Hocking Hills is an oasis of endless fun for those that crave outdoor adventure. While it might be easy to assume it’s a destination that caters to the summer crowd, Hocking Hills is in fact, a place that has plenty of options for winter travelers as well. Make the most of outdoor and indoor entertainment when you make your way this direction when the weather turns cold and the snow falls. We’ve listed some of the best things to do in Hocking Hills in winter below to help!
Lake Hope State Park
Many people have fond memories of downhill sledding adventures when the winter months came into full swing. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to end and can even be added to when you travel to Hocking Hills in the winter. Lake Hope State Park is known for its collection of rolling hills that make for the perfect place for winter activities in Ohio, sliding the day away on a sled or toboggan. You’ll likely be in good company when you choose to spend your day in this way, so come early to get the best spots on the hills!
Lake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278
McArthur, OH 45651
740-596-4938
Hocking Hills Winery
Locally crafted wines, appetizers, and live music can all be found at Hocking Hills Winery, making it the ideal place to cozy up and enjoy a snowy winter day in Hocking Hills. Since opening in 2013, Hocking Hills Winery has worked hard to create a cozy space where family and friends can gather, try amazing wine and enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy a tasting or sip away an afternoon and warm up with some spectacular regional flavors.
Hocking Hills Winery
30402 Freeman Road
Logan, OH 43138
740-385-7117
Hungry Buffalo
If you are in the mood for some beverages that do not include wine, you can always make your way over to Hungry Buffalo. This local restaurant is a favorite among visitors and locals for their incredible menu of food and drinks. Hungry Buffalo is the casual restaurant you have always wanted to be right down the street from your house. Their eclectic menu includes unique items such as their Waffles & Wings tray combining the best parts of breakfast and dinner. The Breakfast Burger is another great hearty option so make sure to have that egg on there. The drink selection is nothing to laugh at either. They have a variety of domestic and imported beers on draft including craft beer. The full-service bar has everything you need for your favorite drinks. Hungry Buffalo is open all winter long with the exception of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Hungry Buffalo
12762 Grey St
Logan, Ohio 43138
Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Hocking Hills State Park
Of course, the primary draw to visiting Hocking Hills will always be the Hocking Hills State Park. The park features a variety of areas each open to explore for wonderful views. The park is visited most often during the warmer parts of the year creating more traffic on the trails. If you do not mind the cold and want to experience Hocking Hills State Park during a quieter time the winter season will always be best. Take a look at our Hocking Hills winter cabins with incredible views for your next winter journey.
Hocking Hills State Park features incredible outdoor parts such as flowing waterfalls and creeks. The winter season will see the water frozen for a unique sight not found any other times of the year. The trees are also glistening with snow during the winter season providing you with your own personal winter wonderland during your stay. Hocking Hills State Park even features various special events during the winter such as the Annual Winter Hike. This hike has been consecutively hosted for over 50 years straight now and is completely free to attend (cash donations are kindly accepted to fund the park). Simply show up in your best hiking attire and hike the 6-mile trek to Ash Cave. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as they are sure to be out and about!
There are always a few recommendations to follow when a winter journey to the park is your first time there. When you arrive at Hocking Hills State Park, it is always a great idea to stop inside the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. This entry point will help you get accustomed to the many trails in the area before you make your way down them. Stop by the Welcome Center where you can pick up a park map that will make it easier to find your way around. The park always recommends for you to wear waterproof hiking boots that will help you keep traction especially when you come across patches of ice. More experienced hikers may find that having metal cleats will make traversing the icy landscape even easier. Make sure to wear multiple pairs of socks to keep your feet warm and stay hydrated. All of the extra precautions will be well worth the effort when you see how beautiful the Hocking Hills State Park looks during the winter months.
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 OH-664
Logan, Ohio 43138
Monday through Sunday: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Logan Frozen Festival
Hocking Hills is the host of an exciting annual festival that celebrates all things winter related. The Logan Frozen Festival takes place each January for a celebration that is full of unique activities and events. This free festival takes place in Downtown Logan where a variety of vendors will get together. Each year you will find activities such as ice games, ice block carving demonstrations, food and restaurant vendors, and much more. You have never seen incredible works of art such as ice sculptures before so visit the festival to see them being made right in front of you. The next scheduled Logan Frozen Festival will be taking place on January 15th, 2022 at the Logan Town Center from noon to 6:00 PM. Do not miss out on this annual festival that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
Hocking Hills Regional Visitor’s Center
While it is always a good idea to stop by the local visitor’s center when exploring a new city, you will find some truly unique offerings at the Hocking Hills Visitor’s Center. In addition to finding a map and information about the area you can also explore the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum. While this is quite a bit smaller than most museums it is a truly unique attraction made up of over 3,400 pencil sharpeners. Stop by the museum for a quick 10-minute break before you get ready to see what else Hocking Hills has to offer during the winter season.
13178 State Rte. 664
Logan, Ohio 43138
Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Hocking Hills in the Winter
When winter rolls around, head to Hocking Hills for a great getaway you won’t soon forget. If you’re planning a vacation for Christmas, you’re going to love our Central Ohio cabin rentals. Let the professionals at Buffalo Cabins and Lodges handle your accommodations so you can focus on the fun. Contact us today for more information on our many property options and more fun things to do in Ohio in the winter! If you’re looking for the perfect stay for your New Year’s celebration, our log cabin rentals in Ohio do not disappoint!
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