Hocking Hills has been my favorite Ohio getaway since childhood. Over the years I’ve learned that where you lay your head at night can make or break the hiking experience. Hocking Hills is not a single loop but a patchwork of separate parks, and those who stay in the wrong spot spend much of their vacation driving. This post will guide you through where to stay in Hocking Hills for easy access to hiking trails, highlight the standout option of Notestone Reserve and give practical tips for planning a memorable trip.
Why location matters when choosing a place to stay
Hocking Hills State Park is comprised of seven distinct hiking areas scattered throughout the region. Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave are clustered along State Route 664, but Rock House and Cantwell Cliffs sit miles away on their own roads. If your cabin is far from these trailheads, you’ll spend more time in the car than on the trail. Staying close to the heart of the park lets you catch sunrise at one spot, return for lunch, and head out again without feeling rushed. When I stay in a central location I find it easier to hit multiple trails each day and still have time to relax.
Notestone Reserve: luxury lodging in the middle of it all
If you’re wondering where should I stay in Hocking Hills for easy access to hiking trails?, Notestone Reserve deserves serious consideration. These luxury hocking hills rentals provide modern, tranquil cabins with fire pits, personal hot tubs and pet‑friendly options. More importantly, the properties sit in the heart of Hocking Hills. From the address at 14580 Notestone Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, the drive to Old Man’s Cave is about 13 miles (roughly 26 minutes). Rock House and the main Hocking Hills State Park trailhead are only about 4 miles away, and the Hocking Hills Visitor Center is around 18 miles. This central placement means you can hike early in the morning, return to your cabin for a hot tub break, and head out again for sunset views without long drives.
Notestone Reserve also offers a variety of lodging sizes. Cabins like “Muir” are perfect for couples with a single bedroom and private hot tub, while larger homes like “Stowe” and “Hemingway” sleep up to six and include full kitchens, fire pits and game rooms. Each unit is named after a famous writer, which adds a literary charm. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family reunion or a small group retreat, these Hocking Hills getaways deliver comfort and convenience.
What is the easiest hiking trail at Hocking Hills?
Travelers of all ages often ask for an easy trail that delivers a big payoff. Ash Cave fits the bill perfectly. This path is paved and only about a quarter of a mile one way, making it stroller‑ and wheelchair‑friendly. The trail leads through a gorge of towering sandstone walls to a horseshoe‑shaped recess cave with a seasonal waterfall. Because it’s so accessible, Ash Cave is ideal for families with young children, seniors or anyone who prefers a gentle walk. If you want a little more challenge, there is an unpaved loop with stairs that returns to the parking lot through the forest.
How many days are needed for Hocking Hills?
The right amount of time depends on what you hope to experience. A long weekend—about 2.5 to 3 days—is enough to hike Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave and Rock House while leaving room for a canopy zip‑line tour or a visit to local wineries. I’ve found that tackling two or three hikes per day keeps things fun without feeling rushed. If you only have one day, focus on Old Man’s Cave in the morning and either Ash Cave or Cedar Falls in the afternoon. Two days allow you to add Rock House or Whispering Cave. For those who love longer, remote hikes like Cantwell Cliffs or the 4.5‑mile Whispering Cave Trail, adding a third day makes the trip more relaxed.
How long is the hike from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls?
Old Man’s Cave is the most visited area in Hocking Hills. The loop around the gorge, Upper Falls and Lower Falls is about one mile. From there, the path meets the Grandma Gatewood Trail, which continues on to Cedar Falls and then to Ash Cave. The full distance between Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls via this route is roughly three miles one way, so a round trip on foot can be six miles. Many hikers choose to explore Old Man’s Cave, return to their car and then drive to Cedar Falls to save time and energy. The drive between the two trailheads is about 20 to 25 minutes.
A trail overview: easy, moderate and challenging hikes
Hocking Hills offers a wide range of hiking experiences. Here’s a brief overview:
- Old Man’s Cave – A moderate one‑mile loop with waterfalls, caves and gorge views. Ideal for first‑time visitors. Parking fills early on weekends.
- Cedar Falls – A moderate 0.9‑mile loop featuring one of the region’s most powerful waterfalls. Best after rain or in spring.
- Ash Cave – An easy 0.5‑mile out‑and‑back on a paved trail. Wheelchair‑accessible and perfect for all ages.
- Rock House – A moderate one‑mile loop exploring the park’s only true cave. Bring a flashlight; the interior can be dark.
- Cantwell Cliffs – The most remote and difficult two‑mile loop with steep steps and narrow passages. Rewarding for experienced hikers looking for solitude.
- Whispering Cave Trail – A 4.5‑mile difficult route across the Hemlock Bridge to the second‑largest cave in the region. Great for those seeking a longer challenge.
Mixing easy hikes like Ash Cave with moderate and difficult trails keeps your itinerary varied and satisfying.
Packing tips and trail etiquette
Proper preparation makes your visit safer and more enjoyable. Pack at least one liter of water per person, high‑energy snacks and a paper map or offline trail app—cell service can be unreliable in gorges. Wear sturdy hiking shoes; even paved sections can be slick after rain. Bring layers because temperatures fluctuate in the gorges and ridges. A headlamp is useful if you finish a trail late or want to stargaze at the nearby John Glenn Astronomy Park. Always stay on marked trails to protect fragile plant life and rock formations, and pack out your trash. Dogs are welcome on most trails but must remain leashed. If you’re staying at Notestone Reserve, check with your hosts for trail updates or suggestions—local insight is invaluable.
Best times of year to visit
Hocking Hills offers something special in every season. Spring brings abundant waterfalls and wildflowers; summer provides lush green foliage and long daylight hours but larger crowds. Fall attracts visitors from across the Midwest for its vibrant foliage. Booking lodging months in advance is essential during peak autumn weeks. Winter hiking is quieter and reveals frozen waterfalls and ice formations. If you’re flexible, consider visiting in late April or early October when temperatures are mild and trails are less crowded. Regardless of the season, staying near the trailheads makes it easy to catch sunrise or sunset without racing the clock.
What to expect at popular trailheads
Old Man’s Cave offers a compact but varied hike that packs in waterfalls, rock bridges and narrow passages. The area can be busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early for parking. Cedar Falls showcases a 50‑foot waterfall along a moderate trail with stone steps; spring snowmelt and post‑rain visits provide the best views. Ash Cave features a dramatic recess cave accessible by paved path. Rock House is the only true cave in the park with arched openings and an expansive interior—bring a flashlight for exploring. Cantwell Cliffs challenges hikers with steep climbs and cliff‑top views, while Whispering Cave rewards those willing to trek 4.5 miles with a swinging bridge and impressive cave. Each trailhead has parking and restrooms, but capacity varies, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Choosing between hotels, cabins and vacation homes
Lodging options in Hocking Hills range from hotels in nearby towns to campgrounds, bed‑and‑breakfasts and vacation homes hidden in the forest. Hotels near Logan offer modern conveniences but can be a 30‑minute drive from the main park. Cabins and vacation homes near the trails provide privacy, full kitchens and unique features like hot tubs and game rooms. When choosing places to stay in Hocking Hills, consider both distance to trailheads and amenities. Notestone Reserve stands out because it combines luxury with central placement. Other luxury hocking hills rentals include tiny homes and mirror cabins that cater to couples or solo travelers. Always verify the distance to Old Man’s Cave and other trails before booking.
Planning your itinerary: sample 3‑day schedule
Day 1: Check into your lodging in the afternoon. Drive to Cedar Falls for a short hike and enjoy the waterfall. Return to your cabin for a relaxing evening in the hot tub or head into Logan for dinner.
Day 2: Rise early to hike Old Man’s Cave, taking your time to explore Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub and the gorge. After lunch, choose between driving to Cedar Falls for a longer hike along the Grandma Gatewood Trail or visiting Rock House for a one‑mile cave walk. In the evening, consider stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park or enjoying a campfire.
Day 3: Start your morning at Ash Cave, wandering beneath the massive overhang. If energy allows, tackle Cantwell Cliffs or the Whispering Cave Trail for a final adventure. Pack up, check out and stop by the Hocking Hills Visitor Center to learn more about the region’s geology and history.
Throughout your trip, explore other attractions such as local wineries, the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours or the Rockbridge Nature Preserve. For more inspiration, read Top 5 Hiking Trails in Hocking Hills State Park for Unforgettable Views. That guide highlights must‑see routes and can help you prioritize your time.
Closing thoughts: comfort meets adventure
The magic of Hocking Hills lies in its blend of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and serene forest paths. By selecting lodging close to the heart of the park, you’ll spend more time immersed in nature and less time behind the wheel. Notestone Reserve offers a sweet spot between luxury and convenience, providing stylish cabins just minutes from the trails. With careful planning—considering travel distances, seasonal conditions and your group’s interests—you can craft a trip that balances comfort and adventure. When friends ask me where should I stay in Hocking Hills for easy access to hiking trails?, I recommend checking out these centrally located rentals for a truly memorable stay.
Proximity to top trails: distances from Notestone Reserve
To illustrate just how central Notestone Reserve is, here’s a quick look at approximate driving distances and times from the property to popular hiking spots. These numbers are based on maps and travel guides:
| Destination | Approx. drive time | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|
| Old Man’s Cave | 26 minutes | 13.3 miles |
| Rock House | 12 minutes | 4.1 miles |
| Hocking Hills State Park main area | 12 minutes | 4.1 miles |
| Hocking Hills Visitor Center | 32 minutes | 18.3 miles |
| Cedar Falls | 26 minutes | 13.3 miles |
| Ash Cave | 24 minutes | ~12 miles |
Staying near this central point reduces travel time so you can maximize trail time. When comparing other properties in the area, always check these distances yourself; some cabins advertised as “close to the park” may be 30 minutes or more from the most popular trails
