Gifting a Hocking Hills kayaking trip gives the people you care about a full afternoon of paddling, scenery, and fresh air along the scenic Hocking River. Our livery offers gift certificates year-round, so you can buy one today and let your recipient book their own adventure when our season opens next spring.
Below you will find how our gift certificates work, what trips are available, and a few ways to turn the gift into a full Hocking Hills weekend.
Why Kayaking in Hocking Hills Makes a Great Gift
Our section of the Hocking River is calm, Class I water with a gentle current. That makes it a good fit for first-time paddlers, families with young kids, and couples looking for a day together on the water. Your recipient does not need any paddling experience to enjoy the trip.
A few things that set our Hocking Hills adventures apart:
- We are family-run and veteran-owned, operating since 1996
- All equipment is included: kayak or canoe, paddle, and life jacket
- Our staff matches each person with the right boat and trip for their group
- On the shuttle ride to the put-in, our driver goes over landmarks and where to get out
- Half-mile markers along the river help paddlers track their progress
- At the launch, our staff help you into your boat and give you a push off
Whether your recipient is an experienced kayaker or someone trying it for the first time, our team will take care of them.
How to Buy a Gift Certificate
You can purchase a gift certificate through our booking system at hockingriver.com/services/ or by calling us at 740-385-0523. Gift certificates let your recipient choose the trip, date, and boat type that works best for their schedule.
Here is how it works:
- Visit our website or call the livery
- Let us know the amount or trip type you would like to gift
- Your recipient receives a certificate they can use when booking online or by phone
Buying during the off-season (November through March) is a great way to lock in a Hocking Hills Ohio kayaking experience ahead of time. The certificate can be redeemed once we reopen in April, which makes it a solid choice for holiday gifts, birthdays, or a surprise for someone’s first warm-weather weekend.
What Your Recipient Can Book
Our livery offers two self-guided river trips along the water, with multiple boat options. Here is a quick comparison:
| Trip | Distance | Time | Boats Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip A, Crockett’s Trip | 5 miles | About 2 hours | Canoe, single kayak, tandem kayak, tube, raft |
| Trip B, Rockbridge Trip | 7 miles | 3 to 4 hours | Canoe, single kayak |
Trip A is our shorter float on calm water. It works well for beginners, families with children (minimum age 3, no exceptions), and anyone with a shorter window. Tubes and rafts are available on Trip A when water levels allow.
Trip B is the longer trip and passes the Natural Rockbridge formation. Your recipient will paddle through some of the most scenic stretches of the Hocking Hills, with the option to stop and hike up to the bridge along the way.
Both trips include the shuttle ride to the put-in, all equipment, and a self-guided paddle back to the livery where your vehicle is parked. Life jackets are required for children 12 and under and for non-swimmers. Kayaking at Hocking Hills is a relaxed experience on flat water, so your recipient can focus on the scenery instead of rapids.
Best Times to Use a Gift Certificate
We’ll share next season’s opening date and hours before spring, so your recipient can plan their trip as soon as the dates are set.
If your recipient wants a quieter experience on the water, weekday trips in June or early September tend to have fewer people around. Saturdays are our busiest day, and kayaks can rent out quickly, so we recommend booking in advance for weekend trips.
For a kayak rental near me search that leads someone here for the first time, a weekday Trip A is a great introduction. Lake Logan State Park is a short drive away, so your recipient can make a full day of exploring the area.
Pair the Trip With a Cabin Stay
We offer cabin rentals on our property at 12789 State Route 664 in Logan, Ohio. A cabin stay plus kayaking rentals turns a day on the water into a full Hocking Hills weekend with adventures on and off the river.
Our cabins are available year-round, so a gift certificate combined with a cabin reservation works well for a birthday, anniversary, or trip planned a few months out. Your recipient can paddle during the day and stay on-site that night.
You can browse cabin options and availability at hockingriver.com/cabin-rentals/.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Trip A and Trip B?
Trip A, Crockett’s Trip, is our 5-mile float, about 2 hours and Class I, good for beginners, families, young children, or anyone with limited time. It is available by canoe, kayak, raft, or tube. Trip B, the Rockbridge Trip, is our 7-mile trip, typically 3 to 4 hours, available by canoe or kayak. It gives you more time on the water and the chance to hike up to the Natural Rockbridge formation. Call 740-385-0523 or book online to pick the trip that fits your group.
Do I need a reservation to go kayaking or canoeing with you?
Walk-ins are welcome every day, but we highly recommend a reservation for Saturday kayak trips. Saturday is our busiest day and kayaks rent quickly. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, a reservation is required for our 7-mile Trip B on Saturdays. Call 740-385-0523 or book online to save your spot.
Can I buy a gift certificate for someone who has not been kayaking before?
Yes. Our stretch of the Hocking River is calm with a gentle current, which makes it a good fit for first-time paddlers. Our staff will help match your recipient with the right boat and trip, and our driver gives a briefing on the ride to the launch point. No experience is needed to enjoy kayaking near Hocking Hills with us.
Can I bring my own kayak or canoe instead of renting?
Yes. If you bring your own canoe or kayak, we offer shuttle service so you can enjoy the river without worrying about transporting your own equipment upriver and back. This works for both our 5-mile and 7-mile trips. Call 740-385-0523 or book online to arrange transportation for your personal boat.
How long does a kayaking trip on the Hocking River take?
Trip A, our 5-mile float, takes about 2 hours. Trip B, the 7-mile Rockbridge Trip, typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Your actual time on the water can vary depending on river conditions, your pace, and how often your group stops along the way.
What should I bring on my trip?
We suggest arriving about 20 minutes before your scheduled trip time. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks (no Styrofoam coolers or glass bottles) and your own life jacket if it is Coast Guard certified. We provide the boat, paddle, and life jackets. We will hold your keys at the office so they stay dry.
Calm water, all equipment included, and a shuttle back to your car. To buy a gift certificate for a Hocking Hills kayaking trip, call us at 740-385-0523, email info@hockingriver.com, or book online at hockingriver.com/services/. We are at 12789 State Route 664 in Logan, Ohio.