A December Hocking Hills trip can leave room for both a short outdoor visit and a warm afternoon together. Choose any holiday event first, then plan around its location and your group’s pace. Check holiday opening hours, roads and trail conditions before setting out.
This guide covers the Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio, including the state park near Logan and South Bloomingville. Destinations have separate parking areas and rules.
Is December right for your group?
- A good fit: Families who want winter scenery, indoor time and a flexible holiday break.
- A less suitable fit: Visitors depending on snow, long hiking days or every restaurant staying open.
- Plan ahead: confirm the meal or ticketed activity that matters most; keep an indoor alternative.
Early December or Christmas and New Year’s?
For a holiday gathering, arrange meals and ticketed activities ahead. Confirm each business’s holiday opening hours and your accommodation’s arrival arrangements. A regular weekly schedule does not establish Christmas Day service.
What is the weather like in December?
For regional context, National Weather Service Columbus normals average about 42°F high / 27°F low for the month. These are regional Columbus averages; gorge conditions and your trip’s forecast can differ. Expect cold starts and the possibility of rain, snow or ice. Bare ground does not mean shaded steps are clear of ice.
How should we plan around daylight?
December has very short days. Choose a late-morning outing with time to finish before dark; an organized evening event has separate arrangements from ordinary trail access.
What should we pack?
- Warm layers, waterproof boots, hat and gloves.
- Boot traction appropriate to conditions, water, snacks and a saved map.
- A small light for delays and dry clothes for the drive back.
Choose an outing that fits your group
Use the forecast and current footing to decide whether to walk. Keep a warm indoor alternative and finish before dark.
A shorter, paved approach — Ash Cave
The lower gorge approach is approximately a quarter mile to the cave area; allow for the return as well. The sandy cave floor and stepped rim route have different surfaces. Check conditions before relying on a step-free visit.
A paved gorge section — Conkle’s Hollow
Choose the paved portion of the gorge trail when that surface suits your group. The sidewalk ends before the full gorge walk does; the exposed rim trail is a separate, more demanding choice. Pets are not allowed in the preserve.
A waterfall-viewing walk with steps — Cedar Falls
Consider Cedar Falls if your group is comfortable with steps. The official map labels a 0.4-mile trail segment; include the approach and return when planning the full outing. Waterfall flow depends on recent conditions, so enjoy the rock scenery too.
Follow the official park map and trail signs →; destinations outside the main park area use their own maps. Weather can change the suitability of any route.
Will there be snow or frozen waterfalls?
Possibly, but plan for a trip that also works without them. Cold spells, thaws and recent rain change the scenery. Snow cover is not dependable in January or February either.
Are trails and restaurants open on Christmas Day?
The state park operates year-round, subject to conditions and notices. Restaurants, indoor attractions and staffed facilities set their own holiday hours. Confirm food and restroom arrangements before leaving; do not rely on an ordinary-hours listing for Christmas Day. Check OHGO road conditions if winter weather affects the drive.
A December day without rushing
Suggested plan: one main walk, a food and restroom break, and an optional afternoon. This is a flexible plan, not a timed tour.
- Morning: choose Ash Cave, Conkle’s Hollow, or Cedar Falls. Match the route to the weather and your group’s walking comfort, and plan the full return before starting.
- Lunch and restrooms: use the official map to plan a picnic and restroom stop near your route. Carry water and food; check facility availability before leaving the trailhead.
- Afternoon: if conditions and energy allow, add one short stop. Otherwise consider the children’s museum in Logan or Jack Pine Studio. Check opening hours and class reservations first, and allow for the drive.
Local events in December
Event dates and programs change. Check the linked official websites before planning your visit.
Christmas in Ash Cave
An outdoor holiday program at Ash Cave with seasonal music, refreshments and a visit with Santa. Dress for the weather and check the current program. Check current event details →
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Train
A decorated, heated holiday train with a visit from Santa, departing from Nelsonville. Reserve your departure and arrange any accessible boarding needs directly. Check current event details →
Browse more Hocking Hills events → and Vinton County events →.
Hunting-season planning
If visiting land where hunting is permitted, check the destination’s rules and the current Ohio deer-season rule →. Statewide seasons do not allow hunting on every property; stay on designated routes.
Plan your arrival
Our family tip: download your map before you go. We learned the hard way that reception can be unreliable. While connected, download an area covering your outward and return drive to lodging, and wait for completion. Saving a place is not an offline download. Google’s download instructions.
- Local NWS forecast and park notices: follow posted conditions and restrictions on arrival.
- Save the official walking map separately; use a destination’s own map if it is outside this park area.
Offline Google Maps supports driving within its downloaded area, not walking directions or live traffic.
A few more visitor questions
Is there a fee for a park hike?
Ordinary day-use hiking at Hocking Hills State Park is free. Camping, private attractions and special activities have separate booking requirements. Check the tourism association’s free-activity information and the park’s current notices before your trip.
Can we bring a dog on the hikes?
State park trails allow dogs on a leash no longer than six feet. Conkle’s Hollow and Rockbridge are state nature preserves and do not allow pet dogs. Choose your destination first; see the official map’s pet rules.
Choose a place to stay
Compare driving routes, sleeping arrangements and indoor space for your group. Explore Pool House Lodge or check availability for your dates.
Originally published .