10 fun things to do on your Hocking Hills Cabin getaway.
The Hocking Hills region is one of Ohio’s most renowned destinations, offering unique natural features, amazing adventures, and unforgettable getaways in every season. Whether you are planning a cozy romantic weekend, a fun-filled family trip, or a pet-friendly excursion, a stay in one of the secluded Hocking Hills cabins at Cherry Ridge Retreat gives you the perfect home base to enjoy it all.
Here are 10 fun things to do year-round during your Hocking Hills getaway.
1. Old Man’s Cave
No trip to the Hocking Hills feels complete without wandering through Old Man’s Cave. Carved from towering sandstone cliffs and dotted with waterfalls, this trail is as dramatic as it is accessible. The main loop is just three miles, making it a favorite for guests who want big scenery without a strenuous climb.
If you’re in the mood to linger, extend your hike to Whispering Cave. The 4.4-mile loop rewards you with one of the region’s largest recess caves, a soaring natural amphitheater that feels like stepping into another world.
And the best part? After a day on the trails, you’ll return to your secluded cabin at our Hocking Hills cabins, where a private hot tub and massage chairs await. The contrast between the wild cliffs and your quiet, luxury hideaway is what makes the Hocking Hills unforgettable.
2. Adventure on the Hocking River or Nearby Lakes
The Hocking River spans 102 miles and offers numerous opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. For a slower pace, nearby lakes provide beaches for swimming, marinas for boating, and quiet spots for fishing. While the colder months may not be the best time of year to enjoy the water, the heated plunge pool at our Lake House Lodge can still be enjoyed even when the weather turns icy. Relaxing sessions in warm, bubbling water are the perfect way to turn a chilly winter day into something special.
3. Dog-Friendly Hikes
If you are traveling with your furry friend and would like to venture out for some adventure, you will find many pet-friendly trails in the Hocking Hills. While nature preserves like Conkle’s Hollow are off limits to pets, Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave do welcome leashed dogs. If your goal is to stay put at Cherry Ridge Retreat, we have 5 miles of private hiking trails right outside each of our pet-friendly cabins, like The Boat House, Still Waters, Water’s Edge, or Oak Ridge. Our well-marked trails will lead you through both woodland and prairie. Of particular pride are our plantings of pollinator-attracting ohio-native plants in plots found at several spots on the property.
4. Evenings at John Glenn Astronomy Park
Named for Ohio’s own pioneering astronaut, John Glenn Astronomy Park is one of the best places for stargazing. Programs are held Friday and Saturday nights from March through November, but the park is open year-round for anyone seeking dark skies. Combine an evening of stargazing with a late-night hot tub soak back at your cabin under the very same stars. Our Observatory cabin, notably, boasts unobstructed sky views, perfect for admiring both sunset and moonrise from the comfort of your private heated pool.
5. Ash Cave
If the goal for your Hocking Hills cabin getaway is to relax more than conquer rugged trails, but you’d still like to see some of the famous sites, Ash Cave fits the bill. This leisurely half-mile loop is an easy, accessible trail that leads to a massive horseshoe-shaped recess cave. It is one of the most photographed and iconic spots in Hocking Hills. In the Winter months, Ash Cave may even feature impressive ice formations - the perfect photo opportunity. After snapping your photos, head back to your cabin for the perfect gourmet experience. Enhancements like our in-cabin chef meals, chef-prepared meal deliveries, or curated charcuterie boxes are an ideal way to add another level of luxury to your Hocking Hills adventure.
6. Hike Above the Canopy at Conkle’s Hollow
Are you a thrill seeker? For those seeking big views from dramatic cliff tops, the Rim Trail at Conkle’s Hollow is a moderate hike that rewards you with sweeping sights of the forest below. In autumn, this is one of the best places to take in the Hocking Hills leaf season from above the canopy. If heights are not your thing, try out the Gorge Trail. A short .5 mile jaunt through the ravine below the cliffs, leading to a small cave where you can view the geological strata from millennia past. After an exciting excursion above the tree tops, return to your cabin to enjoy a glass of wine and a gourmet charcuterie box while sitting on the deck, reviewing your photos, and letting the day’s adventure end in comfort and seclusion.
7. Horseback Riding
Several stables in the Hocking Hills offer guided horseback rides through forests and meadows. This is a favorite activity for couples looking for something different or families who want a new way to see the landscape. There are opportunities to enjoy a seasonal equestrian adventure, riding through the spooky Moonville Tunnel in late October, or enjoying a festive ride through a snowy landscape in December or January. Our team at Cherry Ridge Retreat is always happy to recommend fun and unique things to do during your stay.
8. Wines, Meads and Micro Brews of the Region
The Hocking Hills and surrounding region are home to wineries and microbreweries that highlight Ohio’s craft beverage scene. At Cherry Ridge Retreat, guests can enjoy local wine and mead options delivered right to their cabin. Honeymooners often celebrate with mead, while families and groups love pairing a wine selection with our chef-prepared meals.
9. Rock House
The Rock House is the only true cave in the Hocking Hills, with natural windows and a cathedral-like ceiling that make it an unforgettable sight. Families love exploring its chambers, and photographers often call it one of the most unique attractions in the region.
10. Return to Your Secluded Cabin
At the end of every adventure, the true highlight of a Hocking Hills getaway is returning to your own secluded cabin. Guests at Cherry Ridge Retreat rave about the hot tubs, massage chairs, fireplaces, and outdoor seating areas that make every stay feel special. With five miles of private trails, stocked fishing ponds, and thoughtful add-ons like chef services, charcuterie boards, and snack boxes, many say they never want to leave the property.
Plan Your Hocking Hills Getaway
Whether you are hiking Old Man’s Cave, stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park, or simply watching the leaves change from your deck, Cherry Ridge Retreat is the perfect home base for your Hocking Hills adventure. Our secluded Hocking Hills cabins combine luxury amenities with complete privacy, making every trip something you’ll want to repeat in every season.
Book your Hocking Hills luxury cabin today and experience the best of the region any time of year.
