If you’ve lived in Ohio for any length of time, you’ve likely explored Old Man’s Cave, the Hocking Hills Market. and Cedar Falls. They’re wonderful places to visit but often accompanied by a crowd, especially on the weekends.

My name is April, and I’m a content editor here at OnlyInYourState. I’ve lived in Ohio my whole life and have learned to love it for what it is — roller coaster winters and all. I’ve hiked a trail or two, conquered a few record-breaking roller coasters, explored the rolling hills of Ohio Amish Country…and I think it’s safe to say that there’s truly no place like the Hocking Hills. If you’re looking to uncover some hidden gems in the area, I have a few suggestions from first-hand experience.

A weekend away in Ohio’s Hocking Hills can be exactly what you need sometimes: limited cell phone service, fresh air, and the beauty of nature.

April Dray/Only In Your State Even though Wifi and cell phone service might be limited while on the road, that doesn’t mean you won’t find any connection in this up-and-coming area somewhere. There’s even a Hocking Hills app now.

One of my personal favorite lesser-known trails to take in Hocking Hills is actually a bridle trail. The White Bridle Trail is located in the Hocking State Forest, outside of the state park and the area’s nature preserves.

April Dray/Only In Your State You can access the trailhead at the parking area across the street from the Hocking Climbing and Rappelling Area, right off of Big Pine Road/St. Rt. 374.

After a 30-minute trek through the forest, the trail leads to hidden gem known as Chapel Cave – or 21 Horse’s Cave. The cave’s triangular opening gives it a chapel-like appearance, and its depth is roomy enough for 21 horses.

April Dray/Only In Your State I recommend wearing your hiking boots for this one, as the uphill climb to the cave is steep and the forest floor can be quite difficult to traverse in some places. Also, prepare to get a little muddy if it has rained recently!

If you’re looking for a lunch spot (and failed to pack a picnic lunch like me), there’s a little roadside oasis called Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium.

April Dray/Only In Your State Here, you’ll find Wifi, coffee, and even a place to spend the night. The Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium features four private suites, and although I have not personally stayed overnight here, they look perfectly cozy and accommodating after a day of hiking.

On the coffee shop’s menu, you’ll find a list of mouthwatering hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches, as well as mac and cheese, soups, and more.

April Dray/Only In Your State Pictured is the Chicken Salad Melt, which I highly recommend. (Unless you decide to order the Kentucky Bourbon Meatloaf Melt, which my husband can confirm is just as satisfying.)

Another little-known area to explore (free of crowds!) is High Rock Adventures. Here, you can book a rapelling, rock climbing, or eco-tour and experience a whole new side to Hocking Hills few have ever seen.

April Dray/Only In Your State It’s one of the very few places in Hocking Hills you can explore on private land and reservations are required.

A truly one-of-a-kind experience made possible by knowledgable and environmentally-friendly guides, these tours might just help you learn a new skill, too. (Although, it’s fair to say my rappelling abilities just aren’t strong.)

April Dray/Only In Your State Prices are based on the tour you choose. You can learn more at the High Rock Adventures website.

If you’re traveling with kids, I can’t recommend Muddy Boots Farm enough. It’s a seasonal petting farm that’s open from May through September (weather permitting). There’s plenty of space to roam and explore and a wide variety of animals to visit.

April Dray/Only In Your State Admission is $10 per person for ages 13 and up, $7 for children ages 5 - 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For hours and other information, visit the Muddy Boots Farm website. Muddy Boots Farm, 28310 Moccasin Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA

Here, you’ll find everything from friendly camels to fluffy rabbits – and you can even feed a few! My daughter especially enjoyed venturing into the rabbit pen.

April Dray/Only In Your State As you can imagine, baby animals are constantly being born on the farm. Stay up to date with baby arrivals, special events, and more via the Muddy Boots Facebook page .

If you’re anything like me, it can be hard to get toddlers to eat anything other than pizza, so it’s worth it to stop at the area’s best pizza joint. Pizza Crossing isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it’s not to be missed.

Pizza Crossing/Facebook It’s so good, there’s also a Lancaster location! Pizza Crossing Logan, 58 N Mulberry St, Logan, OH 43138, USA

I highly recommend a classic pepperoni and cheese pizza or the BBQ Chicken Pizza (which, we may or may not have eaten too quickly to snap a photo of).

Pizza Crossing/Facebook You can even order a mini-size pizza, which is perfect for kids. To view a menu and hours of operation, visit the Pizza Crossing website.

And if you’re looking for a kid-friendly hike in the area, I recommend the short trek to Ash Cave. It’s ADA accessible and stroller friendly (until you approach the cave).

April Dray/Only In Your State The .5-mile trail is easy to navigate with children if you turn back the way you came once you reach the cave. My little one especially enjoyed stopping along the bridges to spot minnows in the babbling brooks. Ash cave Parking, 27291 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA

This is a fairly popular trail within the state park, likely because it’s easily accessible and the scenery is just as beautiful as Old Man’s Cave.

April Dray/Only In Your State The recess cave, massive rock formations, and towering waterfall make this hike a classic Hocking Hills experience. You get the full experience without the steep climbs.

If you have the room in your budget, I recommend staying at any private cabin rental that meets your party’s needs. It’s the best way to get the true Hocking Hills experience.

April Dray/Only In Your State Pictured is the Blue Ash cabin at Aspen Ridge, which I have to say is absolutely picture-perfect.

If you’re lucky, your overnight getaway just might have an additional trail or two on the property, allowing you to explore even more of this beautiful region.

April Dray/Only In Your State Although Wifi is available at select cabins, my stay did not have this amenity – and it was just what I needed. Navigating the roads with maps and signs might seem primitive, but it can actually be pretty refreshing.

Of course, the best reason to stay in a cabin is the luxury of starting your day with forest views and a cup of coffee on the deck…

April Dray/Only In Your State For more information about this specific cabin rental option, click here.

…and ending your day huddled around a campfire.

April Dray/Only In Your State There are few things in life better than “camp-firing” (as my daughter says) and roasting marshmallows.

Watch the footage from our Travel Experts:

If you’re curious what you can expect to see in Hocking Hills (specifically Ash Cave), then check out the video below of the waterfall that cascades off of the rocks at Ash Cave!

April Dray/Only In Your State

Even though Wifi and cell phone service might be limited while on the road, that doesn’t mean you won’t find any connection in this up-and-coming area somewhere. There’s even a Hocking Hills app now.

You can access the trailhead at the parking area across the street from the Hocking Climbing and Rappelling Area, right off of Big Pine Road/St. Rt. 374.

I recommend wearing your hiking boots for this one, as the uphill climb to the cave is steep and the forest floor can be quite difficult to traverse in some places. Also, prepare to get a little muddy if it has rained recently!

Here, you’ll find Wifi, coffee, and even a place to spend the night. The Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium features four private suites, and although I have not personally stayed overnight here, they look perfectly cozy and accommodating after a day of hiking.

Pictured is the Chicken Salad Melt, which I highly recommend. (Unless you decide to order the Kentucky Bourbon Meatloaf Melt, which my husband can confirm is just as satisfying.)

It’s one of the very few places in Hocking Hills you can explore on private land and reservations are required.

Prices are based on the tour you choose. You can learn more at the High Rock Adventures website.

Admission is $10 per person for ages 13 and up, $7 for children ages 5 - 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For hours and other information, visit the Muddy Boots Farm website.

Muddy Boots Farm, 28310 Moccasin Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA

As you can imagine, baby animals are constantly being born on the farm. Stay up to date with baby arrivals, special events, and more via the Muddy Boots Facebook page .

Pizza Crossing/Facebook

It’s so good, there’s also a Lancaster location!

Pizza Crossing Logan, 58 N Mulberry St, Logan, OH 43138, USA

You can even order a mini-size pizza, which is perfect for kids. To view a menu and hours of operation, visit the Pizza Crossing website.

The .5-mile trail is easy to navigate with children if you turn back the way you came once you reach the cave. My little one especially enjoyed stopping along the bridges to spot minnows in the babbling brooks.

Ash cave Parking, 27291 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA

The recess cave, massive rock formations, and towering waterfall make this hike a classic Hocking Hills experience. You get the full experience without the steep climbs.

Pictured is the Blue Ash cabin at Aspen Ridge, which I have to say is absolutely picture-perfect.

Although Wifi is available at select cabins, my stay did not have this amenity – and it was just what I needed. Navigating the roads with maps and signs might seem primitive, but it can actually be pretty refreshing.

For more information about this specific cabin rental option, click here.

There are few things in life better than “camp-firing” (as my daughter says) and roasting marshmallows.

To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.

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