There’s not much that can top Ohio’s natural landscapes in the summer, and the lush forests and hidden caves of Hocking Hills are no exception. However, when temperatures creep higher and higher, what is the best way to beat the heat?
One of the best things you can do to remain cool during the summer heat is to enjoy a nice, relaxing ride down the beautiful Hocking River. Kayaking or canoeing are excellent options that not only offer a unique view of the region but they can also help cool you off when the sun is too hot for a hike. Hocking Hills Canoe Livery offers a variety of river trips; simply choose either the solitude of a kayak or the teamwork of a canoe, and enjoy an afternoon meandering your way through the scenic countryside. Trip lengths can vary from anywhere between 1.5 to 3 hours, but they all boast the opportunity to dock your boat on a sandbar or island to enjoy a little exploration or a quiet picnic.
If a family or group outing is on your wishlist, then we recommend one of the following tours below:
- Crockett’s Trip: Lined by trees and fields, you and your crew will paddle your way down five miles of the Hocking River with the option to pull your boat onto the passing sandbars for some on-foot exploration or to stop for a quaint picnic lunch. This tour is great for beginners, lasting approximately 1.5 hours, so you will have plenty of time to check out the surrounding attractions (Canoe, kayak, and raft approved).
- Rockbridge Trip: If a longer trip is more your style, this tour boasts two more miles of sandbars, islands, and riffles. You can even stop at several viewing points to watch adrenaline junkies soar through the trees on the ziplines or to enjoy a hike to the nearby natural Rockbridge. Set aside a bit more time for this one as your paddle time averages around 2-3 hours (Suitable for canoes and kayaks).
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, the canoe livery even offers the occasional moonlit tour of the Hocking River throughout the summer. Grab your partner and paddle from fading sunset until the moon rises high in the sky, and end your night with smores and a campfire back on dry land. A sure sell-out event – these few rare nights book up well in advance, so do not hesitate to call and reserve your spot for this one-of-a-kind romantic adventure under the stars.
At the end of your day, no matter what river trip or activity you choose, you can rest easy knowing that a quiet night of recovery awaits you at your secluded cabin at Cherry Ridge Retreats.
