Canoe or Kayak?

Ah choices!  Shall I take a canoe or a kayak on my paddling trip?  Well that depends on if you like Coke or Pepsi, drive a car or a truck, listen to pop or classics…  well you get the idea.  It mostly comes down to personal preference, but knowing the differences can help you have a more enjoyable time out on the river.

The oldest boat known to still be in existence is a canoe from about 10,000 years ago.  Kayaks didn’t come along for at least another several thousand years.  So if “experience” is an important qualification to you, well then stop reading and pick the canoe!

How shopping is like canoeing: a primer on steering a canoe

I have never lost my joy of hopping on the back of a shopping cart and riding it through the parking lot on the way to the car.  I personally think I would medal, should shopping cart riding ever become an Olympic sport.  I find there is a certain finesse to it, as the further away from the centerline I push off from the more the cart veers off course, and so it’s about slight adjustments in my pushing foot to the left and right to stay the course.  Now my favorite are the downward sloping parking lots, where pushing is not required.  In these circumstances I find applying slight downward pressure with my foot on top of one wheel or the other is a very effective way to steer, once I have momentum.  If fact, with a good tailwind and a solid stomp, I can get the cart to spin all the way around!  The judges would love me.

How deep is the Hocking River?

Well that depends on how much water is in the Hocking River, as well as where in the river you happen to be when you ask that question! 

Fortunately, the United States Geological Survey provides that answer.  The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) started keeping tabs on how much water is in rivers in 1889.  The first river was the Rio Grande in New Mexico to help determine if there was adequate water for irrigation purposes to encourage new development and western expansion. Since then the program has grown.  The USGS currently operates over 7,000 stream gauging stations nationwide. 

Got Friends?

Of course you do!  Y'all should get together, do something fun.  I know, a canoe trip down the Hocking river may be just the thing!  We offer a group discount for groups of more than 10 adults.    A greater discount is available for groups of more than 20 adults.  We have a covered porch, a large gas grill, and a great place for your crew to gather before or unwind after the trip.  Very nearby is ice cream, antiques, adventure golf and more.

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.