Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Hocking Hills: Where to Catch the Most Stunning Views 🌅🌄
Hocking Hills is known for breathtaking landscapes, rugged cliffs, and hidden waterfalls, but one of the most magical experiences you can have here is watching the sunrise or sunset paint the sky over the rolling hills. Whether you’re an early riser looking for a peaceful morning moment or a romantic seeking the perfect golden-hour view, these sunrise and sunset spots in Hocking Hills will leave you in awe.
🌅 Best Sunrise Spots in Hocking Hills
1. Buzzard’s Roost
📍 Location: Zaleski State Forest (near Lake Hope State Park)
🛤️ Hike Distance: Short walk from the parking area
⚠️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ One of the highest points in the region—offering unobstructed views of the rolling hills.
✔️ Perfect for photographers—as the soft morning light creates dreamy landscapes.
✔️ Quiet & Peaceful—since fewer visitors make it here at sunrise.
📌 Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to watch the sky change colors while sipping a hot coffee!
2. Ash Cave
📍 Location: Hocking Hills State Park
🛤️ Hike Distance: 0.5 miles (round trip, paved trail)
⚠️ Difficulty: Easy (Wheelchair Accessible)
✔️ The golden morning light filters through the massive recessed cave and cascading waterfall.
✔️ Listen to the sounds of nature as the birds wake up and the forest comes to life.
✔️ Ideal for a quiet, meditative start to the day.
📌 Pro Tip: Visit after a recent rain for the best waterfall flow!
3. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
📍 Location: Rockbridge, OH (Just off US-33)
🛤️ Hike Distance: 2.5 miles (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
✔️ See the sunrise through Ohio’s largest natural rock bridge—a unique sight you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
✔️ Enjoy a peaceful morning hike with fewer people on the trail.
✔️ Great for nature lovers—spot deer, rabbits, and songbirds along the way.
📌 Pro Tip: Pack a small breakfast and enjoy a sunrise picnic on the bridge!
🌄 Best Sunset Spots in Hocking Hills
4. Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail
📍 Location: Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
🛤️ Hike Distance: 2.5 miles (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (Steep climbs, narrow paths)
✔️ Panoramic sunset views over the treetops—arguably one of the best sunset spots in Hocking Hills.
✔️ A stunning ridge trail where the sky glows orange and pink over the vast forest.
✔️ Perfect for experienced hikers & sunset chasers looking for an unforgettable moment.
📌 Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the hike back down after sunset!
5. Rose Lake (Fisherman’s Lake)
📍 Location: Hocking Hills State Park (Near Old Man’s Cave)
🛤️ Hike Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ One of the most peaceful sunset spots—watch the reflection of the sky dance on the water.
✔️ Perfect for photographers—as the still lake captures the colors of the setting sun beautifully.
✔️ Ideal for kayaking—paddle out for an even more immersive sunset experience.
📌 Pro Tip: Go on a clear night and stay after sunset for some amazing stargazing!
6. John Glenn Astronomy Park
📍 Location: 20531 OH-664, Logan, OH
📅 Best Time to Visit: Sunset & After Dark
✔️ A breathtaking place to watch the sunset transition into a star-filled sky.
✔️ Designed for stargazers—with no artificial lights interfering with the night sky.
✔️ Catch astronomy events hosted on select nights with professional telescopes available.
📌 Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or reclining chair to fully enjoy the celestial views!
✨ Bonus: The Best Overlook for Both Sunrise & Sunset
7. Big Pine Road Overlook
📍 Location: Near Rock House & Chapel Cave
🛤️ Access: Short walk from the roadside pull-off
✔️ A local secret—not officially marked, making it a hidden gem.
✔️ Incredible views both at sunrise and sunset—the sun rises over rolling fog and sets behind layers of forested hills.
✔️ A perfect quick stop for travelers wanting to soak in scenic beauty without a long hike.
📌 Pro Tip: Great for drone photography—capture the rolling hills from above!
🏡 Where to Stay: Cozy Cabins & Primitive Campsites for the Best Views
Watching the sunrise or sunset in Hocking Hills is even better when you have a relaxing place to stay afterward. Choose from cozy cabins or primitive campsites depending on how you want to experience nature.
🏕️ Primitive Campsites
✔️ For the ultimate outdoor adventure, set up camp under the stars!
✔️ Best spots: Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, and Hocking Hills State Park.
✔️ Wake up to the sounds of nature and be close to your sunrise hike.
🏡 Cozy Cabins with the Best Views
Stay at Hocking Vacations for:
✔️ Cabins with Private Decks & Firepits—Perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or a sunset drink.
✔️ Secluded Wooded Views—Surround yourself with nature for a peaceful retreat.
✔️ Hot Tubs Under the Stars—After a sunset hike, unwind with a soak under the night sky.
Book your stay today and make your sunrise-to-sunset adventure in Hocking Hills even more magical!
🌅 Experience Hocking Hills from Sunrise to Sunset!
No matter where you choose to watch the sky transform with color, Hocking Hills offers some of the most breathtaking sunrise and sunset views in Ohio. Whether you’re hiking up to a high overlook, relaxing by a lake, or camping under the stars, you’ll find endless beauty from dawn to dusk.
Plan your trip today and discover the most magical moments in Hocking Hills! 🌲✨
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute official guidance; readers are advised to verify all information through appropriate and authoritative sources before taking action.