How to Have the Best Ohio Summer Vacation: Things to Do in the Hocking Hills in the Summer

Summer was made for vacation days. Take a unique summer vacation this year and visit the Hocking Hills. Whether you’re looking for a place to reconnect with your sweetheart or go on a getaway with your family or friends, this area has everything you need for the perfect trip. Take some PTO for an amazing Ohio summer vacation! Learn about all the things to do in the Hocking Hills in the summer when you access our complimentary Vacation Guide.

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Everything You Need to Know About an Ohio Summer Vacation

The Weather

If you love warm weather, an Ohio summer vacation is definitely for you! June, July, and August are typically in the low 80s during the day and drop down to the low 60s at night. This makes the weather warm, but not too warm. You can still enjoy all our outdoor activities without overheating! Keep in mind that the summer gets a lot of precipitation. There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day, and all the rain makes our waterfalls flow and our forests lush and green.

What to Pack

You’ll want to pack a variety of outfits depending on what you are looking to do during your Ohio summer vacation. Shorts and T-shirts are a must for casual wear; it does get hot! Ladies, consider packing a sundress or two for visiting wineries or doing some shopping. If you want to hike, bring proper footwear and comfortable clothes. There are some trails that are easy to walk on, so your shorts and T-shirt will do just fine. Lastly, you might want to bring a bathing suit. Tubing down the Hocking River or taking a dip in Lake Logan is one of the best things to do in the Hocking Hills in the summer!

8 of the Best Things to Do in the Hocking Hills in the Summer

Explore the Hocking Hills State Park

Do you want to explore mysterious caves, cascading waterfalls, and enchanting forests filled with greenery? Head to the Hocking Hills State Park! This 2,356-acre piece of land is just minutes away from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, and it is full of adventures. Miles of trails wind through the towering trees and feature some of the most beautiful natural wonders in our area. We even have a Hocking Hills State Park Guide that has everything you need to know about visiting the forest.

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biker enjoying motorcycle routes in ohioGo on a Motorcycle Ride

Feel the breeze in your hair as you take in the sights and sounds of the Hocking Hills on the back of a motorcycle. Our region’s winding roads make for great riding. See century-old farms, rolling fields, expansive forests, and more. Check out some of our favorite motorcycle routes to start planning!

Visit the Hocking Hills Market

Sifting through unique goods is one of our favorite summer activities. Relax as you look through an eclectic mix of clothing, furniture, and antiques at the Hocking Hills Market. There are more than 100 vendors here, so it’s the perfect place to find something to remember your trip by. Chelle’s 33 Diner is also onsite. Grab a bite for lunch and continue shopping throughout the day.

bartender pouring white wine into multiple wine glassesVisit a Winery

No matter what the weather is like, visiting one of the wineries in our area makes for an excellent summer activity. Many of the wineries have beautiful outdoor spaces where you can sit and sip your favorite rosé under the sun. However, this is an excellent rainy day activity, too! If you come across some rain showers during your stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, the indoor tasting rooms are always lively.

Challenge Yourself at R Adventure Park

Try something new during your summer vacation in Ohio! R Adventure Park is an excellent place to challenge yourself or a loved one. Here, you can ride ATVs, tackle the world’s largest family ropes course, and play paintball. Whatever activity you decide on, the park has everything you need to have a great time.

John Glenn Astronomy ParkGo Stargazing

If you’re planning a romantic evening, it doesn’t get much better than stargazing with your sweetheart. The Hocking Hills is one of the only places in the entire country where the night sky is still untouched by light pollution. Make sure you look up and enjoy the view of countless stars twinkling in the distance. The John Glenn Astronomy Park houses a 28-inch telescope that you can use at night!  

tubingGo Tubing

For a cool activity in the summer heat, try river tubing. There’s nothing better than relaxing as you float down the river. Dip your feet into the water when you start to get hot and enjoy the summer sun! There are plenty of tube rentals near the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, so put on your bathing suit and sunscreen and go float! While tubing, you can pull over and visit the Natural Rock Bridge.

Pack a Picnic

Picnicking is one of our favorite things to do in the Hocking Hills in the summer. Our area is so beautiful that you could spend hours just sitting on the grass, watching the clouds go by and taking it all in. Pick up a brown bag lunch from Kindred Spirits and go eat at your favorite spot. If you don’t have a favorite spot yet, we suggest trying Rose Lake.

Book Your Ohio Summer Vacation Today!

Inn at Cedar Falls CottageGive yourself the getaway you deserve this summer when you book your stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. Take some time for yourself to get away and relax! Our spa treatments can help with that. We also firmly believe that everyone needs some fresh air from the Hocking Hills once in a while. Browse our accommodations to start planning your stay. We look forward to hosting you!