Blissful Getaways: Retreats at Hocking Hills
There is nothing like being completely surrounded by a canopy of trees…and little else. Our hideaway cabin in the woods was the perfect getaway to visit such an ethereal place. From cabins to campsites, you’ll find a wide range of retreats at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.
During the Memorial Day weekend holiday, we met up with my own family here. The house we rented was large enough to accommodate all eleven of us comfortably. With 3 floors we never felt that we were “invading” each other’s space. It was located only 10 minutes away from any of the trails of the park.
Hocking Hills has no shortage of cabins to rent for a weekend retreat or a longer vacation. They also have several campgrounds and hotels if you are looking for a cheaper alternative.
Not all lodging at Hocking Hills is equal.
Autism families may need to conduct some research into the different kinds of accommodations best suited for their needs. Besides web-searches, you may need to make a few phone calls to make they have everything you need.
Cabin Rentals
My sister did some web- surfing for cabins until she found something she knew we would both like. I ended up calling the owner one of the rental cabins. I was sold by his friendly phone demeanor and enthusiasm for what the house and property had to offer.
Corban Cabin Getaways: The Sieri Glen is a log cabin that, while rustic-looking, was not lacking in the finer amenities. My daughter honed her skills on the pool table while my son appreciated the outdoor hot tub. It has 4-bedrooms and 3 futons, DirectTV, board games, a full washer-and-dryer set, 2 indoor fireplaces and an outdoor fire-ring. My favorite moments were sitting in a rocking chair on the back-porch listening to refreshing sound of the rain on the trees.
Corban Cabin was perfect to help our family who live far apart to reconnect. After a few hours of hiking it was nice to just cook for ourselves and relax in a comfortable house to talk, laugh and play games.
The cabin was not cheap, however. At least three families paying equally makes it comparable to a one-night stay in a nice hotel. Another downside is that the cabin is not wheelchair-accessible. There are stairs throughout the house and up to the front porch. The steep, gravel driveway may become inaccessible during the winter months.
My sister has previously stayed in the Chalet A-frame cabins which are suitable for small families and look to be more handicapped accessible. They also have their own pool for guests and accept pets.
Campgrounds
There are several private campgrounds in the Hocking Hills area. Many are extremely affordable. Hocking Hills Adventure Camping has primitive riverside sites for as little as $26 a night.
We drove through the state park campground right next to Old Man’s Cave entrance. The campground was very full, although some of the unreserved spots were still available on a Saturday afternoon. I found the sites to be narrow and short—cars and trucks had to be parked next to the campers. There was partial shade but mostly sun for most sites. Their full hookup sites had electric, water and sewage.
Hotels & Bed & Breakfasts
If you’d rather stay in a hotel, there are some available in the vicinity. But they may not be very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Any hotel located in Logan, Ohio (including Holiday Inn Express) would be closer to the trails.
If you want lodging with a medieval flair, check out Ravenwood Castle. They serve as a wedding venue as well as a site for gaming conventions and other events. Besides suites they also have cottages that are reasonably priced.
Ultimate Nature Retreat
With the right planning and “pre-exploration” of the lodging available at Hocking Hills, you can ensure a relaxing getaway for your autism family. It’s the perfect place to unwind, unplug and reconnect with family and friends.
Whether you are looking for a primitive camping experience or lodging that makes you feel like royalty, you can find a wide variety of lodging accommodations close to the park. Explore the vast range of retreats at Hocking Hills state park by visiting their tourism website.
I get a feeling we’ll be back within the year. It’s allure not only as a nature preserve but as a retreat from everyday life makes Hocking Hills one-of-a-kind park.
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