>> The best summer hikes in Southwest Ohio
“In Hocking Hills, the only noise you hear is the joyful sound of nature,” said Karen Raymore, Explore Hocking Hills executive director. “But our initial experiences need to be safe and allow us to travel not far from home and socially distance.”
>> Hocking Hills prepares to reopen several trails
WHERE TO STAY
Treehouses aren’t just for kids in Hocking Hills.
With more than 900 lodging options — from rustic campsites to luxury lodges — there are plenty of options. Among the most unique are the treehouses where you can share the peaceful and picturesque views with the birds as you settle in on your otherwise private deck.
Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins are pet friendly and offer porch swings, fire pits and wood-fueled hot tubs. Kids will love venturing through the secret door into their very own bunkroom in the White Oak while the Beech, with its spiral staircase and second-floor master bedroom, is ideal for a romantic getaway.
Among the Trees Lodging offers a cozy stay in the Safari Tree House or room for the entire family in the Maple View Treehouse. Walk across the cable bridge and the adventure begins. Relax in the hot tub or kick back on the deck and enjoy the peace and quiet.
While not limited to treehouses, Corban Cabin Getaways and Canopy Ridge Cabins both have a treehouse option. The Sidney Nook Treehouse, with its expansive windows, lets guests experience the great outdoors all day. The wraparound deck offers a perfect spot to start the day or wind down after an afternoon of hiking. The Canopy Treehouse offers rustic luxury with granite countertops, luxurious bedding, gas fireplace and WiFi.
Getting a good night’s rest will be a plus as there is plenty to keep you busy in Hocking Hills.
>> WORTH THE DRIVE: At Hocking Hills, visitors can practice ‘Natural Social Distancing’
WHERE TO PLAY
On the trail, on the water and even through the sky, outdoor adventure is plentiful.
Hiking: While the coronavirus pandemic meant the closure of many state park trails and facilities, both Cantwell Cliffs and Rock House will reopen on June 15. Many other scenic trails, like Rockbridge State Nature Preserve and Lake Hope, have remained open throughout the pandemic and are a nice alternative to the more traveled state parks.
Paddling: Relax and recharge as you canoe or kayak down the scenic waterways. Hocking Hills Adventures and Hocking Hills Canoe Livery are just two of the local liveries that are up and running with increased attention to sanitizing equipment and social distancing guidelines.
Riding: Saddle up and enjoy a trail ride at one of the area's many stables. Uncle Buck's Riding Stable, Spotted Horse Ranch and Equestrian Ridge Farm are open and offer guided trail rides. And social distancing is a breeze in the saddle.
Climbing: Whether it's an educational and informative ecotour or an adrenaline-pumping rappelling experience, High Rock Adventures is the place to go. Adventure seekers can try their hand at the climb and rappel combo while families take on the high rock challenge tour.
Ziplining: Hocking Hills is the zipline capital of the Midwest, with 50 ziplines offered through three distinct guide services. High-flying adventure is what the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is all about. From the Original Canopy Tour to the extreme X-Tour and the kids' Dragonfly zipline to the wild Superzip, the adventure can be as mild or wild as you choose.
For more information about these and other Hocking Hills attractions, visit www.explorehockinghills.com or call 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).
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