Hocking Hills State Park
State park · Ohio
Ohio's first state land purchase in 1924 has grown into 2,356 acres of sandstone gorges, recess caves, and waterfalls around Old Man's Cave. Hemlock and hardwood ridges turn mid-to-late October, drawing hikers along trails linking Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 16–October 20
Color builds from October 9 · mostly bare by November 9
Sampled at Hocking Hills State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (318 m) rather than a regional average.
22 weather points cover Ohio, and the model shifts their answer 1 day later, which is what it takes to match 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. This year's weather has the peak running 5 days earlier than a normal year. How the forecast works
When to go to Hocking Hills State Park
Good color holds through about October 27, giving you roughly 18 days from the first turn to past peak. Against Ohio overall, that is 2 days later. At 1,043 ft, it turns before the lower ground nearby.
Figure about 44 mi from Columbus.
Hocking Hills State Park on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Ohio, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in Ohio
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Halloween
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Frequently asked
- When does Hocking Hills State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 16–October 20 (best estimate October 18). Color starts around October 9 and is mostly bare by November 9.
- How do I get to Hocking Hills State Park?
- The closest city is Columbus, about 44 mi away. It's part of Ohio's fall lineup.
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