September is a quieter shoulder-season month in Hocking Hills. Days are typically still warm, nights are cool and comfortable, and trails tend to see less traffic than October — kids are back in school and the leaves are mostly still green. Waterfall flow is often low after a dry summer, but trail conditions are generally easy and crowds tend to run lighter than the fall rush. If you're hoping to beat October's crowds, September is usually a good bet.
September in Hocking Hills — At a Glance
| Good time to visit? | Yes — typically one of the quieter, more comfortable shoulder-season months |
| Typical weather | Warm days (upper 70s–80s°F early month, low 70s by month's end), cool nights (low-to-mid 50s–low 60s°F) |
| Seasonal conditions | Mostly still green; a few early color hints possible on high ridges in the last week |
| Crowds | Light overall — the two event weekends (Sept 18–20 and Sept 26–27) bring more traffic to those specific venues, not the region generally |
| Hiking | Typically easy trail conditions — usually dry and warm, though rain is always possible |
| What to pack | Layers — short sleeves for midday, a light jacket for morning and evening |
| September is particularly good for | Quiet hikes, warm-weather trips without summer heat, beating the October rush |
What Hocking Hills Is Like in September
September sits in the gap between two busy seasons. Summer's heat has broken, but fall's crowds and color haven't arrived. School is back in session, which thins out weekday and even most weekend traffic compared to July and August. The result is often a quieter version of the same trails everyone drives hours for in October, typically with less parking-lot stress.
The trade-off is that September is a transition month, not a headline month. The waterfalls are usually running low after a dry summer, and the tree canopy is still green through most of it. What you get instead is comfortable hiking weather, short lines, and a preview of fall without the wait.
Weather & What to Pack in September
Average Temperatures
- Early September highs: around 81°F
- Early September lows: around 60°F
- Late September highs: around 71°F
- Late September lows: around 50°F
- Rain falls on roughly a quarter of days across the month — check the forecast, not the calendar.
What to Pack
- Short sleeves for midday, a light jacket or flannel for morning and evening
- Normal hiking shoes — trail conditions are typically dry this month, no need for waterproof boots by default
- Sunscreen and a hat — the canopy is still full and afternoon sun is still strong
- A light rain layer, since roughly 1 in 4 days sees some rain
Seasonal Conditions in September
Daylight is shrinking noticeably — the month loses about an hour and fifteen minutes of daylight from start to finish, so afternoon hikes end earlier by late September than they did on Labor Day. Waterfall flow is typically at its lowest point of the year, since late summer tends to be the driest stretch; a rainy week can change that fast, but don't plan a trip around waterfall photos this month. Fall color is not really a September story — most of the canopy stays green, with only the earliest hints of turning color possible on exposed high ridges in the final week. For the real color show, see our fall foliage guide for October timing.
Where to Explore in September
Ash Cave
September is a great month for Ash Cave specifically: the paved, easy trail stays comfortable in the warm afternoons, and it's one of the few Hocking Hills trails where low waterfall flow doesn't hurt the experience — the cave itself, not the water, is the payoff. It's also usually quiet on September weekdays, well before October's crowds discover the same trail. See the full Ash Cave trail guide for parking, timing, and accessibility details.
September 2026 Events
Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival
The seventh annual festival brings live glass-blowing demonstrations and more than 30 artists working in glass, metal, and jewelry to Jack Pine Studio. Friday and Saturday run 10am–7pm, Sunday 10am–5pm. Admission is free; parking is $10 reserved or $15 non-reserved. Official event details →
Hocking Hills Artists & Craftsmen Annual Fall Show
A long-running juried show of local artists and craftspeople just north of Hocking Hills State Park. Admission and parking are free, and lunch is available on site. Official event details →
Plan your arrival
Our family tip: download your map before you go. Cell reception can be unreliable in Hocking Hills. We learned this the hard way: download an offline Google map while you still have Wi-Fi or a cell signal. Download an area that covers your whole drive, including the way back to where you are staying, and wait for the download to finish. Simply saving a place or opening directions is not the same as downloading an offline map. How to download a Google map for offline use. Offline maps support driving directions within the downloaded area; live traffic and walking directions are unavailable offline. Before leaving, save the official Hocking Hills park and trail map for offline use. For trails outside this map, use the relevant preserve or park map.
Before setting out, check the National Weather Service forecast for South Bloomingville and ODNR park information and notices. Weather and trail conditions can change; check posted notices at your destination too.
Choose a stop covered in this guide to open Google Maps. Select your current location or enter a starting address to see driving directions and an estimated travel time.
Drive times vary with traffic and road conditions. Follow signs for designated visitor parking on arrival; a map route does not confirm that a trail is open or accessible.
September FAQ
Is September a good time to visit Hocking Hills?
Yes. September typically brings warm days, cool nights, and lighter crowds than October's fall-color season.
Is there fall color in Hocking Hills in September?
Not much. The canopy stays mostly green through September, with only occasional early color on high ridges late in the month. Peak foliage arrives in October.
What is the weather like in Hocking Hills in September?
Warm and gradually cooling, with cool nights. Highs generally run from the upper 70s–low 80s°F early in the month down to around 70°F by month's end.
Is Hocking Hills crowded in September?
Generally quieter than October across the region. The Glass Pumpkin Festival ran September 17–20, and the Artists & Craftsmen Fall Show is September 26–27. These events affect their specific venues more than the region as a whole.
Are the waterfalls running in September?
Often thin — late summer tends to be the driest stretch of the year. Ash Cave is worth visiting regardless, since the cave itself is the draw, not the water.
What should I pack for Hocking Hills in September?
Layers — light clothing for warm afternoons and a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
Continue Planning Your Hocking Hills Trip
For the full trip-planning picture — every major trail, itineraries, and where to stay — see the Complete Guide to Visiting Hocking Hills. Chasing color instead of quiet trails? Our fall foliage guide covers October's peak timing, and our best fall hikes guide ranks the trails by color payoff and crowd level. Looking for somewhere to eat during your trip? See our Hocking Hills restaurant recommendations, including a quick video look inside Hungry Buffalo.
Planning a September Trip?
Pool House Lodge is a 7-bedroom Hocking Hills cabin for groups of up to 20, with a private indoor pool and 22 wooded acres.
Check AvailabilityOriginally published .