Eastern Ohio’s rolling hills and forested landscapes hide some amazing quiet getaways. These peaceful mountain retreats offer a perfect escape from busy city life, with fresh air and beautiful views all around. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of hiking or just want to relax by a fireplace, these spots have something special for nature lovers.
1. Fern Haven Cabin
Tucked away on 44 acres of private woodland, Fern Haven Cabin blends rustic charm with modern luxury. The granite countertops and stainless steel kitchen will please even picky travelers.
Evenings here are magical – soak in the outdoor hot tub under starry skies or gather around the indoor fireplace with a good book. Located near McArthur, this hideaway provides easy access to Hocking Hills attractions while maintaining its secluded feel.
The property’s walking trails let you explore nature without ever leaving the grounds.
2. Edge of Appalachia Preserve
Standing at Cedar Falls Trailhead feels like stepping into another world. This 20,000-acre nature sanctuary in Blue Creek harbors some of Ohio’s most diverse plant and animal communities.
Hikers discover limestone cliffs, babbling brooks, and wildflower meadows along paths that seem untouched by time. Spring brings a spectacular wildflower display, while fall transforms the forest into a painter’s palette of reds and golds.
Bird enthusiasts should bring binoculars – the preserve is home to over 170 species of our feathered friends.
3. Mohican State Park Cabins
Adventure seekers and peace hunters alike find sanctuary in Mohican’s rustic cabins. The park’s 1,110 acres of unspoiled wilderness create a natural playground right outside your door.
Morning coffee tastes better on the porch while watching deer graze in misty fields. Spend days exploring 13 miles of hiking trails or tackling the challenging 24.5-mile mountain bike path that draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.
The Clear Fork Gorge, a stunning 1,000-foot-wide, 300-foot-deep canyon, offers some of the most breathtaking views in eastern Ohio.
4. Salt Fork Lodge
Ohio’s largest state park cradles this impressive lodge with its sweeping views of Salt Fork Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room frame the landscape like living artwork, changing with each season.
The stone fireplaces and timber beams create a mountain lodge atmosphere that feels miles away from everyday worries. Guest rooms balance comfort with rustic elements, featuring private balconies where you can watch eagles soar over the lake.
Fun fact: The surrounding park is known for alleged Bigfoot sightings, adding a touch of mystery to evening hikes!
5. The Inn at Honey Run
Nestled in Ohio’s Amish Country, this adults-only boutique hotel offers earth-sheltered accommodations that blend seamlessly with the hillside. The Honeycomb rooms, built right into the earth, maintain perfect temperatures year-round without conventional heating or cooling.
Winding trails through 56 acres of forest and meadows reveal hidden art installations that surprise hikers along the way. The on-site restaurant, Tarragon, serves farm-to-table cuisine featuring ingredients from local Amish farms.
Guests often spot foxes, deer, and colorful birds from their private patios during peaceful morning coffee rituals.
6. Ravenwood Castle
Who says you need to travel to Europe for a medieval experience? This whimsical castle, hidden in the Hocking Hills forest, transports guests to another time with its turrets, stone walls, and themed accommodations.
Each room tells its own story – sleep in the Duke’s Dungeon or the Clocktower. The Great Hall hosts board game nights that bring strangers together as friends by evening’s end.
Built in 1995, this fantasy retreat isn’t actually ancient, but the surrounding 550-acre forest has stood for centuries, creating a truly magical backdrop for woodland adventures.
7. Cherry Ridge Retreat
Luxury meets wilderness at these private cabins where no detail has been overlooked. Each stand-alone cabin sits on its own ridge, ensuring complete privacy from neighboring guests.
Heated bathroom floors welcome cold toes after a day of hiking, while outdoor hot tubs provide the perfect vantage point for stargazing. The property features unusual amenities like meditation labyrinths and Japanese gardens that encourage mindfulness.
Many guests report seeing more stars here than anywhere else in Ohio, thanks to minimal light pollution and the retreat’s dedication to preserving the natural darkness.
8. Glenlaurel Scottish Inn
Bagpipes announce dinner at this Scottish-inspired estate tucked away in the Hocking Hills region. The 140-acre property features elegant crofts and cottages named after Scottish clans, each with private decks overlooking the dramatic Camusfearna Gorge.
Six-course dinners by candlelight become memorable experiences, complete with poetry readings and single-malt scotch tastings. The property’s own 8-hole Scottish links golf course challenges players with its natural terrain and minimal artificial elements.
Morning mist rising from the gorge creates an atmosphere so reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands that you’ll forget you’re in Ohio.
9. The Mohicans Treehouse Resort
Childhood dreams come to life in these architectural marvels suspended among the trees. Featured on Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters,” these elevated cabins combine whimsy with eco-friendly luxury.
The Little Red Treehouse, designed like a tiny church with stained glass windows, has become an Instagram favorite. Each unique treehouse offers different experiences – some with outdoor showers, others with spiral staircases winding around living trees.
The resort sits near Mohican State Park, creating endless opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and zip-lining adventures when you’re ready to come down from your perch.
10. Murphin Ridge Inn
Amish craftsmen built the cabins at this peaceful inn located where the foothills of Appalachia meet Ohio’s Amish country. The result is simple perfection – handcrafted furniture, gas fireplaces, and porch rockers facing stunning valley views.
Breakfast features eggs from the inn’s chickens and vegetables from their garden. At night, the absence of nearby cities creates a darkness perfect for stargazing from the property’s dedicated star-field.
The surrounding area offers glimpses into Amish life, with horse-drawn buggies frequently passing by and local craftsmen selling handmade goods just minutes away.
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