If you’ve lived in Ohio for any length of time, you’ve likely explored Old Man’s Cave, the Hocking Hills Market. and Cedar Falls. They’re wonderful places to visit but often accompanied by a crowd, especially on the weekends. If you want to escape the crowds, consider exploring some of the Hocking Hills hidden gems like I do.

My name is April, and I’m a content editor here at OnlyInYourState. I’ve lived in Ohio my whole life and have learned to love it for what it is — roller coaster winters and all. I’ve hiked a trail or two, conquered a few record-breaking roller coasters, explored the rolling hills of Ohio Amish Country…and I think it’s safe to say that there’s truly no place like the Hocking Hills. If you’re looking to uncover some Hocking Hills hidden gems, I have a few suggestions from first-hand experience.

A weekend away in Ohio's Hocking Hills can be exactly what you need sometimes: limited cell phone service, fresh air, and the beauty of nature.
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Even though Wi-Fi and cell phone service might be limited while on the road, that doesn't mean you won't find any connection in this up-and-coming area somewhere. There's even a Hocking Hills app now.
One of my personal favorite lesser-known trails to take in Hocking Hills is actually a bridle trail. The White Bridle Trail is located in the Hocking State Forest, outside of the state park and the area's nature preserves.
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You can access the trailhead at the parking area across the street from the Hocking Climbing and Rappelling Area, right off of Big Pine Road/St. Rt. 374.
After a 30-minute trek through the forest, the trail leads to a Hocking Hills hidden gem known as Chapel Cave -- or 21 Horse's Cave. The cave's triangular opening gives it a chapel-like appearance, and its depth is roomy enough for 21 horses.
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I recommend wearing some hiking footwear for this one, as the uphill climb to the cave is steep and the forest floor can be quite difficult to traverse in some places. Also, prepare to get a little muddy if it has rained recently!
If you're looking for a lunch spot (and failed to pack a picnic lunch like me), there's a little roadside oasis called Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium.
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Here, you'll find Wifi, coffee, and even a place to spend the night. The Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium features four private suites, and although I have not personally stayed overnight here, they look perfectly cozy and accommodating after a day of hiking.
On the coffee shop's menu, you'll find a list of mouthwatering hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches, as well as mac and cheese, soups, and more.
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Pictured is the Chicken Salad Melt, which I highly recommend. (Unless you decide to order the Kentucky Bourbon Meatloaf Melt, which my husband can confirm is just as satisfying.)
Another one of Hocking Hills' hidden gems (free of crowds!) is High Rock Adventures. Here, you can book a rapelling, rock climbing, or eco-tour and experience a whole new side to Hocking Hills few have ever seen.
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It's one of the very few places in Hocking Hills you can explore on private land and reservations are required.
A truly one-of-a-kind experience made possible by knowledgeable and environmentally-friendly guides, these tours might just help you learn a new skill, too. (Although, it's fair to say my rappelling abilities just aren't strong.)
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These guided tours are easily some of the best Hocking Hills hidden gems. Prices are based on the tour you choose. You can learn more at the High Rock Adventures website.
If you're traveling with kids, I can't recommend Muddy Boots Farm enough. It's a seasonal petting farm that's open from May through September (weather permitting). There's plenty of space to roam and explore and a wide variety of animals to visit.
Muddy Boots Farm, 28310 Moccasin Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA
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Admission is $10 per person for ages 13 and up, $7 for children ages 5 - 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For hours and other information, visit the Muddy Boots Farm website.

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Here, you'll find everything from friendly camels to fluffy rabbits -- and you can even feed a few! My daughter especially enjoyed venturing into the rabbit pen.
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As you can imagine, baby animals are constantly being born on the farm. Stay up to date with baby arrivals, special events, and more via the Muddy Boots Facebook page.
If you're anything like me, it can be hard to get toddlers to eat anything other than pizza, so it's worth it to stop at the area's best pizza joint. Pizza Crossing isn't exactly a hidden gem, but it's not to be missed.
Pizza Crossing Logan, 58 N Mulberry St, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Pizza Crossing/Facebook
It's so good, there's also a Lancaster location!
I highly recommend a classic pepperoni and cheese pizza or the BBQ Chicken Pizza (which, we may or may not have eaten too quickly to snap a photo of).
Pizza Crossing/Facebook
You can even order a mini-size pizza, which is perfect for kids. To view a menu and hours of operation, visit the Pizza Crossing website.
And if you're looking for a kid-friendly hike in the area, I recommend the short trek to Ash Cave. It's ADA accessible and stroller friendly (until you approach the cave).
Ash cave Parking, 27291 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA
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The .5-mile trail is easy to navigate with children if you turn back the way you came once you reach the cave. My little one especially enjoyed stopping along the bridges to spot minnows in the babbling brooks.
This is a fairly popular trail within the state park, likely because it's easily accessible and the scenery is just as beautiful as Old Man's Cave.
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The recess cave, massive rock formations, and towering waterfall make this hike a classic Hocking Hills experience. You get the full experience without the steep climbs.
If you have the room in your budget, I recommend staying at any private cabin rental that meets your party's needs. It's the best way to get the true Hocking Hills experience.
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Pictured is the Blue Ash cabin at Aspen Ridge, which I have to say is absolutely picture-perfect.
If you're lucky, your overnight getaway just might have an additional trail or two on the property, allowing you to explore even more of this beautiful region.
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Although Wi-Fi is available at select cabins, my stay did not have this amenity -- and it was just what I needed. Navigating the roads with maps and signs might seem primitive, but it can actually be pretty refreshing.
Of course, the best reason to stay in a cabin is the luxury of starting your day with forest views and a cup of coffee on the deck...
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This cabin rental in Hocking Hills was absolutely perfect for our needs.
...and ending your day huddled around a campfire.
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There are few things in life better than "camp-firing" (as my daughter says) and roasting marshmallows.

Watch the footage from our Travel Experts:

If you’re curious about what you can expect to see in Hocking Hills (specifically Ash Cave), then check out the video below of the waterfall that cascades off of the rocks at Ash Cave!

To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.

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