Nelsonville offers a different flavor of Hocking Hills trip. Home to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Hocking College's living history village at Robbins Crossing, and a small-town arts scene, it's a legitimate base camp that's less frantic than the cabin clusters closer to the park. Several rental properties from 1st Choice Lodging are based here.
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway runs historic train rides from Nelsonville — especially popular during fall foliage season.
A living history village at Hocking College, open weekends Memorial Day through October, with nature center animal programs.
A walkable downtown with local shops, galleries, and restaurants. A quieter, more local experience than the tourist-heavy areas.
250,000 acres of Appalachian foothills nearby with 300+ miles of trails — significantly more remote and quieter than the state park.
Nelsonville is about 30 minutes from Old Man's Cave — a reasonable drive, and you'll enjoy lower prices and no weekend traffic jams at trailhead parking lots.