Hocking Hills Park Awaits Nature’s Autumn Splendor

LOGAN, Ohio -- When international publicity ranked Ohio's Hocking Hills on recent lists of the world's top 50 places to visit in 2023 and the top 10 most popular state parks, the region's stunning fall foliage wasn't even mentioned.

However, with more than 13,000 acres of unbroken forest and nearly 100 different tree species, leaf peeping in the Hocking Hills consistently earns five-star traveler reviews, citing spectacular scenery marked by deep gorges, lush forests, soaring rock faces, unique rock formations and picturesque waterfalls.

This year's warm, wet spring and sunny summer with plenty of rain have resulted in strong foliage this year. The region's fiery red Maples, blazes of orange Sassafras and yellow Hickory, brushstrokes of brown Oak and pops of green Hemlock and Pine create a bold tapestry that's a feast for the eyes. Visitors can surround themselves in the beauty with a stay in a luxurious country inn, a hot tub cabin in the woods, a geodome, tiny house, treehouse or yurt -- even a luxury cabin for six built into an actual cave. While lodging options become sparse in the peak of fall foliage, it's not too late for travelers to plan an autumn escape at ExploreHockingHills.com.

BIRD'S EYE VIEWS

Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus and home to one of America's newest National Scenic Byways, the region is perfect for a fall drive, while miles and miles of wooded trails offer extraordinary hikes.

Visitors are wowed by expansive views of fall color and the unspoiled geological footprint of ancient times on a Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tour high above the forests and waterfalls.

The seriousness of Harry Sowers' 40 plus-year pilot pedigree, and his depth of area knowledge, are skillfully juxtaposed against his endless stream of goofball puns and "ba-dump-bump" one-liners. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, with its Super Zip and an XTreme Canopy Tours that takes travelers right through a waterfall and into a cave for an unusual birds-eye view of the season's splendor. Meanwhile, the off-road Segway tour gives visitors a ground-hugging experience that's a total departure from the usual scenic autumn ride.

High Rock Adventures takes visitors on guided eco tours and heart-pounding rappelling trips, in daylight and after dark, giving adventure seekers a ringside seat for what may be the most beautiful autumn scenery on earth. Guided sunrise and midday and sunset kayaking trips with Touch the Earth Adventures help travelers reconnect to the earth and one another while the area's magnificent fall show reflects dramatically on the water. Horseback riding and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offer more ways to see Hocking Hills' legendary fall foliage.

Crisp fall nights often mean crystal-clear skies, punctuated by the absence of city lights. Guests are blown away by the stunning sea of stars and planets made visible by Hocking Hills' dark skies at John Glenn Astronomy Park. High-powered telescopes revealed with the center's roof slides away make the experience even more magical.

APPLE SEASON, TOO

Fall is also apple season, and there's no better place to dive into it than Hocking Hills Orchard.

Here, apple wonk Derek Mills' encyclopedic knowledge of the fruit enthralls all who come to pick their own and take part in apple tastings in an orchard packed with an astounding 7,000 trees.

Mills' collection with more than 1,700 different apple varieties, including apples from as far back as 454 A.D., is believed to be a world record.

Another must stop is the third-generation, 114-year-old, family-owned Laurelville Fruit Farm producing a wide selection of apple varieties and some of the freshest, juiciest cider available, thanks to a perfect blend of apples and pasteurization that doesn't cook the flavor out of the cider, along with vinegar with mother, apple butter and local honey are available to take home.

No one should leave without trying a cup of Laurelville cider, served up in frozen slushy form to enjoy on site.

Pop across the street for best-ever secret recipe donuts from Ridge Inn, available only Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until they sell out.

Located in Southeastern Ohio just 130 miles southwest of Wheeling, Hocking Hills offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of admission-free activities.

Fall is the perfect time to check out the many natural outdoor attractions and to visit the many gift and antique shops or go canoeing, horseback riding, birding or fishing; relax in the spas or unplug at a variety of camping and lodging locations throughout the park.

Complete traveler information is available ExploreHockingHills.com or by calling 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).