Easy as One, Two, Free! You Need to Check out These Free Things to Do in the Hocking Hills
Why spend when you can save? When you take a vacation, it’s understood that you’re going to indulge more than you might in your everyday life. We believe that the key to a great vacation is balance. Indulge in the things that you want most while also saving wherever possible! One of the things we love most about the Hocking Hills region is how affordable our local things to do are. With so much self-guided outdoor recreation, it’s easy to minimize costs. After all, you can’t put a price on natural beauty. Check out some of our favorite free things to do in Hocking Hills below. Then, request a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide. Seriously, this one’s on us.
Take Advantage of These Free Things to Do in the Hocking Hills
Explore Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is the main attraction for southeastern Ohio locals and visitors alike. Drawing more than two million visitors each year, this 2,356-acre state park encompasses numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, and more. Take advantage of the self-guided trail networks as they lead you to natural beauty that ranges from native plant species and Hocking Hills wildlife.
It can be hard to narrow down your itinerary with so many great things to do. Want to know the best bucket-list items for your trip to the Hocking Hills? Request our free Hocking Hills State Park Guide.
Challenge Yourself at Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs in the Hocking Hills is one of the most popular destinations within the Hocking Hills. This 150-foot tall sandstone rock formation is one of the park’s more difficult hikes, but the views are well worth the challenge. Embark on the 1.8-mile Cantwell Cliffs Loop in pursuit of aerial views of Buck Run as it cascades down a portion of the cliffs. Along the way, enjoy views of colorful flowers and other lush greenery.
Relax at the Water’s Edge at Hocking River
Hiking trails in the Hocking Hills feature lots of on-land adventure. What about on the water, though? The Hocking Hills region is also home to plenty of water adventures! The Hocking River is just one example. This tributary of the Ohio River begins in Lancaster and flows 102 miles southeast. The river is less than 20 minutes away from our resort in the Hocking Hills.
Take an afternoon trip to the water’s edge and spend the day fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and other native species. It’s easy to spend the day watching the sun glisten on the water as you cast a line. If you’re looking to explore the Hocking River more in-depth, though, we recommend taking an 11-mile self-guided river trip with the Hocking Hills Canoe Livery.
Stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
The only thing better than exploring Hocking Hills State Park is staying in the park! Our Hocking Hills resort is surrounded on three sides by this state park. Stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls to be near all of the best free things to do in the Hocking Hills. Continue your outdoor adventure after the day is done when you stay at one of our lodges. Utilize the private decks at our lodges to appreciate our area’s natural beauty under the stars.
