest and only city. You’ll find a tropical boutique hotel experience at The Worthington of Logan, conveniently located within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and pubs.
So now you know where you will lay your happy head each night. Time to get familiar with the main attraction. The Hocking Hills State Park is made up of seven non-contiguous parks, including one Ohio State Nature Preserve and the John Glenn Astronomy Park. Fall brings a kaleidoscope of color. In winter these parks become otherworldly. Waterfalls freeze in suspended animation and sandstone cave walls boldly wear ice beards. Hemlock tree branches create snow canopies as the essence of serenity fills the cool air.
There are plenty of shops and galleries featuring the works of local artists and craftsmen open year-round. Lift your spirits on Friday and Saturday evenings at a local brewery or winery and enjoy great bands, many of which are local legends.
Live like a local at festivals and holiday celebrations. Meet the artists who find inspiration in the surrounding natural beauty at the Annual Hocking Hills Artists & Craftsmen Show and Sale in late September. Follow the footsteps of the first woman to every hike the Appalachian Train solo on the Grandma Gatewood Hike in October.
Hunt for treasure during the Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt in November. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and win prizes during this six week long shopping adventure. You’ll want to be downtown Logan on the first Saturday of December for the Logan Christmas Parade and other holiday festivities. This is a local favorite. Get all the details on events and entertainment at ExploreHockingHills.com.
Ohio’s natural crown jewels never shine quite as bright as they do during the soft season. Visit ExploreHockingHills.com to begin your magical adventure.
