Hocking Hills, Ohio · From Notestone Reserve
Things to Do in Hocking Hills
From hosts 3 miles from Rock House — trails, restaurants, wineries, and a few things most visitors miss.
Hocking Hills has more going on than one weekend can hold. The trails are the obvious starting point - but there's also a winery worth the detour, a diner the locals actually eat at, a sandstone cave 7 minutes from our door that most visitors skip entirely, and a waterfall that freezes into something genuinely strange in January.
This is the guide we send our guests. Restaurants ranked by how close they are to 14580 Notestone Road, Laurelville - not by what looks good in a list. Trails with honest notes on crowds and conditions. Wineries you can actually get to without losing half your afternoon. And a few practical things — nearest grocery, nearest ER, what to do when your cell signal disappears on a back road.
Notestone Reserve sits in Laurelville, Ohio, roughly 7 minutes from Rock House and 20 minutes from Old Man's Cave. Everything below is measured from here.
Dining Guide
Where to eat near Notestone Reserve
All distances measured from 14580 Notestone Road, Laurelville, OH 43135.
Closest to Property
Mam's Rusted Skillet
Closest
9.9 miles · 15 min
Best for: Classic diner breakfast, quick bite close to home base
- Hearty homestyle breakfasts and lunches
- Local crowd favorite with unpretentious charm
- Cash-friendly atmosphere
Laurelville Pizza
Closest
9.6 miles · 14 min
Best for: Easy takeout night at the cabin, family pizza
- Convenient pickup for cabin nights
- Closest pizza option to the property
- Great for feeding a group without a long drive
Diners
Pearl's Diner
Best for: No-frills diner breakfast and lunch
- Classic American diner fare
- Friendly local staff
- Good for a fast, satisfying meal
M & M Family Diner
Best for: Family-friendly meals, generous portions
- Family-style comfort food
- Kid-friendly menu
- Good value for groups
Hocking Hills Diner
Best for: Grab-and-go before a hike
- Quick service for hikers on the move
- All-day breakfast options
- Centrally located near major trails
Mam's Rusted Skillet
Closest
9.9 miles · 15 min
Best for: Closest diner to Notestone, classic breakfast
- Homestyle breakfasts and lunches
- Beloved by locals
- Minimal frills, maximum comfort
Coffee Shops
Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium
Best for: Morning coffee, relaxed sit-down atmosphere
- Specialty coffees and espresso drinks
- Cozy atmosphere for lingering
- Light bites and pastries
Oasis Coffee Shop & More (Flea Market)
Best for: Quirky local experience, coffee plus browsing
- Coffee inside a flea market — uniquely local
- Fun stop for browsing while caffeinating
- Part of the authentic Hocking Hills character
Oasis 2.0 (Drive-Through)
Best for: Quick morning coffee on the way to trails
- Drive-through convenience
- Good for early morning trail starts
- Fast service for when you're on the move
Sunset Slush
Best for: Afternoon treat, something sweet after hiking
- Flavored slushes and cold drinks
- Fun seasonal treats
- Great stop after a long hike
Hocking Hills Roastery
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts, locally roasted beans
- Locally roasted specialty coffee
- Excellent espresso and pour-overs
- Beans available to take home
Breakfast
The Olde Dutch Restaurant & Banquet Haus
Best for: Hearty Amish-style breakfast, unique regional experience
- Signature Amish-influenced comfort dishes
- Generous portions
- Local institution with regional character
- Great for leisurely weekend breakfast
Lunch & Dinner
Millstone BBQ
Best for: Smoked meats, casual group dining
- Slow-smoked BBQ meats
- Classic sides: slaw, beans, cornbread
- Casual, laid-back vibe
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (Kindred Spirits)
Best for: Special occasion dinner, anniversary, date night
- Farm-to-table menu with local ingredients
- Beautiful wooded dining setting
- Reservations recommended — often required
- Among the best dining experiences in the region
Call ahead — reservations book out, especially on weekends.
Pizza Crossing
Best for: Family pizza night, casual dinner
- Pizza, subs, and casual American fare
- Dine-in or takeout
- Kid-friendly
58 West Restaurant
Best for: Casual dinner with a full bar, local hangout
- American bar and grill fare
- Full bar selection
- Sports bar atmosphere
TheFeed
Best for: Burgers, sandwiches, casual lunch or dinner
- Burgers, sandwiches, and American staples
- Relaxed dining environment
- Good for a quick sit-down meal
Maya Burrito Co.
Best for: Quick Mexican, burritos, lunch on the go
- Burritos, tacos, bowls, and Mexican staples
- Fast-casual service
- Vegetarian-friendly options available
Urban Grille at Hocking Hills Golf Club
Best for: Lunch on the course, casual grille dining
- Golf club setting with scenic views
- Grille classics: burgers, salads, sandwiches
- Open to non-golfers
Laurelville Pizza
Closest
9.6 miles · 14 min
Best for: Easy cabin takeout, closest pizza to Notestone
- Quick pickup on the way back from exploring
- Closest pizza option — great for relaxed evenings
- Good for feeding a group
Quick Reference Table
| Restaurant | Distance | Price | Best For | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mam's Rusted Skillet | 9.9 mi · 15 min | $ | Closest diner, classic breakfast | No |
| Laurelville Pizza | 9.6 mi · 14 min | $ | Closest pizza, takeout | No |
| Pearl's Diner | 16 mi · 22 min | $ | Classic diner meals | No |
| M & M Family Diner | 16 mi · 22 min | $ | Families, big portions | No |
| Hocking Hills Diner | 14 mi · 21 min | $ | Pre-hike breakfast | No |
| The Olde Dutch Restaurant & Banquet Haus | 18 mi · 28 min | $$ | Amish-style breakfast, leisurely | Recommended |
| Millstone BBQ | 16 mi · 23 min | $$ | Smoked meats, casual groups | No |
| Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (Kindred Spirits) | 13 mi · 23 min | $$$$ | Special occasion, date night | Required |
| Pizza Crossing | 16 mi · 23 min | $ | Family pizza, takeout | No |
| 58 West Restaurant | 16 mi · 23 min | $$ | Casual dinner, full bar | No |
| TheFeed | 16 mi · 23 min | $$ | Burgers, sandwiches | No |
| Maya Burrito Co. | 16 mi · 23 min | $ | Mexican, vegetarian options | No |
| Urban Grille at Hocking Hills Golf Club | 14 mi · 20 min | $$ | Golf club grille, casual lunch | Recommended |
| Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium | 14 mi · 21 min | $ | Morning coffee, sit-down café | No |
| Hocking Hills Roastery | 16 mi · 23 min | $ | Specialty coffee, local roasts | No |
Quick Selection Guide
Very Close (Under 15 min)
- Laurelville Pizza — 14 min
- Mam's Rusted Skillet — 15 min
Moderate (15–28 min)
- Millstone BBQ
- The Olde Dutch Restaurant
- Hocking Hills Diner
- Pizza Crossing
- Maya Burrito Co.
- 58 West Restaurant
- TheFeed
- Urban Grille
By Meal Type
- Breakfast: The Olde Dutch, Mam's Rusted Skillet
- Lunch: Hocking Hills Diner, TheFeed, Maya Burrito
- Dinner: Kindred Spirits, 58 West, Millstone BBQ
Families
- M & M Family Diner
- Pizza Crossing
- Laurelville Pizza
- Maya Burrito Co.
Date Night
- Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (Kindred Spirits)
- Urban Grille at Hocking Hills Golf Club
Vegetarian-Friendly
- Maya Burrito Co.
- Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (Kindred Spirits)
- Urban Grille
Takeout
- Laurelville Pizza
- Pizza Crossing
- Maya Burrito Co.
Wineries & Breweries
Craft beverages near Notestone Reserve
Wineries
Hocking Hills Winery
15 miles · 20–25 min
Best for: Wine tasting, afternoon outing, local varietals
- Ohio-grown and produced wines
- Tasting room with scenic views
- Wine available for purchase to bring back
58 West / Hocking Hills Winery
16 miles · 23 min
Best for: Wine with dinner, combining dining and tasting
- Wine paired with restaurant dining
- Casual atmosphere with full menu
Valley View Hills Winery
17 miles · 30 min
Best for: Vineyard setting, scenic wine tasting
- Beautiful valley vineyard setting
- Scenic views over the rolling hills
- Small-batch Ohio wines
Revolution Rockbridge Wine Co.
10 miles · 20 min
Best for: Closest winery option, unique local label
- Closest winery to Notestone Reserve
- Boutique wine selection
- Worth a stop on any wine-focused day
Le Petit Chevalier Winery
20 miles · ~35 min
Best for: A slightly farther drive for a distinctive experience
- Charming boutique winery atmosphere
- French-inspired label and character
- Worth the drive for wine enthusiasts
Breweries
Hocking Hills Brewing Co.
16 miles · 25 min
Best for: Craft beer lovers, taproom experience
- Locally crafted beers on tap
- Rotating seasonal selections
- Taproom with casual pub atmosphere
Distilleries
Motherwell Distilling Co.
16 miles · 25 min
Best for: Spirits tasting, unique local distillery experience
- Locally distilled craft spirits
- Tastings available
- Bottles available for purchase
Quick Reference — Craft Beverages
| Venue | Type | Distance | Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolution Rockbridge Wine Co. | Winery | 10 miles | 20 min | Closest winery |
| Hocking Hills Winery | Winery | 15 miles | 20–25 min | Local varietals, tasting room |
| 58 West / Hocking Hills Winery | Winery + Restaurant | 16 miles | 23 min | Wine with dinner |
| Hocking Hills Brewing Co. | Brewery | 16 miles | 25 min | Craft beer taproom |
| Motherwell Distilling Co. | Distillery | 16 miles | 25 min | Craft spirits tasting |
| Valley View Hills Winery | Winery | 17 miles | 30 min | Scenic vineyard setting |
| Le Petit Chevalier Winery | Winery | 20 miles | ~35 min | Boutique, French-inspired |
Pro Tips — Wineries & Breweries
- Consider building a winery loop: Revolution Rockbridge + Hocking Hills Winery + Valley View Hills in a single afternoon
- Call ahead to confirm tasting room hours — hours vary by season and can change
- Buy a bottle or two at the winery to enjoy back at the cabin that evening
- Pairing a winery visit with Kindred Spirits dinner at Cedar Falls makes for an exceptional day
- Most wineries are cash-friendly but also accept cards
Important: Designated driver required — no Uber/Lyft in rural areas.
Hiking Trails
Trails near Notestone Reserve
Notestone Reserve Location Advantage: Rock House is your closest trail (~7 min), with Cantwell Cliffs (~15 min) and Conkle's Hollow (~17 min) also very nearby!
Rock House ⭐
CLOSEST MAJOR ATTRACTION
3.1 miles · ~7 min
Difficulty: Moderate
- Ohio's only true cave — a massive sandstone tunnel
- Year-round appeal, dramatic in all seasons
- Unique geological feature unlike any other trail
- Less crowded than Old Man's Cave area
Best for: Any guest — especially first-timers and those short on time
Cantwell Cliffs
6.7 miles · ~15 min
Difficulty: Moderate
- Dramatic cliff walls and narrow gorge passages
- One of the more remote, less-trafficked trails
- Stunning in fall foliage season
- Features "Fat Woman's Squeeze" rock passage
Best for: Hikers seeking solitude and dramatic scenery
Conkle's Hollow
8.7 miles · ~17 min
Difficulty: Easy (Gorge) / Hard (Rim)
- Deepest gorge in Ohio — 200-foot sandstone walls
- Gorge trail: flat, accessible, impressive views
- Rim trail: strenuous, panoramic views worth the climb
- Two very different experiences in one location
Best for: Families (gorge) or fit hikers wanting a challenge (rim)
Cedar Falls
13 miles · ~23 min
Difficulty: Moderate
- One of Ohio's most photographed waterfalls
- Stunning year-round, especially after rain or winter freeze
- Well-maintained trail with good signage
- Adjacent to Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (great for dinner after)
Best for: Waterfall seekers, photographers, pairing with Kindred Spirits dinner
Old Man's Cave Area
11 miles · ~20 min
Difficulty: Easy–Hard depending on trail
- Hocking Hills' most famous and visited area
- Dramatic gorge, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations
- Multiple trail options for all fitness levels
- Grandma Gatewood Trail connects to Cedar Falls (6 miles)
- Arrive early on weekends to beat crowds
Best for: First-time visitors wanting the quintessential Hocking Hills experience
Busiest trail in the park — arrive before 9 AM on weekends or visit on weekdays.
Ash Cave
16 miles · ~28 min
Difficulty: Easy
- Ohio's largest recess cave — an immense natural amphitheater
- Paved, accessible trail makes it perfect for all ages
- Stunning waterfall inside the cave recess
- Equally spectacular in summer and winter
Best for: All ages, mobility considerations, maximum impact for minimal effort
Trail Comparison Table
| Trail | Distance from Notestone | Trail Length | Difficulty | Drive Time | Best Feature | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock House ⭐ | 3.1 miles | ~0.6 mi RT | Moderate | ~7 min | Ohio's only true cave | Low–Medium |
| Cantwell Cliffs | 6.7 miles | ~2.6 mi | Moderate | ~15 min | Dramatic gorge, remote feel | Low |
| Conkle's Hollow (Gorge) | 8.7 miles | ~1 mi RT | Easy | ~17 min | Deepest gorge in Ohio | Medium |
| Conkle's Hollow (Rim) | 8.7 miles | ~2.5 mi | Hard | ~17 min | Panoramic rim views | Low |
| Old Man's Cave (Lower Loop) | 11 miles | ~1.5 mi | Easy–Moderate | ~20 min | Iconic gorge & caves | Very High |
| Old Man's Cave (Upper Loop) | 11 miles | ~2.5 mi | Moderate | ~20 min | Full gorge experience | High |
| Grandma Gatewood Trail | 11 miles | ~6 mi one-way | Hard | ~20 min | Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls | Medium |
| Cedar Falls | 13 miles | ~2.4 mi RT | Moderate | ~23 min | Most photographed waterfall | High |
| Ash Cave | 16 miles | ~0.25 mi | Easy | ~28 min | Largest recess cave in Ohio | High |
Adventure Activities
Things to do near Notestone Reserve
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
10 miles · ~19 min
Best for: Thrill seekers, groups, bucket list experience
- Zip-line tours through the Hocking Hills forest canopy
- Multiple course options for different skill levels
- Guided tours — no experience required
- Advance reservations required — books out fast
Book as far in advance as possible — this is the most popular paid activity in the area and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Horseback Riding
Best for: Families, nature lovers, a different way to see the hills
- Guided trail rides through Hocking Hills scenery
- Options for beginners and experienced riders
- Reservations recommended
Kayaking & Canoeing
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, couples, active groups
- Float the Hocking River or nearby waterways
- Rentals available locally
- Scenic paddling through wooded rural Ohio
- Best May through September
Rock Climbing
Best for: Experienced climbers, adventure seekers
- Natural sandstone climbing opportunities in the region
- Check local climbing resources for current access and conditions
- Bouldering and top-rope options available
Winter Activities
Hiking Frozen Waterfalls
Best for: Winter visitors seeking a stunning off-season experience
- Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls waterfalls freeze spectacularly
- Fewer crowds than peak summer months
- Microspikes or traction devices strongly recommended
- Hot tub at the cabin is especially satisfying after a cold hike
Cross-Country Skiing
Best for: Winter sports enthusiasts when snow conditions allow
- Some trail systems are passable on cross-country skis after significant snowfall
- Hocking Hills' rolling terrain lends itself to light Nordic skiing
- Conditions vary — check before heading out
Shopping & Groceries
Practical stops near Notestone Reserve
Groceries
Kroger Logan
15 miles · ~25 min
Best for: Full grocery run — full selection of produce, meat, deli, bakery
- Full-service grocery store — best selection in the area
- Pharmacy on-site
- Worth the drive if you plan to cook at the cabin
Dollar General Laurelville
CLOSEST
9.3 miles · ~15 min
Best for: Quick run for forgotten essentials, snacks, cleaning supplies
- Closest store to Notestone Reserve
- Limited grocery selection but covers the basics
- Good for toothpaste, paper towels, snacks, drinks
Dollar General Rockbridge
10 miles · ~20 min
Best for: Essentials run in a different direction
- Convenient if you're coming from that direction
- Similar selection to Dollar General Laurelville
Gas Stations
Marathon Laurelville
CLOSEST
9.5 miles · ~14 min
Best for: Closest fuel stop to Notestone Reserve
- Closest gas station to the property
- Convenience store items available
Logan Gas Stations
Best for: Filling up when already in Logan for groceries or dining
- Multiple stations available in Logan
- Convenient to combine with a grocery or restaurant run
Attractions & Local Shopping
Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center
14 miles · ~20 min
Best for: Trail maps, local info, regional brochures
- Official visitor information for Hocking Hills
- Free trail maps and regional guides
- Staff with local knowledge and recommendations
Local Shops — Logan Square
Best for: Browsing local boutiques and specialty shops
- Downtown Logan offers local boutiques and shops
- Antiques, gifts, and local crafts
- Worth an afternoon stroll if you want a slower-paced activity
Farmers Market — Logan
Best for: Fresh produce, local goods, Saturday morning outings
- Fresh local produce, honey, jams, baked goods
- Runs May through October, Saturday mornings
- Great way to stock the cabin kitchen with fresh local ingredients
Emergency & Practical Information
Good to know before you go
Medical
Walk In Urgent Care
- Mon–Fri: 8AM–8PM
- Sat–Sun: 10AM–6PM
- Non-emergency medical care, minor injuries
Hocking Valley Community Hospital
- 24/7 Emergency Room
- (740) 380-8000
- Full emergency services
Fairfield Medical Center Lancaster
- Full-service regional medical center
- Emergency and specialty services
- Larger facility than Hocking Valley Hospital
Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy Logan
- Full pharmacy services
- Extended hours
- Over-the-counter medications available
CVS Pharmacy Logan
- Full pharmacy services
- Minute Clinic may be available
- Photo and convenience items
Veterinary
Hocking Hills Animal Clinic
- (740) 380-7387
- General veterinary care
- Call ahead to confirm hours and availability
MedVet Columbus (24hr Emergency)
- 24-hour emergency veterinary care
- Specialty and critical care services
- Closest true 24/7 emergency vet
Cell Service & Practical Notes
Cell Service
- Cell service is available but spotty depending on your carrier
- WiFi calling works well from the units
- If expecting important calls, WiFi is more reliable than cellular
- This is typical for rural Hocking Hills
Laundry
- No washers or dryers in individual units
- For longer stays, we may be able to give access to the on site laundry facility
- Just reach out and ask — we accommodate when we can
- Availability depends on our cleaning schedule between guests
What makes our location special
1
Rock House — Ohio's only true cave — is just 3.1 miles away (~7 minutes). You can be there before most guests at other properties have even finished breakfast.
2
Cantwell Cliffs (~15 min) and Conkle's Hollow (~17 min) are two of the least-crowded major trails in Hocking Hills, and both are very close to us.
3
Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave are all within 28 minutes — meaning you can visit multiple landmarks in a single day without long drives between them.
4
The Revolution Rockbridge Wine Co. is just 10 miles away — closest winery to the property, easy to visit in the afternoon after a morning hike.
5
Dollar General Laurelville at 9.3 miles is the closest quick stop for forgotten essentials — no need to drive all the way to Logan just for toothpaste.
6
We're positioned between the northern and southern halves of Hocking Hills State Park, giving you equal access to both clusters without committing to one side.
7
14580 Notestone Road puts you roughly 62 miles from Columbus — about 1 hour. Close enough to escape the city, far enough to feel it.
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Waterfalls are at their most dramatic after spring rains. Wildflowers bloom along gorge trails. Trails can be muddy — waterproof shoes recommended. Crowds are moderate before Memorial Day.
Summer
Peak season — trails, zip-line tours, and popular restaurants book up. Arrive early at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave on weekends. Kayaking and canoeing are best May through September. Hot and humid; gorges stay cooler.
Fall
Peak foliage typically mid-October. Cantwell Cliffs and Conkle's Hollow are exceptional in fall color. Weekends are extremely busy — consider a mid-week visit if possible. Wineries are especially enjoyable during harvest season.
Winter
Frozen waterfalls at Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls are stunning and worth braving the cold for. Trails are far less crowded. AWD or 4WD recommended for rural roads after snow. Hot tub is especially satisfying at 25°F. Fewer dining options may have reduced hours — call ahead.
Questions About Local Recommendations?
(614) 715-9820
We're local hosts and happy to provide personalized recommendations for your specific interests!
Book Your StayGuide last updated: May 2026. All distances measured from 14580 Notestone Road, Laurelville, OH 43135. Hours and offerings subject to change — always call ahead to confirm.
Notestone Reserve
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