Autumn at Ravenwood Castle is one of our favorite times of year. While summer brings warmer weather and bright, sunny days, there is something special about transitioning into the Fall season. As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools down, we unpack our sweaters, prepare for warm apple cider, and cozy up next to our fireplaces. Ravenwood Castle is a perfect destination to take in all the beauty of Autumn, especially because so many of our accommodations have said fireplaces! For those of you who are making it out our way this year, prepare yourselves, because Autumn in Hocking Hills is nothing short of eventful.
The Hocking Hills region has amazing fall foliage and many ways to experience it! If you’re up for a drive, the Hocking Hills scenic byway is approximately 32 miles and takes you through the twists and turns of Hocking’s foothills and valleys. The byway begins at State Route 374 on US 33 and connects state park sites from Cantwell Cliffs to Conkle’s Hollow to Old Man’s Cave. Along the byway, there are many studios and art galleries that are open to visitors passing through – a perfect time to stop and stretch your legs while perusing local art!
If you’re not feeling up for the drive, hop on a train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway! Due to the popularity during the Fall season, the railway operates extra trains during the month of October. Each Thursday and Friday between October 3rd and 25th, one train each day departs the Nelsonville Depot at 1:00 p.m. for a round-trip ride to East Logan that takes approximately two hours. The coaches are heated but if it’s not that brisk, they also have their open-air cars on the train.
We didn’t forget about our adventurous groups! Grab your bikes and hop on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway! This trail is a 20-mile course from Athens to Nelsonville which sends you on a twisting, turning adventure through the area right along the Hocking River.
If you would prefer to go the old-fashioned route and lace up your hiking boots, The Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail is approximately 2.5 miles and leads to one of the highest summits in the entire area. Your bird’s eye view will let you experience the breathtaking view of the treetops below made even more special during the autumn months.
If you’re travelling to the Hocking Hills area in late September, stop by the 47th Annual Fall Show of the Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Association! The show takes place September 28-29th and admission to the event is free! Lunch will be available for purchase and it is the perfect time to stop and support local artists and vendors. There are festivals abound during this time of year – you can check out the Circleville Pumpkin Show or the Ohio Smoked Meat & BBQ Festival in late October!
We hope that you can experience the beauty of the Hocking Hills region this Autumn, and pay us a visit at the Castle – we’d love to hear what experiences you enjoyed the most!
