Discovering Burr Oak and Hocking Hills: A Hidden Gem in Southeastern Ohio

From 2008 to 2011, our family marked my son's birthday with a camping trip somewhere new in the beautiful state of Ohio. The first year, it was a weekend at Grand Lake St. Mary's in Celina, before the blue-green algae disaster wreaked havoc on local tourism. Maybe speak about what they're doing to remedy it? The following year, we ventured to Hueston Woods, a bit closer but a bit more charming. In 2010, we took our longest trip yet: a three-hour drive to the opposite side of the site to the beautiful foothills of Appalachia in Hocking Hills. We rented a cabin near Glouster which turned out to be one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I've ever seen.

I'm the first to admit that I'm a bit sheltered, technically only leaving Ohio a handful of times and the furthest south I've gone is Tennessee, but that was years after our trip to Hocking Hills. I've never seen the ocean and at the time, I had never seen real mountains, so when the rolling hills of the Appalachia Plateau came into view, I was blown away. The way the landscape lifted and folded, the mist curling over the treetops, it was an entirely new world for someone who grew up in the suburbs on the outskirts of Dayton, Ohio, a city of 136,000. 

Staying at Burr Oak Cabin

We stayed in Glouster at the Burr Oak Cabin, a hidden gem among the hills. This cozy and surprisingly affordable getaway was literally a stone's throw from Burr Oak State Park. The cabin, tucked into the woods just in front of Burr Oak Lake feels like a well-kept secret. This was long before Air BnB, so I booked the cabin directly via email by reaching out to the owner directly. I sent over a deposit via check via snail mail and paid the rest the week before our visit. The cabin comfortably sleeps six or seven people. The owner was as warm as the cabin itself, helpful, responsive, and full of local tips.

http://www.burroakcabin.com/index.html

Another photograph looking into the woods from the hammock.

This is a picture from the side of the cabin.

Looking over the back deck.

The cabin came stocked with everything we didn't realize we'd need: soap, shampoo, dishes, towels, cooking utensils, you name it. It was the first time we'd over packed for a trip and didn't need half of what we brought. From the back deck, we could glimpse the lake shimmering through the trees, and the hammock out back was the perfect spot to unwind.

Learn more about the cabin here.

Things to Do Near Burr Oak and Glouster

A beautiful hawk.

Despite it being a rural region, the area surrounding Burr Oak and Hocking Hills is packed with things to do, whether you're after adventure, history, or just peace and quiet.

• Burr Oak State Park is one of the most underrated destinations in Hocking Hills. It offers hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming at Burr Oak Lake, plus a well-maintained lodge and restaurant overlooking the water.
• A short drive south takes you into Nelsonville, home to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, where we spent my son's birthday. The train winds through the Hocking River Valley and stops at a small pioneer village featuring log cabins, an old schoolhouse, and a general store. There's even wildlife to see and interact with, including tamed hawks and snakes.
• For hikers, there's Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls. These are must-see places, each about 40 to 45 minutes away from Burr Oak. The sandstone gorges and waterfalls are breathtaking, especially after a good rain.
• Art lovers can visit Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville or browse handmade pottery and glass at Starbrick Gallery.
• Food-wise, grab breakfast or coffee at FullBrooks Café in downtown Nelsonville, or enjoy a relaxed dinner at Rhapsody, a farm-to-table restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients.

Little log cabin.

Where to Stay

Beyond Burr Oak Cabin, there are plenty of options nearby depending on your style:

• Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center – Ideal for those who prefer hotel-style comfort with lakeside views and access to hiking trails.

• Getaway Hocking Hills Cabins – Modern micro-cabins in nature for couples or solo travelers seeking a minimalist escape.

• Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls – A more upscale stay surrounded by cliffs and forest, perfect for a romantic retreat.

Why It Stays With You

There's something special about Hocking Hills and its surrounding towns like Glouster and Nelsonville. Maybe it's the quiet, or the way the light filters through the trees, or how you can still find untouched corners of nature that feel like they've been waiting centuries just to be discovered.

For me, it wasn't just another birthday trip, it was the moment I realized how stunning my own state could be. If you ever find yourself needing to slow down and breathe, head southeast. The hills are waiting.