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Hocking Hills Fall Foliage Guide

Peak color in Hocking Hills typically hits during the second and third weeks of October (roughly October 12–25), though exact timing shifts with weather. Sugar maples and birches change earliest to crimson and yellow, followed by hickories in golden tones and tulip poplars. Oaks and beeches change last, producing rich oranges, bronzes, and browns that can persist into early November.

Best Trails for Fall Color

Conkle's Hollow Rim Trail is the undisputed champion — walking along 200-foot cliff edges through a canopy of color with views into the golden gorge below. The Gorge Overlook Trail from Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls (3 miles) creates a tunnel of foliage through the narrow sandstone gorge. Cantwell Cliffs delivers panoramic forest views with a fraction of the crowds.

Timing the Peak

Late September brings the first hints at higher elevations — sumac and Virginia creeper turn deep red early. Early October sees maples shifting to yellow and orange. Mid-October is peak across the region. Late October deepens to burgundy and copper as leaves begin falling. Early November delivers late oaks and beeches plus bare-branch views of rock formations hidden by summer foliage.

Beating the Crowds

Mid-October weekends are the busiest period of the entire year. Old Man's Cave lot fills before 8 AM. Visit Tuesday through Thursday. Start at Cantwell Cliffs or Rock House — furthest from the main hub. Use the free weekend shuttle running from downtown Logan. Consider Hocking State Forest's 59 miles of trails for foliage without the crowds.

The Annual Fall Hike

The Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike (typically mid-October) is a free, staff-led 6-mile trek along the Grandma Gatewood Trail from Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave — the same route as the famous Winter Hike, but surrounded by peak autumn color.

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