Shopping in the Hocking Hills

Sure we have majestic cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and towering cedars, but then what?  Well, shopping is a time honored part of any vacation!  We’re here to help.  You won’t find any malls or Pier 1 Imports, and with the exception of Wal-Mart, no local shopping destinations you’ll recognize from back home.  However, you will find plenty of handmade items, rustic and country décor, antiques, crafts, outdoor gear and such. 

We’ve put together 3 shopping specific day trip excursions with clickable headings that give round trip driving directions from Canal Winchester. 

Winter Driving Tips

Many visitors to the Hocking Hills comments on the hilly curvy nature of many of its roads.  For the locals, well, it’s just the way home.  To visitors, particularly in in “off-season” conditions, these roads can seem quite treacherous!

We’re here to help. 

In the hills, portions of the road are in deeper shade, possibly getting water run-off from cliff sides, and can remain frozen after the rest of the road way seems okay.  Alternately many of the roads up on the ridges experience drift, with portions of the road in front of you simply disappearing for a moment under a light blanket of drifting snow. 

Here are our top 5 winter driving tips, direct from the Hocking Hills “locals”!

Planning a camping trip to the Hocking Hills

Great idea!  The Hocking Hills is the perfect Ohio destination for families, couples, reunions, and groups.  A day trip or a weekend getaway, the hills are sure to please!

 DRIVING FROM COLUMBUS:

Route 33 is regularly patrolled.  The speed limit is 60 mph from Columbus to just south of the Speedway and McDonalds in Carrol, where it goes to 70 mph for about 15 miles before dropping back down to 60 mph.  Further down 33 is a Sunoco and Subway on the right at the entrance road to Clear Creek Metro Park.   A few miles further on the left is a GoMart gas station and deli near the entrance to Canopy Tours.

After the rest area the speed limit goes back up to 70 mph.  The route 664 round-a-bouts finished in 2014 have been dressed out and are fully operational.  They are nothing more than yielding intersections usually without the need to come to a full stop.  The signage is pretty clear, just treat them like mini on ramps, yielding as you adjust your speed to flow into any traffic around the circles towards your destination.    

Why traffic circles in Hocking Hills?

CAMPING:

Plan ahead!  During peak season, deciding just to drive down on Friday evening to get a camp site in the Hocking Hills is typically an unsuccessful strategy.  The State Park campgrounds books way in advance.  Most all other campgrounds in the area do fill up on in-season weekends.   

 In addition to the campgrounds right in the Hocking Hills area proper, don’t forget to check out Burr Oak or Lake Hope, both great state park camping in the surrounding area.  Also, free primitive camping is allowed in nearby Wayne National Forest, called dispersed camping. 

The Logan Wal-Mart  is open 24 hours should you have forgotten that critical piece of gear.

 For more info try the Hocking hills Welcome Center at 1-800-HOCKING

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We offer primitive camping and camper cabin rentals right here at our livery in the heart of the Hocking Hills!  Primitive sites are $32 up to four people with a 2 night minimum on weekends. Learn more here

Canoeing the Hocking River is a great way to get a new perspective on the beauty of the Hocking Hills.  We offer 5 and 7 mile trips that allow time f to get in something else, or if you want, take all day, relax and enjoy!  Info on river trips.    

NOTE:  You are always welcome to just stop by here at Fox’s Canoe Livery for a little “old fashion chin-wagging” as well as maps, brochures, tips and recommendations.