Winter in Hocking Hills: What to Expect

When winter reaches Hocking Hills, Ohio, a thick blanket of snow covers the normally verdant landscape. Waterfalls freeze, new wildlife arrives, and most of the summertime crowds depart. In short, winter in Hocking Hills is an experience like no other.

But with so many different adventures to choose from, planning your winter trip to Hocking Hills might be harder than you think. This guide covers all the details you’ll need to plan the perfect itinerary.

Book your stay with the Hocking Lodging Company, then read on to learn more about this underrated season.

Winter Weather in Hocking Hills

Photo Credit: arthurgphotography

First and foremost, you have to come prepared for our chilly winter weather. Lows range between the teens and 20s, while highs rarely get above the 40s. Snow also falls across the hills, making for gorgeous scenery. That said, you should stay alert on the roads, as the pavement may be slippery at this time of year.

While you might be tempted to spend your visit indoors with a hot cocoa, you shouldn’t sleep on all the magical experiences that take place at this time of year. With fewer crowds in Hocking Hills, you can explore the region to your heart’s content (and make it back in time to warm up with a sweet treat, of course).

Best Things to Do in the Winter in Hocking Hills

While you won’t see much of Hocking Hills’ typical lush greenery at this time of year, countless different activities bring a new meaning to the phrase “winter wonderland.” Here are a few of our top recommendations:

Photo Credit: arthurgphotography

Most visitors think of hiking as a warm-weather activity, but Hocking Hills’ many trails become truly magical in the winter. You might see frozen waterfalls, icicle displays, or a pristine coat of snow on the ground—without all the summer crowds.

To give you some ideas, here are a few of our favorite winter hikes:

• Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail (1.2 miles, easy)
• Ash Cave (0.5 miles, moderate)
• Airplane Rock and Chapel Cave Loop (4.4 miles, moderate)
• Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls (5.1 miles, moderate)

Photo Credit: FamVeld

Grab the sleds and head to Lake Hope State Park for a day of family fun that the kids won’t soon forget. Gently rolling hills across the park make for the perfect sledding slopes and serve as an idyllic background for any family photo. Besides sledding, you can make a whole day out of your visit—help the kids build snowmen or get into the spirit of the season with a snowball fight.

Photo Credit: s8

To access some of the more remote areas of Hocking Hills State Park, bring or rent a pair of cross-country skis. There’s nothing like gliding down a serene, peaceful trail coated in fresh snowfall. Just make sure to check your intended route ahead of time—the trails around Glenlaurel Inn, for example, are only open to guests.

If you’re in search of a little downhill action, head about two hours north to Mad River Mountain or Snow Trails. Don’t be daunted by the drive; you can make a full day trip out of it and see even more of the Ohio countryside along the way.

Photo Credit: TunedIn by Westend61

When the many different lakes in the Hocking Hills area freeze over for the season, grab your skates and hit the road. Lake Logan State Park, home to the 400-acre Lake Logan, is the premier ice skating destination in the region. Those who prefer a more sedate activity can try their hand at ice fishing, a time-honored local tradition.

A word of caution: though this might go without saying, you should test the ice for safety before you cast a line or try out your triple axel.

Photo Credit: fornStudio

For those who would rather spend their winter vacations warm and cozy inside, Hocking Hills’ indoor activities will keep you occupied all season long. In fact, why not experience one of the greatest delights in the Hocking Hills region and warm up with a wine tasting?

Several different wineries in and around Hocking Hills host tastings all year long, providing the perfect excuse to pull up a chair and get comfortable. Try one of these spots:

• Hocking Hills Winery
• Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery
• Valley View Hills Winery

Winter Events in Hocking Hills

While the trails grow quieter and wildlife hibernates during winter, the fun is just getting started for everyone else in Hocking Hills. Mark these events in your calendar—you won’t want to miss out on all the excitement.

This family-friendly event takes place over one weekend in December. Visitors can take a lighted stroll up to Ash Cave, where an open fire, holiday music, and refreshments await. Kids will also get to visit an old-fashioned Santa Claus and decorate a Christmas tree, but not with just any old tinsel and ornaments—participants deck the halls with wildlife in mind.

Sure, you can always plan a solo winter hike, but joining a group of fellow trekkers will motivate you to stay on the trail longer. To that end, the yearly Winter Hike has taken place every January for more than five decades, helping scores of hikers witness the beauty of Hocking Hills in the winter.

Along the six-mile path from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave, you can refuel with the event’s iconic bean soup and cornbread muffins, served by the local Kiwanis Club.

After the Winter Hike concludes in Logan, the Logan Frozen Festival encourages visitors to stick around downtown. This annual fest features live ice-carving demos, an array of ice sculptures on display, and food trucks, in addition to numerous other entertainment options. Though the name might make it sound chilly, this event will warm you right up after your trek.

On one wintry night every year, dinner and dancing take center stage at the historic Logan Theater, which dates back to 1926. The Snow Ball caps off the festivities of the Winter Hike and Logan Frozen Festival, so if you’re already in town for the first two events, plan to stick around until the evening to experience this one-of-a-kind local tradition.

The yearly Comfort Food Cruise showcases the best of Hocking Hills’ cuisine, from warm bowls of chili to sweet slices of berry cobbler. The “cruise” takes place over six days in March, though you could cram all of your tastings into one day should you so desire.

Visitors can purchase tickets from the Hocking Hills Welcome Center months in advance, so don’t wait until the last second to snag your pass. You could be sampling the region’s best in no time.

Packing for Your Winter Getaway

Photo Credit: william matos alves

Naturally, your winter packing list will look a bit different from other times of the year. Make sure to tuck a few of these must-have items in your suitcase before setting out:

• Winter coat
• Hiking boots
• Binoculars and/or cameras
• Gloves
• Winter sports equipment (sleds, skis, skates, etc.)

Book Your Winter Stay in Hocking Hills

Winter in Hocking Hills is anything but sleepy. Visitors should come prepared for plentiful holiday festivities and a welcoming, warm ambiance, even on the chilliest of days. And with acres of natural wonders to see, your adventures are just getting started.

Before you plan your itinerary, you’ll want to book your stay with the Hocking Lodging Company. Our vacation homes, cabin rentals, and RV sites are located near some of Hocking Hills’ top destinations, so you can make the most of everything the region has to offer. Don’t wait to reserve your trip dates—winter is right around the corner!