Peak color in Hocking Hills hits during the second and third weeks of October. Sugar maples and birches turn crimson and yellow first, followed by golden hickories and tulip poplars. The best viewpoints — Conkle's Hollow Rim Trail and Cantwell Cliffs — are at their absolute finest. This is also the single busiest period of the year. Parking lots fill by 8 AM. Lodging books months in advance.
If your dates are even slightly flexible, a Tuesday-to-Thursday stay during peak week gets you the same colors with a fraction of the crowds and dramatically lower rates.