Things to Do
In addition to hiking, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Hocking Hills. From canoe liveries to winery tours, Hocking Hills is your one-stop vacation place. If you actually get bored in Hocking Hills, then, you might want to check your pulse because you may be a zombie.
Parks/Trails/Nature Preserves
Ash Cave (9.1 miles to The Big Pine Tree House)
26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152
In the southernmost reaches of Hocking Hills is Ash Cave - beyond doubt the most spectacular feature of the entire park. Ash Cave is the largest, most impressive recess cave in the state. The approach to Ash Cave is through a narrow gorge lined with stately hemlocks, massive beech trees and various other hardwoods. The valley floor offers brilliant displays of wildflowers in the all seasons including large flowered trillium, Dutchman's breeches, trout lily, Jack-in-the Pulpit and jewelweed. The narrow gorge is approximately one-fourth mile in length and with astonishing suddenness gives way to the tremendous overhanging ledge and cave shelter.
No permit is needed.
Balanced Rock (Big Pine Pillar) Trail ( 1 mile from The Big Pine Tree House)
Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Approx. 35 feet tall, this wonder was originally part of the neighboring cliff. Over time, differential weathering undercut the softer layers of strata allowing it to slump away along a weaker joint. The strata of Balanced Rock contains differing degrees of hardness. The softer base of Balanced Rock eroded more quickly than upper more resilient top thus giving us this unique geological feature to admire for many more years. However differential weathering is continually occurring and will undercut Balanced Rock and one day it will be more. No permit is needed.
Cantwell Cliffs (18.1 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
13640 OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Cantwell Cliffs is located in the northern reaches of Hocking Hills - 17 miles from Old Man's Cave on S.R. 374. Its remote location discourages visitation, but those who travel the extra distance will not be disappointed. Many visitors proclaim the Cantwell area as the most picturesque in Hocking County. No permit needed.
Clear Creek Metro Park (7.4 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
23233 Clearcreek Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Clear Creek Metro Park features over 5,300 acres of woodland interspersed with blackhand sandstone cliffs, ravines and creeks. Home to Ohio's largest nature preserve and more than 2,200 species of plants and animals. No permit needed.
Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve (2.3 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is a deep, cool gorge, which is only 100 feet wide in places and is considered by some to be the deepest in Ohio. The cliffs above the gorge are about 200 feet tall. The valley floor is covered in multiple difference species of plants, such as ferns, hemlock, and other wildflowers. No permit is needed.
Old Man's Cave State Park (4.3 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
19852 St. Rt. 664 S Logan, OH 43138
The most popular of all the Hocking areas is Old Man's Cave, located on State Route 664. Here at the Upper Falls, the Grandma Gatewood Trail begins its six-mile course connecting three of the park's areas: Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. This same trail has been designated as part of Ohio's Buckeye Trail as well as part of two national systems - the North Country Scenic Trail and America's Discovery Trail. No permit is needed.
Rockhouse (6.8 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135
(740) 385-6841
Rock House is unique in the Hocking Hills' region, as it is the only true cave in the park. It is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Blackhand sandstone. No permit is needed.
Sheick Hollow Nature Preserve (2.3 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Explore Sheick Hollow’s gorgeous 151 acres nestled around a stream that traverses the nature preserve’s sandstone cliffs.
The thick hemlock and birch forest, rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and diverse plant life represent the unique characteristics of the region. Daily Permit Required.
Activities/Experiences
Ash Cave Fire Tower (7.9 miles to The Big Pine Tree House)
19275 State Route 374, Rockbridge, OH 43149
If you don’t mind heights, you can get your heart pumping while climbing up the stairs of the Ash Cave Fire Tower.
Cork & Tap Excursions
740-409-4123
Let them drive so you can drink. Enjoy some of the best wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries in Southeast and Eastern Ohio. Sample locally made wine, beer, cider and spirits while the Cork & Tap winery gurus take care of the transportation. All you have to do is show up.
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery (9.6 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
hockingriver.com
12789 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
740-216-4540
Why not tour Hocking in a canoe or kayak. The livery offers canoe and kayak rentals with an option of a 5 mile trip and a 7.5 mile trip. The 5 mile trip is better for beginners with less twists and turns in the river.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours (10.8 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
hockinghillscanopytours.com
10714 Jackson St, Rockbridge, OH 43149
740-386-9477
Best ziplining experience in Hocking Hills, hands down. HH Canopy Tours is the premier destination for ziplines and outdoor adventure in Hocking Hills! Whether it’s a family trip, a work retreat, or any other type of gathering, they have an option for everyone!
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (22.7 miles from The Big Pine ree House)
346 Railroad St, Nelsonville, OH
740-753-9531
Enjoy scenic Hocking Hills during a train ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Trains depart out of the Nelsonville Depot and there are several train ride experiences to choose from.
Lockhart Ironworks (21.8 miles to The Big Pine Tree House)
https://themakersofhandforgediron.com
4515 Township Road 430 Logan, OH
Experience the art of blacksmithing at this home of southern Ohio School of blacksmithing.
NevilleBillie Adventure Park (7.8 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
15155 Sauer Kraut Rd, Logan, OH 43138
nevillebillieadventurepark.com
At NevilleBillie Adventure Park in Logan Ohio, you find a recreational facility packed with a wide range of activities. The first and best family ATV rental location in Ohio, and they also have 3 paintball fields, the World’s Largest Family Ropes Course, Mystery Shack, and a 20′ vertigo tunnel . For motorized adventures they offer the capable 2 & 4 seat Honda Talon 1000s and The Hocking Hills Slingshot Experience! Their goal is to ensure safe, world class, one of a kind, fun for the whole family and to provide a great time for couples, bachelor/bachelorette parties or groups of friends. Now are offering after hour complete facility rental for the discerning groups. They have a wide range of custom packages and guides to show you the forest and attractions. Custom build and Book yours today!
On Guard Shooting Range (17.2 miles from the Big Pine Tree House)
66211 Bethel Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654
Get your Annie Oakley on with perfecting your aim at Ohio's Premier Firearms Training Center and Shooting Range. On Guard Defense is NOT your typical shooting range. Safety comes first & the fun follows! Instructors and Range Safety Officers are always present on their ranges to keep you safe and offer help when you need it. From new shooters that might need more individualized attention to experienced shooters that want to draw from the holster or engage multiple targets...they can do that! So grab your friends & come on out! If you're planning to stay in the area for a day or two.
Sauna Pods in Hocking Hills (5.4 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
740-249-1283
18905 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH
Book a barrel-shaped, cedar sauna featuring a floor-to-ceiling fish-eye window facing a Hocking Hills view. Drive right up – no hiking required. Step through the changing chamber, to the sauna – hot and waiting! Seats four. Bring music to connect to the Blutooth speakers and experiment with the built-in mood lighting. Pick up bottled water and towels at check-in.
Spotted Horse Ranch (12.9 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
thespottedhorseranch.com
17325 Deffenbaugh Rd #9633, Laurelville, OH 43135
Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills region of Ohio, Spotted Horse Ranch offers guided horseback riding with or without your horses.
Churches
Pine Grove Christ Community Chuch (2 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
24760 Big Pine Rd., Rockbridge, OH 43149
(740) 904-5899 (Pastor Ben Fannin)
Experince peace in the Valley at a 150 year-old evangelical Christian Church. Servies Sunday moning at 9am.
Shops/Souvenirs
Dusty Blues Gallery (6.2 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
dustyblues.com
14775 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138
(740) 385-5830
DustyBlues Gallery provides Hocking Hills photography with numerous offerings for travelers and locals looking to take home a memory. DustyBlues continually adds new Hocking Hills photography treasures for your walls or as a special gift.
Grandma Fayes (3.4 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
20507 St. Rt. 664S, Logan, OH 43138
(740) 385-9466
Not only do they have groceries and have a deli, Grandma Fayes has a souvenir shop with a huge selection of souvenirs such as wearables, decor and al sorts of knick-knacks. Great place to be.
Homegrown on Main (11.8 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
65 W Main St, Logan, OH 43138
(740) 216-4435
Locally crafted goods and souvenirs in downtown Logan.
Jack Pine Glass Studios (8.4 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
jackpinestudio.com
21397 OH-180, Laurelville, OH 43135
740-332-2223
Get a rare glimpse of true artists at work. You can get a front-row seat to the magic of hand-blown glass art yourself. Ther studio is located less than a mile from the Rock House in the heart of Hocking Hills. After your live demonstration, shop in their beautiful glass gallery, featuring incredible one-of-a-kind glass pieces perfect for your home or as a gift. Take an introduction workshops on the weekend. Get a chance to blow your own piece of glass art with the help of a glass artist.
Logan Antique Mall (9.5 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
loganantiquemall.net
12795 OH-664 S, Logan, OH 43138
740-385-2061
Logan Antique Mall is a local antique store based in Logan, Ohio since 1994. They have been providing quality products and services for over 25 years! They have classic vinyl records, home decors, farmhouse merchandise, classic advertising signs, coca-cola antiques, vintage toys, glassware, dishes and so much more.
Midwest Glass Outlet (9.5 miles from The Big Pine Tree House)
12811 St. Rt. 664 S. Logan, OH 43138
Retail glassware outlet for several glass makers, including Anchor Hocking and Fiestaware.