Pet Friendly Things To Do In Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s best destinations for a weekend getaway. Whether you are taking a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a solo trip, there’s no reason to leave your dog at home when you visit Hocking Hills. The whole area is super pet-friendly, and there’s not shortage of pet friendly things to do in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Keep reading for our dog-friendly Hocking Hills guide.

Looking for more on Hocking Hills, Ohio? Read 8 Must See Hocking Hills, Ohio Attractions.

Are Dogs Allowed In Hocking Hills?

When planning your pet friendly getaway, you might be wondering are dogs allowed in Hocking Hills? The short answer is yes, but there are limitations to where your pet can go. Most dog friendly Hocking Hills locations do require your dog to be leashed. Before traveling, it’s always best to check pet requirements at specific locations you are planning to visit, to ensure you and your pet have the best getaway together.

Hocking Hills Pet Friendly Trails

Photo Courtesy of Campfires & Concierges

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

The number one thing to do in Hocking Hills is to explore the magnificent scenery on foot. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and most of them are pet friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome on all state park trails in the area. Hocking Hills State Park has seven unique hiking areas, all of which are pet friendly. Besides these pet-friendly trails in Hocking Hills State Park, there are several other areas where you can hike with your dog near Hocking Hills. Lake Logan State Park and Clear Creek Metro Park also have hiking trails where you can bring your dog.

Looking for more about hiking in Hocking Hills? Read The Best Hocking Hills Hiking Trails.

Pet Friendly Things To Do in Hocking Hills Ohio

Hocking Hills Scenic Drive

If your pup loves a good road trip, then roll down the windows and hit the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. State Route 374 winds through the heart of Hocking Hills, connecting visitors to the best scenery and historic sites of the region. The road delivers you to each of the six unique hiking areas of Hocking Hills State Park, so you can stretch your legs a bit and take in some waterfalls, caves, and cliffs. You’ll also have the chance to visit an ancient Hopewell Burial Mound, as well as several 19th century homes and buildings.

Stargazing

After a day of driving or hiking in the Hocking Hills, don’t miss the opportunity to look up at the extraordinary night sky. The distance from any near cities gives you a good chance at seeing a lot more stars than you would in the city. Of course, your pup may not be into telescope viewing, but they’ll be happy just to be outside with their humans. Best of all, stargazing is free. Whether you are camping at Hocking Hills or renting a cabin nearby, all you need to do is go outside and look up! Investing in a reclining camp chair is a great investment, especially if you plan to stay out for a while!

A notable place to view the stars is at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. During the day/evening leashed pets are allowed, after dark, pets are discouraged as they might harm themselves near the telescopes.

Hocking Hills Swimming Holes

If you’re visiting Hocking Hills in the heat of summer, nothing beats a cool dip in a swimming hole. Luckily, there’s a plethora of lakes, creeks, and ponds to explore in the Hocking Hills region. The cool creeks of Hocking Hills State Park are a great way to keep your dog cool while hiking. Many of the area’s state parks have swimming beaches, which typically don’t allow dogs, but once you’ve left the beach area, you and your pup are welcome to swim. Lake Hope State Park, Lake Logan State Park, Tar Hollow State Park, and Lake Alma State Park all have swimming spots that are open to dogs. Just make sure you read up on the rules first, and if you are in doubt, ask a park ranger!

Hocking Hills Dog Parks

Sometimes it’s not enough to let your dog tag along on your human adventures. Dogs deserve a place all their own! Luckily, there are several dog parks and off-leash areas near Hocking Hills. Miller Park in Lancaster has a brand new dog park that features separate areas for large and small dogs to run wild and socialize. The University town of Athens has two off-leash dog parks: Athens West State Dog Park and the East State Street Dog Park both have open areas for dogs to run free.

Kayak or Canoe

Looking for a more mellow way to enjoy the scenery of Hocking Hills with your dog? How about a float trip on the Hocking River or one of the nearby lakes? If you have a water-loving dog, they’ll be thrilled with the chance to splash around the river and explore sandbars and islands along the way. There are several outfitters in Hocking Hills that offer canoe or kayak rentals (Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, Hocking Hills Adventures), as well as shuttle services to get you back to your car at the end of your float trip. You can also rent boats at several local lakes, including Lake Hope State Park, Lake Logan State Park, and Strouds Run State Park.

Dog-friendly Dining in Hocking Hills

Since the Hocking Hills are such a great outdoor destination, there are plenty of outdoor dining options as well. We’ve never had trouble finding dog friendly restaurants in Hocking Hills. From food trucks to pubs and roadside grills, these are a few of the many restaurants with dog-friendly patios in the Hocking Hills. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and make sure the rules haven’t changed!

Grandma Faye’s Grocery, Logan
Millstone BBQ, Logan
Urban Grille at Hocking Hills Golf Club, Logan
Eclipse Company Store, The Plains

Of course, packing a picnic lunch and finding your own spot is also a great way to enjoy dog-friendly dining in Hocking Hills!

Hocking Hills Wineries and Breweries

Besides some great dog-friendly restaurants, there are also plenty of places to sample some locally-made wine, beer, and cider. There are nearly a dozen distilleries, breweries and wineries in the Hocking Hills region, many of which are dog-friendly.

Overnight Getaway

With so many fun things to see in Hocking Hills, it’s probably worth staying overnight and spending a couple of days in the area. You can’t possibly see everything in one day, and luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly ways to stay in the Hocking Hills. There are tons of campgrounds, pet friendly cabins in Hocking Hills, as well as pet-friendly hotels in Logan and Athens. Whether you are a camper or a luxury traveler, there’s a pet-friendly accommodation choice for you and your dog.

Start planning your pet friendly getaway with these fun pet friendly things to do in Hocking Hills Ohio!