Hocking Hills Hocking Hills Where all the best roads lead . . .HIKE. STAY. PLAY. YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE! Buy our Guidebooks Each offers different trails to explorE! Hiking Trails Book Hiking Trail Guidebook

Hocking Hills Programs and Events

Hocking Hills Park Programs

Daily Hikes to Monthly Events

Hocking Hills: Night Hikes/Ghost Hunts led by author Jannette Quackenbush: Click here

Throughout the Year

Join author and folklorist Jannette Quackenbush of Dark Journeys for an unforgettable night hike adventure and supernatural investigation at Ohio's amazing places, including the legendary Moonville Tunnel in the Hocking Hills. Experience the lore of local ghosts as Jannette shares chilling stories along the Moonville Rail Trail, culminating in an atmospheric ghost hunt at the famously haunted tunnel.

This out-and-back hike follows Vinton County Park’s Moonville Rail Trail from Moonville town proper to Ingham Station/Bear Hollow. The pace is relaxed, encouraging curiosity about ghosts, nature, and the wild, with plenty of opportunities to chat and enjoy the dusk—perhaps in the company of ghosts, owls, stars, and other nocturnal creatures.

After the hike, those interested can participate in a hands-on paranormal investigation, using Jannette’s specialized tools to attempt communication with the resident spirits.

The entire experience—including the hike and ghost hunt—will last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The one-way hike takes 30–40 minutes at a gentle pace, with occasional stops for captivating folklore and ghost stories. Please note: The route may be too strenuous for individuals with health concerns, breathing difficulties, mobility challenges, or limited physical fitness.

Jannette Quackenbush is a renowned U.S. author and folklorist, recognized nationwide for her vivid storytelling and in-depth research on haunted locations, legends, and folklore across the United States. Her acclaimed book series (over 50 books) includes the Big Book of American Ghost Stories, Big Book of American Cryptids, Haunted Ohio, Haunted Hocking Hills, and 3 books on Moonville, drawing readers with chilling tales and fascinating local history from every corner of the country.

Registration and Dates: To sign up or view available dates, please click here.

 

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Hocking Hills State Park

October 10 2026 Grandma Gatewood Fall Color Hike - Hocking Hills 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Celebrate America 250 with a 6-mile Fall Color Hike from Old Man's Cave.

Halloween at the Hocking Hills Campground 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Our annual campground Halloween celebration- open to campers only

Christmas in Ash Cave December 12, 2026 Staff park program: Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave. Once you arrive at the cave, warm with refreshments by an open fire. Listen to our holiday music, have the kids visit with an old fashioned Santa or help to decorate our Christmas tree for wildlife.

Conkles Hollow Fall Open House : October 24, 2026, featuring special seasonal nature activities.

 

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ARC of Appalachia

Sorghum Harvesting & Pressing Volunteers Needed We are in search of volunteers to aid in the stripping, cutting, & pressing of the sorghum cane for the Simon Sorghum Festival.

Sunday, September 20th through Friday, September 25th Simon Farm, 8721 Careys Run Pond Creek Road, West Portsmouth, OH 45663

Sign up for one day, a few days, or all the days! Any amount of time volunteering helps & is greatly appreciated. 💚 Please fill out the Jotform (in the comments) if you are interested in helping! If the form gives you trouble, you can email us at arcpreserveinfo@gmail.com or give us a call at 937-365-1935. Check out more hikes at the ARC.

 

Jack Pine Presents: Glass Pumpkin Fest

Event Information 21397 OH-180 Laurelville, 43135 740-332-2223

September 17, 2026 through September 20, 2026

Art & Culture, Family Friendly, Festivals, Indoor, Outdoor, Featured Events, Signature Event

The show will go for three days, offering multiple parking reservation times to help keep crowd density low so you can enjoy a variety of artists, food, live music, pumpkin carving, glass blowing demos and DIY activities.

Clear Creek MetroPark

Buck Moon Hike: Explore the wonders of the night on this 2.3-mile guided hike under the light of the Buck Moon. Be prepared to traverse rugged and steep terrain in low light. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster (39.594057, -82.622219) Meeting Details Date(s): 07/29/2026 -07/29/2026 Time: 8:15 pm - 10:00 pm Days: Wed Clear Creek Park Office 185 Clear Creek Rd Lancaster, OH, 43130 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Park Office

Lake Hope State Park

August 6 Kayaking - Lake Hope 9:00 am - 11:00 am Ages 12+. Register in advance. Space is limited to 5 participants. Gravel parking lot at Boat Ramp on OH-278 Register: Kaylin.Callander@ dnr.ohio.gov

August 19 Turtle Time Wednesday, August 19, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lake Hope Nature Center The same entrance as the campground

August 29 Butterflies and Blooms - Lake Hope Aug 29 Saturday, August 29, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Lake Hope Nature Center Same entrance as the campground

Ohio State Nature Preserves Programs/Events

Wiggles to Wings at Boch Hollow Aug 15 Saturday, August 15, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve Registration Required.  (740) 380-8918. 

Bird Your Preserves: Bird Bingo at Boch Hollow Aug 22 Saturday, August 22, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve North Trailhead 31893 Beach Camp Road, Logan, OH 43138 As a reminder, none of Boch Hollow's Trailheads are pet friendly. 

 

 

 

Hocking Hills State Park Programs

Free to the public. All Year Long.

Hikes. Tours. Staff Programs.

Learn. See. Do. At Hocking Hills State Park.

 

A Hike

At Ash Cave

OPEN ALL YEAR-ROUND FROM DAWN TO DUSK

There are seven major hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park - All are one-way trail systems.  

Click here for a Regional Hocking Hills Trail Area Map

Ash CaveOld Man's CaveRock House, Conkle's HollowCedar FallsCantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. These park areas offer a unique experience for those who walk its paths no matter what season (the park is open year-round from dawn to dusk)—located on the southern edge of Hocking County. But those are just a handful. Other hiking trails in the Hocking Hills region include those at Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Parks, Lake Hope State Park, the Moonville Rail Trail, and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.