The Hocking Hills is an excellent family destination — the scenery does the entertaining for you. The trick is matching the trail to the age of the smallest person in your group.
Trails by difficulty
- Ash Cave gorge trail — flat, paved, quarter of a mile. Strollers and small legs, no problem. The best first walk.
- Conkle's Hollow gorge trail — mostly flat and paved, deep and dramatic. Good for young children; the rim trail above is not.
- Old Man's Cave — steps, narrow ledges and stone stairs. Fine for confident walkers from about five upward; hard work with a toddler.
- Conkle's Hollow rim trail — exposed cliff edges with long drops and no railings for much of it. Not for young children.
What to look for in a family cabin
- Sleeping arrangements that actually work — a loft with an open rail is not a bedroom for a two-year-old.
- A proper kitchen. Eating in is easier and cheaper with children, and restaurants are a drive away.
- Outside space you can see from the kitchen window.
- Ask about stairs, decks and unfenced drops if you have a climber.
Rainy-day plan
Rock House is the best wet-weather walk in the park — you can stand inside the cave and watch it rain. Ash Cave's overhang does the same job.
Find a cabin with room for everyone
Search by guests and bedrooms and book direct with the owner.