In a few weeks the holidays will be over and a new year will be upon us. But just because the temperatures drop into the red doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate. Hocking Hills is splendid any time of year and many of its most beautiful sights are at their best blanketed in snow. So this January, rather than feeling guilty about indulging in too many holiday treats, get out and enjoy Ohio’s scenic winter wonderland. Here are some of the most fun things to do in January in Hocking Hills.
1. Winter Sports
Whether you are looking for perfectly groomed slopes to show off your mad snowboarding skills, gentle hills to take the kids sledding, or indoor or outdoor skating arenas, Hocking Hills has you covered. Click here for our recommendations for skiing, sledding, hiking, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Sportsmen can also cast their reels in the frozen waters of Ohio’s state parks. The parks at Old Man’s Cave, Lake Logan, Tar Hollow, and Burr Oak all have facilities for ice fishing.
Hiking is a year-round activity in this part of the country. You can start on your resolutions right away at the New Year’s Day Backcountry Hike in Clear Creek Metro Park on January 1. And don’t forget the biggest event of the season, the 49th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike, which will be held on Saturday, January 18.
2. Adventure Treks
Just because the ziplines close down for the winter doesn’t mean you can’t have an adventure. Hocking Hills Adventure Treks runs naturalist-led hikes, outdoor rock climbing lessons, and rappelling adventures every day year-round. Even if you’ve never climbed or rappelled before, this is a great way to get out and explore the landscape from a different perspective.
3. Scenic Air Tours
Speaking of a gaining a different perspective, how about viewing the snow-covered rock formations, still lakes, and frozen waterfalls from above? Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours offers 20- to 60-minute flights in all seasons. No matter how many times you have visited the region, you will gain a further appreciation of its geological wonder from this bird’s eye viewpoint.
4. Winter Geocaching
Geocaching is the hot new trend in Hocking Hills, and winter adds an extra special challenge to this high-tech adventure. All you need is a cell phone with GPS abilities and you’re ready to go. To learn more about geocaching and the trails available in Hocking Hills, visit the Hocking Hills Tourism Association website.
5. Fine Dining
After a holiday season of roasting turkeys and baking cookies, you deserve a break from the kitchen. See what’s new in the foodie scene at Star Brick Bistro and Rhapsody Bistro in Nelsonville. These two establishments are training restaurants for the culinary students at Hocking College, and you can always get an excellent meal at an affordable price.
Finally, after spending the day skiing, geocaching, or flying high above the treetops, there is nothing like curling up with a cup of hot tea in front of a fireplace and watching the snow fall on the hills outside your window. Explore our current winter discounts to find the perfect relaxing post-Christmas retreat for you and your loved ones.
