Hi, I’m Dave, and that beautiful soul beside me in the photo is my wife, Michele. We tied the knot back in 1990, and not too long after, we stumbled upon our sanctuary, Hocking Hills. Initially just a ‘go-to’ spot for our mini vacations away from Northwest Ohio, this haven in Southeastern Ohio gradually turned into our favorite “happy place” and ultimately, our home.
What began as casual trips to disconnect from the usual hustle & bustle of life, evolved into a profound connection with the area. We’ve trekked nearly every path and indulged in the rich tapestry of experiences Hocking Hills offers. Whenever we visited Hocking Hills for more than a day trip, we would rent log cabins from various lodging companies in the area. While sitting out on the front porch or deck, enjoying our morning coffee, we would dream about someday owning our own log cabin where our hearts felt most alive.
Fast forward to 2013, dreams materialized into reality when we purchased a small piece of wooded property and built our own log cabin in Hocking Hills. We named it “The Hidden Gem” and it was our home away from home. We took it one step further, hiring a property manager to rent the cabin out when we weren’t using it. Now it was paying for itself. That worked out so well, three years later we made the big move. We sold our home in Northwest Ohio, found a home in Logan, Ohio (the heart of Hocking Hills), and officially launched our own lodging company. Further expanding our vision, we bought more property and erected four more cabins to create a cozy sanctuary for others to experience the magic along with us. The business wasn’t just a business; it was an extension of our love for Hocking Hills and everything it represents.
A few years later in 2022, we were approached unexpectedly by an investor who was looking to expand their lodging portfolio. We were not looking to sell the business, had never even considered it to be honest. But we were open to the possibility. Long story short, we sold our lodging business — the whole kit and kaboodle!
Now we were left wondering…. What next? 🤔
With the launch of DiscoveringHockingHills.com, our mission now extends well beyond cozy cabin stays. Every piece of content is a love letter to Hocking Hills, a guide intended to help you, whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, to create unforgettable memories. This site is an open invitation to step into our world, where every trail tells a story, and every visit creates new experiences and generates memory dividends that will pay out over your lifetime and keep you coming back for more.
Embracing the Hocking Hills Adventure
You’re probably curious about what makes Hocking Hills so special. Trust me, I get it. The passion Michele and I have for the outdoors really took root here. There’s a reason we’ve hiked nearly every trail and we’re focused on exploring every nook and cranny of Hocking Hills. The rolling hills, the whispering forests, the stunning rock formations, and the cascading waterfalls, are not just sights to see; they’re experiences to be lived.
Living in Hocking Hills is like being on vacation every day and having the ultimate insider guide to the entire area. We’ve discovered hidden gems, trails, and attractions that aren’t in your typical travel brochure. I’m talking about those off-the-beaten-path spots that really make for an unforgettable visit. This is the kind of insider info we love to share with our fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to find the quietest spot to watch the sunrise or need to know the best trail for a family hike, we’ve got you covered.
But here’s the thing – Hocking Hills isn’t just about the trails and the natural landmarks. It’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s been our specialty since we moved here. From recommending the perfect cabin to guiding you to the most breathtaking views, we help you tailor your adventure so that each moment feels as magic as our early ‘mini vacations’ felt for us. Because in Hocking Hills, you’re not just a visitor, you’re an explorer, embarking on a journey with stories to tell and memories to share.
Connect with Us: Your Hocking Hills Allies
Let us be your guide to the #1 tourist destination in Ohio — Hocking Hills. We’ve transformed our passion for this enchanting place into a resource for you – to make every trip here as memorable as our first adventures were.
Becoming a part of our community means you’ll always have a friend to turn to for advice, tips, and stories about Hocking Hills. We welcome you to engage with us through our website, social media, or even in person when you’re here. Our door is always open!
Choose something that resonates with you from our collection of experiences and advice. Maybe it’s a quiet trail you haven’t explored yet or one of our recommended waterfalls or sundown spots. But remember, this isn’t just about us sharing our stories and memories; it’s really about you creating your own.
We really hope you’ll reach out with any questions and to share your Hocking Hills experiences with us. Each story shared strengthens our community and adds to the collective knowledge base we’re building together.
In my opinion, it’s the friendships we cultivate and the experiences we share that truly make the Hocking Hills adventure complete. So why not start today? Plan your next getaway with some insights from local enthusiasts who have lived and breathed Hocking Hills for decades.
And don’t forget our motto here in Hocking Hills…
Take Nothing but Pictures, Leave Nothing but Footprints, Kill Nothing but Time
By the way, if you happen to see this elusive fella out on the trails, perched on a rock or a log, with his laptop teetering on one leg, don’t worry. He’s probably just writing another article for our blog. Hey, even Bigfoot has to pay the bills!