Day Trip From Columbus to Hocking Hills: Put the River in Your Plan
Did you know you can leave Columbus after breakfast and be on the water with us before mid-morning. The Hocking River is only about 90 minutes south of the city, and a float down it transforms a hiking day into something truly memorable.
Most people driving down here have Old Man’s Cave in mind, but the trails are only half of what is available. The Hocking River is a beautiful, scenic trip often missed by first time visitors
The Drive
Take US-33 South to SR-664. Depending on where you start in Columbus you are looking at roughly 65 to 75 miles and about an hour and a half travel time.
Leave by 8:00 or 8:30 to have the whole day exploring the area. The scenery on the drive is beautiful, too. Past Lancaster the strip malls fade out, farmland takes over, and by the time you reach Logan you are in wooded hills and ravines.
You will find us at 12789 State Route 664 in Logan. Turn in near Arby’s, follow the drive past our sign, and park in any of our three lots. Our office staff will get you checked in.
Two Trips, Pick Your Pace
The Hocking is a calm Class I river. No whitewater, no rapids, no experience required. We set you up with a boat, a life jacket, and a paddle, then our drivers shuttle you upriver and give you a briefing on the way. From there you float back down to where your car is parked.
Trip A is our 5-mile route, Crockett’s Trip, and takes about two hours at an easy pace. It is the right pick for first-timers, young kids, and anyone leaving room for a hike later. Canoes, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and tubes can all run this route.
Trip B is 7 miles and passes Natural Rockbridge, one of the largest natural sandstone bridges in the Midwest. Canoes and single kayaks only.
A couple of things worth knowing before you book. Our minimum age is 3, no exceptions. Life jackets are required for anyone 12 and under and for non-swimmers. And tubing is a Trip A option that depends on the water level, so give us a call before heading out if that is what your group has its heart set on.
Pair the River With a Trail
Three of the busiest trails in Hocking Hills State Park are found close together, and close to us.
Old Man’s Cave runs through a gorge past the upper and lower falls and a recess cave, about a mile and a half round trip.
Cedar Falls is a short drive further south, about a mile round trip down into a narrow gorge.
Ash Cave has the largest recess cave in Ohio, a horseshoe overhang stretching 700 feet. The path is paved and wheelchair accessible, about a quarter mile each way.
You can cover all three in a few hours. Paddle in the morning and hike after, or flip it if you would rather be on the water in the warmer part of the day.
What to Sort Out Before You Leave the City
Reserve ahead on weekends. Walk-ups are welcome when we have boats free, but Saturdays and Sundays fill up quickly. The Reserve Today buttons on our services page can lock in your spot.
Check our hours for the date you are coming. Our schedule shifts through the season. From September 8th to October 17th we are open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Our season ends October 17th.
Dress for getting wet. Old sneakers, water shoes, or strapped sandals. Sunscreen and a hat for the open stretches.
Bring food. Pick up sandwiches in Logan and eat on a sandbar partway down. Remember to bring a bag for your trash.
Let us worry about conditions. We watch river levels every day and will tell you straight if a trip is not a good idea.
Why the Logistics Are Easy Here
The shuttle is key to making a river trip work as a day trip. Equipment, ride to the put-in, and a route that ends where you parked means you have nothing to plan beyond showing up.
We have been running trips on this river since 1996, when Aaron Fox started the business, and the family still runs it. We are veteran and family owned, and we hold a 4.8-star rating on Google across more than 1,300 reviews.
Stay the Night if the Day Runs Short
If the drive back sounds like a shame, we also have cabin rentals. Cook dinner outside, sleep on it, and pick up with a morning hike. It turns an easy day trip into a real weekend without much extra planning.
Come See Us
We are at 12789 State Route 664, Logan, OH 43138. Call 740-385-0523 or email info@hockingriver.com with questions, and reserve your boats from our Trip A or Trip B page when you know your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hocking Hills from Columbus?
Roughly 65 to 75 miles, or about an hour and a half by car. Take US-33 South to SR-664.
Do I need paddling experience?
No. The Hocking is a calm Class I river with no rapids. Our staff gets you set up and our drivers brief you on the ride to the put-in.
How long does a river trip take?
Trip A is 5 miles and takes about two hours at a relaxed pace. Trip B is 7 miles and takes longer. Both leave time for a hike the same day.
Is there an age limit?
Our minimum age is 3, with no exceptions. Life jackets are required for anyone 12 and under and for anyone who is not a swimmer.
Do I need a reservation?
Not always. We take walk-ups when boats are available, but weekends fill up and reserving ahead is the safer bet.
Can we go tubing?
Tubing is available on Trip A and depends on the water level. Call us before you drive down if tubing is the plan for your group.
Where do we park?
At our location on State Route 664 in Logan. Turn in near Arby’s and follow the drive. We have three lots, and your trip ends back where you parked.