Hocking Hills State Park: OSU’s Best Half-Day Nature Escape 🍂🥾

Just an hour’s drive from Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park is the perfect antidote to campus life—where waterfalls cascade over mossy cliffs and autumn leaves paint the trails gold. Here’s your ultimate guide to a rejuvenating half-day (or overnight!) adventure: 📍 Trail Essentials 🚗 Parking: Navigate to Hocking Hills Visitor Center (easy lot access + trailhead) ⏱️ Hike Time: ~4 hours round-trip (moderate difficulty) 🌿 Seasonal Magic: October offers crisp air, still-flowing waterfalls, and peeking fall foliage (peak colors hit mid-late Oct!) 💦 Don’t Miss: Old Man’s Cave: Iconic sandstone gorge with hidden waterfalls Ash Cave: A 90ft recess cave with a curtain-like cascade Whispering Pine Trail: Lesser-known path with fairy-tale footbridges 🏡 Cozy Overnight Option 🔥 Cabins: Book one with private hot tubs (soaking under stars = chef’s kiss) 🍖 Grill Out: Pack local meats from East Market for a post-hike BBQ 🌌 Stargazing: Low light pollution = Milky Way visibility! 🎒 Packing List Layers: Mornings are chilly (50s°F), afternoons warm up Traction shoes: Rocky paths get slippery near waterfalls Camera: iPhone or DSLR—every turn is #NoFilterNeeded Thermos: Hot apple cider tastes 10x better trailside 💡 Pro Tips 1️⃣ Beat Crowds: Arrive by 8AM (tour buses roll in at 10) 2️⃣ Dog-Friendly: Leashed pups love these trails too! 🐕 3️⃣ Post-Hike Fuel: Stop at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls for wild mushroom flatbread Why OSU Students Love It: “After midterms, this hike reset my brain—no service, just birdsong and waterfalls.” – Sarah, ’25 #OSUAdventures #HockingHills #OhioHiking #FallVibes #NatureTherapy 🍁✨