Outdoor Adventures in the Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills is famous for its trails, gorges, caves and waterfalls, but if you want to see the region from a new perspective, check out these zip lining, canoeing and horseback-riding experiences. Guides like Hocking Hills Canopy Tours and Trek Network can take you to new heights, while liveries along the Hocking River can get you out on the water. These nine guides and outfitters can help you make the most of your visit to the Hocking Hills. 

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours: Anyone looking for a new vantage point to take in the beauty of the Hocking Hills needs look no further than Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. Two guides teach participants about native plants, animals and geology, as well as sharing the history of the Hocking Hills region. Multiple tours are available — the Original Canopy Tour being the most popular — for a range of ages. The X-Tour is for adrenaline junkies, the Dragonfly Tour is best for children five to 12 years old and the SuperZip Tour offers a dual-racing zip line from an 85-foot tower. For those who would prefer to stay on the ground, there is an off-road Segway tour. 10714 Jackson St., Rockbridge 43149, 740/385-9477, hockinghillscanopytours.com >> Read More

PADDLING


Hocking Hills Adventures: When Lewis Barbini founded the Original Hocking Hills Canoe Livery in 1976, it was the only tourism business in the area. Today, his son, Shane, runs the operation and commends his father for providing people with an opportunity to see the breathtaking scenery from a new point of view. Take a trip by raft, canoe, kayak or tube. Hocking Hills Adventures also offers special events throughout the year, including Romantic Moonlight tours and Torchlight tours. Plus, visitors can try their special packages which include miniature golf, horseback riding and go-karts. 31251 Chieftain Dr., Logan 43138, 740/385-8685, hockinghillscanoeing.com >> Read More

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery: Aaron Fox and his wife, Cindy, opened this Logan-based livery in 1996. Over the years, the spot has become a great location for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, paddling and rafting down the Hocking River. All of the on-the-water vessels are rentable with suggested trips that vary in paddling time — or visitors can purchase an hourly canoe or kayak rental if they’re feeling unsure or trying things for the first time. This option is also ideal for children or for those who have a limited amount of time to be on the water. During the summer, the livery offers a few opportunities for canoeing by moonlight or new moon. 12789 St. Rte. 664, Logan 43138, 740/385-0523,  hockingriver.com >> Read More

ROCK CLIMBING & RAPPELLING


Trek Network: Trek Network visitors must make reservations, but the experience after going through the booking process is an adventure unlike anything else. A lead guide, professionally trained or certified by the American Mountain Guide Association, meets them on-site with gear already set up. Guides start participants on lower climbs and will slowly work their way up in height. If adventurers want a bigger adrenaline rush, they can do a final rappel down the 115-foot Big Spring Falls. Some customers call it a life-changing experience — and are stunned they had the opportunity to do something like it in Ohio. 740/777-2579, hockinghillsadventuretrek.com >> Read More

High Rock Adventures: Climb and rappel down Hocking Hills’ sandstone cliffs with tour guides from High Rock Adventures. Guides start with climbs or rappels of roughly 35 feet and customers have the opportunity to go higher when ready, with the highest peaks being around 100 feet. Guides also teach customers about local plants, animals, history and geology. Visitors may scramble over boulders, squeeze through rock narrows or crawl through small tunnels between boulders and rocks. High Rock Adventures hopes to balance fun with education, so participants can walk away appreciating the forest around them just a little more. 10108 Opossum Hollow Rd., Rockbridge 43149, 740/385-9886, highrockadventures.com

HORSEBACK RIDING


Spotted Horse Ranch: If travelers want to experience the Hocking Hills on horseback, they can saddle up the Spotted Horse Ranch. Michael Solt takes riders out by reservation only, with trips that normally last about one to two hours. Those traveling in a group can opt for a five-hour Cowboy Cookout experience. The group rides for one to two hours, then sets up a campsite in the forest and cooks a full meal. 17325 Deffenbaugh Rd. #9633, Laurelville 43135, 740/332-7433, thespottedhorseranch.com >> Read More

Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable:  For those looking to take some of the nearby scenery, Uncle Buck’s offers guided horseback rides through Zaleski State Forest near Lake Hope State Park. Riders can choose from the one-hour Coal Bucket Trail, two-hour Lookout Rock Trail or 2.5-hour Moonville Tunnel Trail. After you’ve finished your ride, grab at bite at the Lady Buck Saloon which serves slow-cooked barbecue and sides as well as cold beer and wine. 73930 Buck Ln., New Marshfield 45766, 740/664-2428, unclebucksstable.com

More Hocking Hills: Best Hikes in the Hocking Hills | Outdoor Adventures in the Hocking Hills | Most Scenic Spots in the Hocking Hills | Stargazing in the Hocking Hills | Spa Offerings in the Hocking Hills