Hocking Valley Crossroads 2026
Hocking Valley Crossroads 2026
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired
There is some much to see and do in the Hocking Hills.
Last year we highlighted the newly finished Hocking Hills State Park Lodge.
What if you want a more private and imitate setting?
One of the most unique offerings from the Book Hocking network of properties is a restored Chessie System Caboose just south of Logan, Ohio
https://www.bookhocking.com/rentals/the-caboose-at-sr-station-no-1
(rates vary from dates of availability, ranging from $193-$348 a night)
What you get is a queen bed, kitchenette, full size shower and bathroom, sunporch with grill and hot tub, a usable fire pit and prime privacy.
The property not far off State Route 93; off Goat Run Honey Fork Road, was a perfect getaway for my wife and I's anniversary weekend.
See the site for details, booking and info.
Since it's close to Logan, why not check out fine dining?
In Logan, the top of the crop is 58 West. Owned by Hocking Hills Winery and partnered with Hocking Hill Brewing and Motherwell Distilling; they offer an unique dining and beverage destination.
A full service bar, causal and upscale dining selections, a full patio and more in offered in Historic Logan.
https://www.58west.com/our-story
https://www.58west.com/
With your base camp established, check out some of the intriguing areas to hike.
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/rock-house-cavern
Rock House has been around for years. Public access was gained in the late 1890's. It wasn't until the 1930's that ODNR with the Civilian Conservation Corps trekked the modern day trails leading to the cavern.
For those who wish for a less adventurous trail; the handicapped accessible trails leading to Ash Cave provided a paved right of way.
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ash-cave
It does connect with the traditional trails leading to the remainder of Hocking Hills State Park.
Picnic groves and various trailheads surrounded the park for a great adventure.
We have stayed at the Hocking Hill State Park Lodge before; if the private properties aren't your thing..check out our article from last year on the new State Park Lodge.
https://columbus-wired.com/post/hocking-hills-crossroads-part-1---glamping-and-exploring
If you wish to canoe, find Fox's Hocking River Canoe Livery to be your go to.
https://hockingriver.com/
They offer canoes, kayaks and tubes to explore the Hocking River by water.
The Olde Dutch Buffet and Resturant is a stone's throw away from the Canoe Livery.
https://www.theoldedutchrestaurant.com/
They are plenty of places to eat in the Hocking Hills.
www.explorehockinghills.com/food-drink
We have traveled many times on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.
See our article from last year on details on riding the rails.
https://columbus-wired.com/post/hocking-valley-crossroads-part-2-riding-the-rails
Right across the Railway Station is a unique place to gather, grab some pub food and spirits.
Black Diamond Brewery and Distillery actually distills spirits in a box car provided by the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.
https://www.blackdiamondbreweryanddistillery.com/locations/nelsonville
Nelsonville's location partners also with Hocking College to "food lab" students on brewing, distilling and hospitality skills.
We enjoyed our visit there and plan to return in the future.
Always remember; life is an adventure..get out and live it!
